Murphy Parks and Rec creates Youth Advisory Council

Applications are now being accepted

MURPHY (October 27, 2023) Seeking to ensure adequate input from one of its most important constituencies, the Murphy Parks and Recreation Department is launching the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The YAC is among the City’s official boards and commissions, but its members are not appointed by the City Council. However, the exchange of information, critical to the success of any City-sponsored event or activity, will nevertheless underscore the purpose of the Council.

Membership will be made up of Murphy residents who are either enrolled in school at the  freshmen to senior levels or who are a minimum of 14 years of age and a maximum of 18 years of age and who submit an online application for inclusion.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit City of Murphy – Citizen Engagement and choose Youth Advisory Council on the application. The application is under the Board Application tab and the drop-down list of board selections. Following the submittal of the application, a waiver from the individual’s parent or guardian, a letter of reference, and a short essay of no more than 500 words detailing the reasons for their interest, will be required.

Kayla McFarland, Murphy’s Manager of Recreation Services, says she anticipates the Youth Advisory Council will provide a fruitful, two-way communication environment for the City’s young residents.

“We are actively looking for our youth to provide advice, information, and some guidance on Parks and Recreation events, programs, park improvements, etc. We are excited to get the youth involved in local city government and share their enthusiasm and passions related to Parks and Recreation. After all, the programs we put together are for the enjoyment of the residents, so getting the perspective from this important audience can only help us serve them better.”   

Meetings will be held in the early evenings on the third Monday of the month. Questions can be directed to McFarland at kmcfarland@murphytx.org or by calling 972-468-4444.