(Heath) July 13, 2012 – Summer has arrived, and it is a great season to live in Heath. Our location on the Eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, our exceptional recreational options and our unique hometown events are just a few of the many reasons that caused our City to be ranked #11 on D Magazine’s 2012 list of Best Suburbs.
As we all make our plans for the remainder of the summer, it’s a good time to remember all the things that make Heath the great recreational community that it is.
Civic Events
This year we kicked off the summer season with our annual Fourth of July Parade. The City has sponsored the parade for more than 20 years, and as a result this event has become an annual tradition that brings our entire community together.
However, this year the parade was like none before as we not only honored our veterans and active military personnel, but we also recognized the State Championship Heath Hawks baseball team! (Click here for story/VIDEO at Blue Ribbon News).
It was exciting to watch the team lead the parade and hear the rousing cheers they received along the route and during the special program held afterwards at the Hawk’s baseball stadium. With free popsicles at the end of the parade, everyone was able to get in the mood for a great Fourth and a great summer.
If you were unable to attend the Parade and want to see what makes it so special, I would encourage you to go to the City’s website (heathtx.com) and watch the video.
Community oriented events such as the Parade have had a major impact on our City and have built the sense of community that is so important to everyone living in Heath. I want to say a special thank you to our Special Events Committee that works so diligently throughout the year to make these events a reality for everyone in Heath.
While the state baseball championship and July 4th festivities were fantastic, there’s more summer fun ahead in Heath. Particularly if you love the outdoors like my family does!
Buffalo Creek Golf Club
We are fortunate to have so many options in our own backyard, including the award-winning Buffalo Creek Golf Club.
Consistently ranked among the top public courses in the Dallas area and in the State of Texas, Buffalo Creek offers a beautiful setting for all golfers, from the novice to the professional. This beautiful course was designed around its natural terrain by course architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, so you can enjoy a great game with beautiful scenery.
More information is available at americangolf.com/buffalo-creek-golf-club.
Rush Creek Yacht Club
How many communities are home to a Gold Medal Olympic sailor? We have been fortunate to have that honor, and that is a testimony to the high level sailing that you can find at the Rush Creek Yacht Club.
Whether competing against other sailors in a regatta, or relaxing on the new deck enjoying a cool drink, delicious meal and views of the lake, swimming pool and kids romping in the playground, it’s a great atmosphere that fully evokes the charm of lakeside living.
Founded in 1969, Rush Creek Yacht Club has become a landmark for yacht racing in the Southwest. The club offers organized competition for all ages and skill levels and a Junior Sailing Program.
Learn more at rcyc.org.
Parks
Our City Park Board was organized in 1996, and has actively pursued developing parks which contribute to our recreational lifestyle in Heath.
Terry Park
If you want to take advantage of Lake Ray Hubbard, Terry Park offers a boat ramp and courtesy docks. Visitors to the park are also able to enjoy the pavilion, playground, walking trail and big grassy area that’s perfect for flinging a Frisbee.
Anglers flock to the banks morning and evening, and the park has been the setting for many scenic weddings, reunions and sports parties.
From personal experience, I can tell you that you won’t find a better setting to enjoy a gorgeous Texas summer sunset than watching it over the lake.
Town Centre Park
At the center of Heath is the appropriately named Towne Center Park. This is a hub of activity that bustles year-round with kids enjoying the playground, walkers and runners lapping the 1.6-mile trail, and sports teams practicing for the next big game on the baseball/softball, soccer and football fields. There’s also a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, pavilion and restroom facilities.
Towne Center Park is also home of the City’s annual Holiday in the Park, a beloved tradition featuring the Christmas tree lighting, elementary-school choirs, miniature train rides, cocoa, cookies and Santa! In the spring, we gather here again for the Heart of Heath 5k Run/Walk.
Jogging and Biking Trails
Our vision is to ultimately have a community that is fully linked by hike and bike trails such as those now available in Towne Center and Terry Parks and many of our neighborhoods. Each year we move a few miles closer to achieving this goal.
Receiving the $1 million Safe Routes to School grant enables us to add four new trail connections to our elementary, middle and high schools. We are currently working on obtaining the right-of-way to expedite this important project. The first and second phases of the FM 740 widening project will bring an additional 4.1 miles of sidewalks/bike paths into our system, and we will continue to work with developers to ensure that new neighborhood developments support our trail expansion goals.
Golfing, fishing, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, kite surfing, wind surfing, biking, jogging, tennis…or just watching a sunset over Lake Ray Hubbard with a picnic supper at Terry Park.
You can do it all, here in Heath. It’s no wonder that Heath was one of only 16 cities in the state to be named a Scenic City last year
My hope is that you will take time this summer to enjoy these amenities and other great recreational activities, and join us for the community events hosted throughout the year.
You can find more details at www.heathtx.com , follow the City on Facebook, or call City Hall at 972-771-6228.
Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Thank you to Mayor Lorne Liechty for sharing his monthly Mayor’s Message at Blue Ribbon News.
To submit your news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Mayor Liechty’s Message: Summer season highlights Heath’s many recreational options added by Editor on
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