City of Odessa, Texas

***FRIDAY*** Join us for Friday Night Flicks featuring Toy Story. This FREE event is open to all ages, so bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and popcorn for a fun night under the stars. Enjoy yard games like cornhole and stickball before the movie, and grab a bite from local food trucks. Activities will start around 6:30 pm and movie will begin shortly after. Don't miss out on a great evening with family and friends. Parks and Rec Department www.odessatxparks.org 432-368-3548 More events: www.odessa-tx.gov/calendar

Meet Charlie! 🐾 This sweet Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) is just under 9 months old and full of playful energy. At 26.5 lbs, Charlie is the perfect size for an active family looking for a loyal and intelligent companion. And remember: ✅ Vaccinate your pets ✅ Spay or neuter them ✅ Keep them safe with secure fencing ✅ Microchip them so they always find their way home Adoptable Animals: https://lnkd.in/guXkJau8 Animal Shelter: 910 W. 42nd Odessa, TX 79764 432-368-3527

Adopt-A-Spot This program is established for groups who want to maintain and beautify a particular area including roadways, alleys, or open areas. Keep Odessa Beautiful appreciates the efforts of the community to keep areas clean in the interest of public health and wellness. Anyone can help. Adopt-A-Spot Volunteers will receive: Garbage bags Gloves A sign installed on the adopted location to identify their ownership Register here: https://lnkd.in/gfWrDKjB

Don’t miss out on the upcoming events and meetings! Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun! More details on our website calendar: https://lnkd.in/g2kGEaVq

Meet Fireheart At just over 3 months old and weighing only 3.6 pounds, this little mixed-breed pup is full of heart and ready for a fresh start. Fireheart is looking for a family to grow up with—someone patient, kind, and ready for the joys (and a little chaos) that come with a young puppy. Visit the Odessa Animal Shelter to meet Fireheart. Let’s help her find the home she deserves. Please remember: vaccinate your pets, have them spayed or neutered, keep them safe with secure fencing, and microchip them so they always find their way home. Adoptable Animals: https://lnkd.in/g7FJjSfw Animal Shelter: 910 W. 42nd
Odessa, TX 79764 432-368-3527

VOLUNTEER TODAY! This program provides lawn care services to the citizens of Odessa who are unable and do not have a caretaker to help maintain their lawns. Those who meet the following criteria are eligible to register for the program. This program is designed to help: Disabled Elderly The size of the property cannot exceed a half-acre. This program is volunteer-based, dates and times of service will be provided with availability of volunteers. Thank you to our volunteers who continue to make a difference in our community. Register: https://lnkd.in/gjfNp5u5 Keep Odessa Beautiful, Inc.

First Friday is Turning TWO! What began with just 11 vendors and a simple idea borrowed from Lubbock has grown into something truly special for the Odessa community. “First Friday is a great way to promote downtown as a destination. It brings people out for music, art, food, and fun — but it also supports our local businesses. We want people to come down here, stay, play, and shop,” said Randy Ham, Executive Director of Odessa Arts. Today, marks two years since First Friday started. First Friday has expanded to include more than 40 vendors — and now, instead of asking people to participate, they’re asking to be part of the downtown event. From street vendors to restaurants beyond the downtown footprint, everyone wants to be part of the energy. “I think it’s shown a different side of Odessa — that this is a place with culture, creativity, and things to do. Whether it’s date night, a family evening, or even a solo night out — First Friday makes it feel special,” Ham said. The impact? A stronger sense of community, support for local artists and businesses, and a glimpse of what a thriving, walkable city can feel like. And the vision is only growing. “In five years, I want First Friday to be a destination — something cultural tourists plan their trips around. And if we can achieve Cultural District designation for Odessa, that opens the door to even more opportunities,” said Randy. Come see what Odessa First Friday has to offer — every first Friday of the month! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gwYyepwb

Jon Rogers Named Director of Parks & Recreation The City of Odessa is proud to announce the promotion of Jon Rogers to Director of Parks and Recreation. Rogers joined the department in August 2023 as Deputy Director and has been serving in the interim director role in recent months. “Every day we are able to give back to the community,” said Rogers. “That’s what I love most about this work.” Jon brings with him a unique blend of leadership, teamwork, and public service. Before launching his career in local government, Rogers was a professional athlete—pitching for four years in the Atlanta Braves organization. An Odessa native, Rogers was also a standout athlete at Lee High School, where he played a key role in leading the football team to back-to-back State Championships. As he steps into his new role, Rogers is energized by the department’s plans for 2025. “We are hoping to make next year’s events the biggest and best yet,” he shared. “We also want to attract visitors from outside the area and really showcase what Odessa has to offer.” With Rogers at the helm, the Parks and Recreation Department is poised for growth, continuing to enhance quality of life for residents while drawing regional attention to Odessa’s vibrant community. Parks & Rec Department 432-368-3548 www.odessatxparks.org

First to the Window, First in Your Heart Annie is a 2-month-old kitten with a friendly spirit and a heart full of purrs. She is the last of her litter. Annie is playful, calm, and always curious—often the first to run to the window when visitors arrive. She loves to be noticed and doesn’t mind showing off her charm. Whether she's batting at toys or curling up for a nap, Annie brings a quiet joy to every room she's in. She's ready to find a loving home that will appreciate her sweet, easygoing nature. Please remember: vaccinate your pets, have them spayed or neutered, keep them safe with secure fencing, and microchip them so they always find their way home. Odessa Animal Services 432-368-3527 https://lnkd.in/guXkJau8

Sherwood Family Aquatic Center Update The Sherwood Family Aquatic Center will stay closed through Wednesday, July 30th while we finish some maintenance work. We’re hoping to reopen it on Thursday, July 31st and will let you know if anything changes. All City pools and splash pads will close for the season on Monday, August 4th. See our Website for more information: https://lnkd.in/gxHQXZWh The Woodson Pool will remain open through Labor Day. Parks & Rec Department 432-368-3548 www.odessatxparks.org Thank you for being patient and understanding while we work to make sure everything is safe and ready for you to enjoy.