Agency Overview
 

1. Community Demographics

   1. Predominant form(s) of government in the tax jurisdiction (i.e., manager, mayoral, commission):  City Manager
       

   2. Populations of tax jurisdiction: 250,099 (City of Garland)
       

   3. Population of metropolitan service area: Approximately 7.7 million (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA)
       

   4. Age profile of tax jurisdiction:  The median age in Garland is 35.9 years, with a balanced age distribution that supports programming for youth, adults, and seniors.
       

   5. Income profile of tax jurisdiction:  Median household income in Garland is approximately $61,000, with a diverse socio-economic population.
       

   6. Racial diversity of the tax jurisdiction:  The City of Garland has a rich cultural diversity, with a racial makeup including White, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and other ethnicities. Over 20% of residents are foreign-born, enriching the cultural fabric.
       

2. Agency Characteristics:

   1. Operating budget: $15,250,371
       

   2. Capital budget: $58,696,000
       

   3. Full-time employees: 104
       

   4. Part-time/seasonal employees: Part-Time – 10/Seasonal - 166
       

   5. Parkland acreage: Over 2,800 acres
       

   6. Significant agency awards and/or recognitions: Texas Gold Medal Award, Tree City USA, TRAPS Lone Star Legacy Parks-Central Parks and Individual TRAPS North and State Awards.

 

1. Physical Characteristics

   1. Geographic size of tax jurisdiction (square miles): Approximately 57 square miles
       

   2. Describe significant rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, which influence the community:  Lake Ray Hubbard, a significant water body within the city, plays a crucial role in shaping the community’s recreational and ecological landscape. As a hub for outdoor activities, it offers boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront trails that attract residents and visitors, fostering community engagement and promoting physical wellness. The lake also serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, contributing to local biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

 
The city’s extensive network of trails, nature preserves, and parklands further enhances its connection to natural resources. These green spaces provide residents with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation, while also serving as vital corridors for preserving native ecosystems. Collectively, these features embody the city’s commitment to promoting a balanced relationship between urban development and natural conservation, ensuring a high quality of life for all community members.

 

1. Cultural Characteristics

   1. Significant social and/or cultural factors that influence the agency’s delivery of service:

Garland’s rich cultural diversity significantly shapes the agency’s approach to recreation programming. With a population representing a broad range of ethnicities, traditions, and languages, the agency prioritizes inclusivity in its services by offering multilingual programming, culturally inspired events, and activities tailored to diverse interests. These efforts ensure that all community members feel welcomed and engaged.
The city’s vibrant social fabric is reflected in its annual calendar of cultural festivals and community events, such as Juneteenth and Asian American Heritage Festival, which bring residents together to celebrate their shared and unique heritages. These events not only promote unity but also provide opportunities for recreation and leisure that strengthen community bonds.
Located strategically within the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Garland serves as a bridge between suburban tranquility and urban vibrancy. This positioning allows the agency to cater to a wide spectrum of recreational needs, from tranquil nature preserves and family-focused activities to high-energy urban sports and entertainment programs. The city’s location further enables partnerships with neighboring communities, enriching the range of services offered to residents.
Through this thoughtful alignment with Garland’s social and cultural characteristics, the agency ensures that its recreation offerings are both reflective of and responsive to the community it serves.