Community Involvement
Application & Brochure
Wise Words
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be. "
-Rosalynn Carter
Site Partner
Leadership San Marcos promotes community awareness, personal and professional growth, and civic involvement for tomorrow‘s leaders.
Class Projects
Leadership San Marcos is making many noticeable differences in the community, not only by enhancing civic knowledge and leadership skills, but also through class projects. Since 1996, the majority of LSM classes have undertaken a project to benefit the community.
- 1996 - Wooden Deck at San Marcos Plaza
- 1997 - Benches added to Deck at San Marcos Plaza
- 1999 - Backs added to benches and deck made ADA accessible
- 2000 - Dog Park
- 2001 - Safety Fence at Children's Park
- 2002 - Trail Sign at Tourist Information Center
- 2003 - Aquatic Playground at Rio Vista Park
Wooden Deck at San Marcos Plaza (1996)
Donna Taylor (‘96) can remember the idea for the wooden deck came about because there was not a place to rest, sit, or dance in part, particularly during the annual Sights and Sounds event. The Class of 1996 wanted to initiate an on-going legacy that would benefit the community, spur concerts in the part, and host LSM events. In addition to providing comfort and convenience for park events, the deck is used for youth gatherings, guest speakers, concerts, Summer in the Park, Movies in the park, and more.
Benches added to Deck at San Marcos Plaza (1997)
The Class of 1997 continued to improve the deck by installing benches. In addition to providing comfort and convenience for Sights and Sounds, the deck is used for youth gatherings, guest speakers, concerts, Summer in the Park, Movies in the park, and more.
Deck at San Marcos Plaza made ADA accessible (1999)
The Class of 1999 saw a need for even more improvements and so they installed handicap ramps and backs for the benches.
Dog Park (2000)
The
Class of 2000 set out with a mission to develop a large fenced area
that would provide citizens and tourists with a place to bring their
four-legged friends of the canine variety for off-leash exercise and
play. The San Marcos Community Dog Park is located between the National
Guard Armory and the Public Library.
Shaila Martin (‘00) reports many dogs (and their owners) are frequenting the part, especially in the evenings. "The Dog Park has become a pet owners Playscape" says Celina Bley (‘03) who appreciates the benches, water faucet, and covered tarp. She and her husband can usually be found there in the evenings with their dog, Lola, and the other friendly dogs and owners. The dog park also assists in attracting tourist to San Marcos.
Safety Fence at Children's Park (2001)
The
Class of 2001 built a fence between the Children’s Park and the
railroad track. Dawn Burnett (‘01) explains their project was a
solution to a potentially dangerous situation. Before the fence was
built, children could literally walk right up on the train tracks due
to children’s fascination with trains. The fence has served as a
beneficial deterrent and safety measure to keep children away from the
tracks.
Trail Sign at Tourist Information Center (2002)
A Trail Sign was installed next to the Tourist Information Center by the Class of 2002. Lance Bielke (‘02) states, "The color map identifies walking trails, recreational areas and historical landmarks along the San Marcos River." The sign is a very visible, useful map for tourists and locals to better understand the layout of our river area and enjoy our parks. The sign will also make an attractive place for tourists to stop and take photographs to remind them of their San Marcos experience.
Aquatic Playground at Rio Vista Park (2003)
The
project chosen by the Class of 2003 was definitely all wet, but on
purpose. With the assistance of The Fountain People, a local business,
they decided to provide an aquatic playground by converting a mostly
unused baby pool at Rio Vista Park.
As the class did its homework, it realized that not only would the aquatic play ground save the city money in the long run (the playground does not use as much water as the baby pool it replaced and does not require a lifeguard as the baby pool did) but it would be a capitol improvement for the community. "Parks and Recreation was really excited about the project because it's really a smaller version of a bigger project yet to come," said Tammy Allen (‘03). "It got rid of something that was underutilized and replaced it with something that is cost efficient and everyone can enjoy."
Opportunities for Involvement
Coming Soon!
Scholarship
Click here for details.To the Top
