Purpose
The Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to the development of well-maintained parks, municipal facilities, view and natural open spaces.

Promoting exceptional recreation and leisure activities for the citizens of Little Elm.

Services
The department is responsible for the development of park land, recreation, and nature facilities in the community.

We operate the town’s recreational and athletic programs and maintain public parks that include:

• Community Center
• Nature Trails
• Cottonwood Park
• Pavilion Rental Facilities

Beard Park/Hydrous Wake Park Coming Soon
Beard Park is closed as of Monday, January 28, 2013, due to construction.  See the plans for new Hydrous Wake Park coming the Summer of 2013.  Please contact the Parks & Recreation office at (972) 731-3296 for questions.

Coyote (Canis latrans) Activity in the Parks
We are told by Wildlife Biologist Adam Henry, of Texas Wildlife Services that now is the time of year that young coyotes will leave their den and venture out on their own.  So now is the time of year to be mindful of coyote (Canis latrans) activity in and around town and be cautious in the parks. 

One of the keys to the coyote’s success is its varied behavior and diet.  They are an opportunistic feeder and will eat almost anything.  Coyotes that have adjusted to human population expansion or disperse into developed suburban landscapes unoccupied by other coyotes tend to lose their fear of humans.

Coyotes rarely attack people, but do attack pets.  To reduce the chance of having unpleasant encounters with coyotes:

• Do not put feed or water out for coyotes or for other wild animals that are prey for coyotes (e.g., deer, rabbits, etc.).

• Construct and position bird feeders so that coyotes and their prey (squirrels and rodents) cannot get to the feed.

• Secure garbage and/or compost piles where coyotes cannot get to them.

• Make sure garbage containers are firmly fixed and have tight-fitting lids.

• Feed pets indoors whenever possible.  Pickup any left pet food when feeding outdoors.  Store pet food where wildlife cannot reach it.

• Trim shrubbery that provides hiding cover for wildlife.

• Do not allow pets to run free.  Provide secure nighttime housing for them.  Walk your dog on a leash and accompany your pet outside, especially at night.

• Discourage coyotes from coming to your area.  If you start seeing coyotes around your home or property, chase them away by shouting, making loud noises, and throwing sticks or rocks.

Making your neighborhood less welcoming to coyotes can greatly reduce the possibility of human/coyote encounters by encouraging coyotes to stay in their natural habitat, away from residential streets and yards.

This information was taken from the Texas AgriLife Extension flyer L-5473 with their permission.  For more information contact the Little Elm Parks Department at (972) 731-3296 or the Little Elm Animal Control Department at (972) 377-1898.