Pictured from (L) to (R) holding the State-wide “Arts & Humanities” and “Lone Star Programming Award” are Cory Styron, Parks and Rec assistant director; Deborah McRoberts, Baca Center supervisor; Anita Martinez, Baca Center client and founder of Tejano Time; Dawn Moonan, Baca Center Recreation program coordinator; Rick Atkins, Parks and Rec director.

The City of Round Rock’s Allen R. Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities was recently honored with two State-wide Texas Recreation and Parks Society Awards (TRAPS).

The Baca Center was awarded the State-wide “Lone Star Programming Award” for their “Pub Club” program. The Lone Star Programming Award recognizes an innovative, first time recreation program.  The “Pub Club” program offered at the Allen R Baca Senior Center offers a safe ride to various night time entertainment spots to socialize, dance, listen to live music and meet new friends.  The “Pub Club” offers non-traditional programming outside of the 9-5 schedule for those seniors still active in the work force.  The “Pub Club” is a programming opportunity for seniors to explore all that the Central Texas Nightlife has to offer.

The Baca Center also was awarded the State-wide “Arts & Humanities Award” for their “Tejano Time” arts program. The Arts and Humanities Award honors those departments with outstanding projects or programs that promote the cultural arts. The “Tejano Time” program operates at the Allen R Baca Center and is focused on education, preservation of the history and origin of Tejano music and a sharing of cultural experiences. “Tejano Time” provides a creative, new and interesting program that offers physical, cognitive and cultural benefits.  The program gives participants an opportunity to learn new dance steps and engage in cultural music.

Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional and educational organization founded 70 years ago. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans. TRAPS, serves as a clearinghouse of information on parks and recreation, fosters networking and promotes the sharing of information.