As we step into a new year together, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for the strength, kindness and commitment you show to our community every day. This past year has brought both challenges and progress, and through it all, our residents have proved once again that we are stronger when we work together.
Because of your dedication, we have continued to improve our neighborhoods, support local businesses, and invest in projects that make our city a better place to live, work, and raise a family. From our first responders and city employees to volunteers, educators, business owners, and more, your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for your contributions.
This year ahead brings new opportunities. We will continue focusing on public safety, economic growth, and community well-being, while listening closely to your ideas and concerns. Our shared goals remain clear: a city that is welcoming, resilient, and full of opportunity for everyone.
As we step into this new year, I encourage you to stay engaged, look out for one another, and take pride in the community we call home. For those of you experiencing tough challenges, I urge you to ask for help, stay in faith, and take things one day at a time. Together, we can build on our successes and face the future with confidence and optimism.
On behalf of the city, I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. Thank you for being an essential part of our community. I can be reached at Phone: 954-344-5911. • Text: 954-494-9872 •. email: sbrook@coralsprings.gov
Parkland Mayor, Rich Walker
If you have ever wanted to try something new, now is the time. January gives us the perfect opportunity to enrich and expand. And when we talk about trying something new, it does not have to be a monumental, dramatic attempt. I’m talking about anything from tasting a food that is new to you, to learning the latest dance steps, to mapping out another route on your morning walk.
It could even be trying out a new perspective. When you talk to your friends, consider their points of view. Listening to someone else’s story is a healthy exchange. Applying what you learn about them to how you see the world – well, that’s even better.
Let’s break out of our silos for a moment and think about people we interact with every day. For example, if we think about a teen’s perspective, imagine what it might feel like to walk to the bus stop in the dark, start school at 7:30 a.m., sit in classes for most of the day, and come home with only a few hours left before the cycle starts again. Or what about your neighbor’s commute? What would your experience be like, if you had to drive two hours to get to work, and two hours back – every day?
Parkland is a tight-knit, strong community. We cross paths with the same people multiple times throughout the week. We all have something that presents a challenge for us – and sharing stories about our hurdles may help ease our stress or alleviate some of the loneliness we may feel in certain situations. This isn’t about complaining. It’s about sharing, growing, and understanding.
As the novelty of New Year wishes subsides, look around before you take a step forward and look at things from a different angle. Seeing something through another’s eyes may give you insights to help them through a rough patch – and it could help you, too.
Happy New Year.
If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. Of course, I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.