Allen's Joe Farmer Recreation Center is turning 30. The party is free.

Allen Parks and Recreation will host an all-day, '90s-themed celebration at the center on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with games, giveaways and hourly prize drawings, according to the city's event listing.

Attendees can register through ActiveNet.

The lineup includes Tiny Tots with special guest Elmo, neon glow pickleball, retro carnival games and a magician.

The city encouraged attendees to dress in '90s-era denim and plaid for the throwback.

The center at 1201 E. Bethany Drive serves 3,200 members and offers group fitness classes for children and adults, weight machines, an indoor track and youth camps.

Members also get free admission to Ford Pool and The Edge.

The facility got a boost when Allen City Council approved $264,280 in January to replace and expand fitness equipment, according to a city staff report.

The plan converts one of two racquetball courts into a dedicated strength training area and doubles cardio equipment capacity.

The center is named for Dr. Joe Farmer, an Allen resident who represented the city on the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) Board of Directors for more than 27 years.

Farmer was appointed in 1998 and served through 2025, including a term as board president from 2004 to 2005.

Mayor Baine Brooks recognized Farmer at the Feb. 24 City Council meeting with a city proclamation and the Key to the City. "One of the best things that happened in Allen was when we became a member city for the water district," Farmer said at that meeting.

Allen Parks and Recreation, led by Director Kate Meacham, earned the Gold Medal Award from the Texas Recreation and Park Society at the same Feb. 24 meeting.

The honor marked the department's second Gold Medal, following its first in 2006.

Upcoming Allen community dates

  • Tuesday, Sept. 15: Joe Farmer Recreation Center 30th anniversary celebration, 1201 E. Bethany Drive. Free admission; register through ActiveNet.
  • Sept. 1 through Dec. 31: Allen Parks and Recreation fall programming registration is open through ActiveNet.