KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 13, 2024
By Natalie Cook Clark
Thanks to the love for Taylor Swift and brilliant execution, the City of Katy Parks and Recreation is now an award-winning department that’s proven they are capable of large-scale fun events that bring the community together. As Katy continues to grow it still keeps that hometown charm through events and traditions.
The City of Katy Parks and Recreation was awarded the Texas Recreation and Park Society East Region Innovative Program Award last night. This State-wide award takes community events into consideration and looks at their attendance, execution, use of staff, budget efficiency and other markers to name a winner. It is considered a high honor for the department already working on several major community events in 2025.
“This recognition highlights the dedication and vision of our community leaders, past and present, in transforming the Historic Town Square into a vibrant hub for community and family events,” says Katy Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele. “We commend our Parks and Recreation Department and our Tourism and Marketing Event Coordinator, Kaci Maris, for their tireless efforts in making this vision a reality. Kaci and the Parks team have brought new energy to the heart of our city, creating spaces and opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the spirit of Katy.”
The event that won was the City of Katy’s Ultimate Karaoke Night: Taylor Swift Eras that took place last April. The event drew in over 2,000 guests, at the time was the highest attendance since the renovation of the historic town square.
“Photos from the evening capture families, friends, and community members joyfully singing and dancing together, united by their love for Taylor Swift,” says Kevin Browne, CPRPParks and Recreation Director. “This event not only brought people together but also highlighted the charm of our historic town square. It has been asked to be done again in 2025 by council and the community.”
More Great Events Coming in 2025
The City of Katy is already working on plans for more family-friendly and community-driven events for 2025. Another Taylor Swift themed event is in the works in addition to A Coffee and Car Show, A Beach Themed Event, Blues and Brew, A Birthday Celebration for the 80th Incorporation of the City of Katy and much more.
“Katy is unique in it’s a much smaller city than people realize,” says Kaci Maris, City of Katy Tourism and Marketing Event Coordinator. “The small town charm is here, everyone knows everyone, people are friendly and welcoming and the community really comes together for each other in times of need.”
Maris joined the City of Katy in January and took the previously scheduled Taylor Swift event and ran with it. She took a karaoke party and added a friendship bracelet making station, a Taylor Swift themed photo booth and more that brought Katy families and fellow Swifties together. Her favorite part was seeing all the Katy dads dressed up in Taylor Swift inspired costumes!
“Our Parks and Recreation Department has a reputation for fun filled events, and Kaci has been a leader in putting together family friendly events,” says City of Katy Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris.
The City of Katy continues to grow both in the actual city and in the surrounding areas that benefit from community events like this. More and more families are calling Katy home. These events create a welcoming atmosphere where people from all over can enjoy Downtown Katy. Many events are free and allow anyone to enjoy themselves and create memories with family and friends.
“Katy is really a great place to live, work, and play and we are continuing to develop new creative ways to showcase the Katy pride and history of this city,” says Maris. “We really are doing so much downtown in the Historic Town Square and bringing attention to all the incredible things we have to offer. It’s exciting to see the growth.”
To learn more about the City of Katy’s Park and Recreation Department and their upcoming events, visit their website or follow the City of Katy on Facebook.
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