Wimberley Parks Staff Shine at Statewide TRAPS Conference

Last week, four members of the Wimberley Parks & Recreation team attended the annual Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Institute in Corpus Christi, Texas. This is the largest gathering of parks and recreation professionals in the state. Erica Flocke, Director of Parks & Recreation; Rachel Littleton, Recreation Manager; Isabella St. John, Park Operations Manager; and Bryce Burkhalter, Natural Resources and Maintenance Manager, represented Wimberley among hundreds of professionals from across Texas. We are  especially proud that three of our staff members attended on full scholarship, which speaks not only to their initiative but also to the strength and reputation of our department statewide.

One of the highlights of the week was Bryce competing in the TRAPS State Maintenance Rodeo. The Maintenance Rodeo is a hands-on skills competition where parks maintenance professionals compete in real-world technical challenges that test speed, precision, and technical ability. Bryce first qualified at the Central Region level before advancing to the state competition, which in itself is an accomplishment. At state, he competed in the Backpack Blower Competition, a timed event that requires competitors to maneuver materials through a designated course using only a backpack blower, balancing efficiency with control. Bryce placed fourth in the entire state of Texas. Out of competitors representing large metro systems and major park agencies, a member of our Wimberley team ranked fourth. That is something our entire community can be proud of.

Rachel and Erica also presented a session at the conference to more than 100 attendees. Their presentation focused on navigating public criticism in the age of social media and how parks departments can respond professionally and strategically when community conversations become heated online. The session shared real examples, practical tools, and lessons learned from experience, emphasizing transparency, thoughtful communication, and leadership under pressure. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees reaching out and staying afterward to continue the conversation and share their own experiences.

Professional development opportunities like TRAPS matter for a community our size. They allow our staff to bring new ideas home, strengthen leadership skills, build relationships with peers across the state, and ensure that Wimberley continues to provide high-quality parks, programs, and facilities. We are proud of the way our team represented Wimberley and grateful for the opportunity to both learn from others and contribute to the broader parks and recreation profession in Texas.