Saturday, October 13, 2007

Farmers Branch Parks & Rec chief Jeff Fuller blends horticulture and business savvy

By Minnie Payne

Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Fuller

FARMERS BRANCH — Jeff Fuller, Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Director and one of seven children, was born and raised in South Texas, Rio Grande Valley and San Juan, where he grew up on a farm.

“The hogs, cattle, and chickens took all my after-school time,” he said. “I showed animals at livestock shows.”

He currently owns a ranch in Northeast Texas where he raises cattle in his spare time.

Fuller, 52, graduated from Pharr High School in 1972 and received an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Horticulture from Texas State Technical Institute in 1977. In 1982, while working for the City of Dallas, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management (Career Development) from Abilene Christian University; in 1985, he received a Master of Science Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from North Texas State University [now University of North Texas]. He later served ten years on the Board of Directors of UNT.

“I had no idea that I would be in parks and recreation when I was pursuing my degree in Business Management,” he said. “I knew that I would be in horticulture, and I wanted a degree so that I could run a business someday.

Fuller worked with the City of Dallas eight years as Superintendent of Horticulture.

“I had two wonderful supervisors while there [City of Dallas], one of whom, Bill McLaughlin, assistant director of the City of Dallas, was my mentor,” he said.

He has been with the City of Farmers Branch for 22 years, first as Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation, and presently as Director of Parks & Recreation.

“I have seen the results of our department’s impact on citizens,” he said. “We have teachers in our school system that I coached in little league baseball and soccer; some own businesses.

“I also enjoy seeing seniors involved in our many programs.”

Fuller describes the new senior center as being fantastic and said that the dance floor is huge.

“We were rated a couple of years ago as the best dance club in the United States,” he said. “We have about 300 dancers every Monday night who take part in ballroom and country western dancing.”

Fuller said that the city has 28 parks, some passive and some active, as well as athletic fields.

“Some have jogging trails throughout and some are just a nice place to have lunch and enjoy the horticulture,” he said.

There are about 60 full-time workers and about 100 part-time seasonal, as well as after-school programs workers, he said.

The most widely attended event in Farmers Branch is the July 4th celebration, which is held in the historical park, he said.

“We have a live band and a tremendous fireworks program,” he said.

Fuller said that overall his staff serves Farmers Branch citizens, from toddlers to seniors, from arts and crafts to athletic and horticultural programs, well, and it’s gratifying to watch the progress from year to year.

“We stay so busy and so wrapped up in our work that we often don’t have time to spend with our children,” said Fuller’s wife, Janie. “Jeff and his staff prepare programs for children of one-parent or two-parent homes that are beneficial.

“Not only does Jeff appreciate and recognize the significance of the work that the City has done, he’s very proud of the work that the City does for the youth.”

Fuller has been married to his wife, Janie, for 32 years; they have one son and one daughter, with two grandchildren and one on the way.

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