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Aug 8, 2023
By Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Foam from the cannon shot out over the laughing faces. Kids danced and giggled as the foam cannon kept up its barrage of fun. A man in a wheelchair smiled every time the foam sprayed him.
“That was one of the more memorable moments for me,” says Andrew Means, Recreation Manager for the City of Denison. “Being able to see how much fun people of all ages and abilities were having during that time, and the impact the THF Park has for the community.”
The foam cannon was brought out for the annual birthday bash to celebrate the THF Park’s anniversary. The cannon will make an appearance this year for the 5th-anniversary bash scheduled for August 11, 2023, along with waterslides, inflatables, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, balloon twisters, face painters, and a petting zoo.
The annual birthday bash is one in a long list of events and activities hosted at the THF Park to bring the community together for fun, health, and wellness. With miles of nature trails, softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, splash pad, pavilions, and much more across 66 acres, the THF Park is the place to be year-round.
The focus of the park aligns with the Texoma Health Foundation’s mission to support the well-being of our community.
“THF Park was established to provide a place for health and wellness for all individuals—from those who are the most physically challenged to those who want to participate in elite athletic activities,” Andrew says. “The vision for the park was to provide a place to serve the needs of every citizen, from toddlers to golden ages, for generations to come.”
For decades, the City of Denison discussed the idea of new recreation and park facilities. It finally came to fruition when they partnered with the Texoma Health Foundation and Tom Johnson Properties for a multi-million-dollar, versatile park.
“They really outdid themselves with this park,” says Jess, a regular parkgoer. “It is such a prosperous investment in the community and for people all over Texoma.”
Community partnerships abound in the park. One is the Story Walk with the Denison Public Library which gets kids both walking and reading. Then there is the “Walk with the Doc” and open-air pilates classes—free of charge.
“Combining physical activities while being exposed to nature and parks have been proven to lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, and have an overall positive effect on all aspects of a person’s health,” Andrew says.
Other hit events are the Collegiate Softball Winter Blast, Easter Egg Hunt, Ice Cream Social, Popsicles in the Park, Mother/Son Party, Touch-a-Truck event, Baseball, softball and soccer leagues and tournaments, Kickball leagues, Sand volleyball leagues and tournaments, and 5K and fun run events.
The birthday bash to celebrate the park’s 5th anniversary is set to once again bring loads of laughter, smiles, and community bonding.
“Our family has always gotten the thrill of meeting new families and old friends here at the park,” says Rick, a regular parkgoer. “If you've never been you should go, see it for yourself.”
To make a direct donation or birthday gift to the THF Park that will allow us to continue extending these opportunities to the community, please visit our giving page.
We hope to see you and your family at the park!
