A Recreation Center for Everybody

Frank Tamez to Head New La Feria Center

The City of La Feria is soon to have an incredibly beautiful and versatile Recreation Center with features and facilities for people of all ages. Native son Frank Tamez has been appointed to oversee this recreation and learning center. He describes it as a life-long dream to have a place where people can come to play, learn and just relax.

Tamez was excited as he said, “Now we have a place where people from La Feria and surrounding communities have a place where they can come to play, to learn, or just relax, whether the weather is good or foul,“ adding, “It has been a life-long dream of mine.”
The new Recreation Director was appointed to his position by City Manager Sunny K. Philip who said, “Frank Tamez is the right man to head up this long-awaited city initiative for all our citizens.”

Explaining how the project came about, he said, “The City of La Feria Recreation Department has the goal of providing quality fun, mind enrichment activities, and competitive leagues and special events. This new recreation facility covers all those bases.”

He continued: “Our programs strive to provide a place where each individual has an opportunity to participate and demonstrate his or her best ability.”

“Our staff encourages all participants and volunteers to adhere to six characteristics: good sportsmanship, respect, honesty, positive reinforcement, fair play and friendship. The City of La Feria Recreation Department services both youth and adults that live in La Feria and nearby communities, such as Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Mercedes. “All are invited to get involved, get fit and do their community proud,” said Tamez.

The outreach of the La Feria Recreation Department also targets local adult citizens and visiting Winter Tourists. “We have plans for regular pot luck suppers, Bingo and other games, and even Tejano and Country and Western dances during the day,” adding, “we plan to keep this center busy all day long, all year long.” he quipped.

Tamez said that from 3:00-7:00 p.m. every day the emphasis will be on students. For that reason the plans include: a computer center with 12 computers, regulation basketball and volleyball courts–even Zumba classes and guitar lessons. He added that they are looking for volunteer instructors to help with some of these projects. “We are even going to have cheerleading lessons for elementary students for all sports.” “To assuage the concerns of parents, he reassures them that all activities will be monitored with cameras for constant video surveillance.” “Oh, yes,” he added, “We will enforce the same dress code as the La Feria I.S.D.”

The new director described himself as a “born and raised” La Feria boy back home. He is a 1979 graduate of La Feria High School. During his school years, he was a track star at La Feria High School and Pan American. His prowess on the track earned him a full track scholarship.

He went on to graduate from Pan American University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and English. He also got an Associate degree in Kinesiology at Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas. After graduation, he coached 12 years at La Feria and Donna.

Then another 12 years as Athletic Supervisor for the City of Harlingen.

This family man believes in teamwork, honesty and hard work. He has raised a family of three boys with those values. Two of his sons are married and live elsewhere.

His youngest, Marc Tamez, is in the 8th grade at W.B. Green Junior High school and likes athletics–wonder why?

Tamez said plans are underway to have a Grand Opening ceremony in the near future to which the community will be invited–watch for it.. In the meanwhile, you are invited to go by and sign up for programs.

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