Last week, I wrote an article about all of the struggles that those of who reside in Little Elm have faced recently. I read the responses and realized that a follow-up article was in order. Many readers felt that the article was too negative and didn't highlight all of the wonderful things about living in Little Elm. Believe me when I say that my article was in no way meant to bash our town, but simply to share some of the things we've all been through while living here in the last few years. I've lived in Little Elm since I was the size of a peanut in my mother's stomach, and not once have I wished that I lived somewhere else. This community continues to amaze me everyday. So here are the more positive aspects of living in Little Elm, Texas:
1. The size
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In my opinion, Little Elm is the perfect size. You get the small town feel, without it being so small that the graduating class each year only has 30 people. The majority of Little Elm residents are friendly and crime is relatively low. However, you still might have to avoid people you haven't spoken to in awhile or don't wish to speak to at Walmart.
2. The growth
When I was a child, the town of Little Elm had a population of only a few thousand. The current population? Over 30,000 people. The growth of the town has brought so many great businesses with it. The city now has a Walmart and Kroger, which you used to have to travel to Frisco or The Colony for. The restaurant and local business scene has expanded rapidly in the past couple of years with so many businesses popping up around town. Wing Daddy's, Hula Hut, Towers Taphouse, Los Mangos, Bella's Cafe, Big Daddy's, Margarita Hut, Little Elm Crafthouse, La Plaza, Water's Edge Cafe, and many others have brought great adult and family hangout spots that will bring people together for years to come.
3. The beach
The best part about a Texas summer is spending it at our local beach. Whether you're swimming, playing sand volleyball, or working on your tan, this is the place to be when the temperature hits the 90s and 100s. The recent expansion of the beach has provided more room to find a spot on the weekends when the beach is packed. It doesn't get much better than spending a hot summer afternoon at the Little Elm beach with a cold Sonic drink in hand surrounded by friends and family.
4. Support for local sports teams
Friday night football is a huge deal in Texas, and is an even bigger deal in towns with only one high school. During the fall, you'll find that the home side of the Little Elm Athletic Complex is packed with people of all ages to watch the boys in blue and gold play. The Little Elm High School baseball team made a run at the playoffs this year, and the high school parking lot was lined with students and adults cheering as the bus pulled out to make their way to the game. Local businesses donate their food and service to help the teams with funds, and local pastor Marc Farnell even speaks to the football players the morning of games. The support in this town is amazing, and I'm glad I participated in sports here.
5. Town Events
Not only has the growth of the city brought more businesses, but also more great town events to entertain the growing population. These events include the Craft Brew and Que, movies in the park, the Mardi Gras celebration, July Jubilee, the town Christmas tree lighting, Paddlefest, Summer Rhythms, and more. These events have been a great way to spend time with family and friends.
6. The Parks
A renovated Beard Park, Little Elm Park, and the new McCord Park provide great places for today's kids to play. The new playground equipment is perfect for kids of young ages to get some much needed outdoor time in this technology-dominated age. McCord Park is perfect for adults too, with a disc golf course and a nice trail for running, biking, dog-walking or Pokemon hunting.
7. LEAYSA
I spent my childhood in LEAYSA cheerleading, basketball, and softball. The organization is made up of a wonderful group of parents who care about their children's happiness and success in little league sports. High school athletes often step in to coach or volunteer their time to help teach these future Lobos all about the game they love.
8. Fitness Programs
Little Elm has more than just your regular treadmill and squat rack gyms to offer. The addition of Lobo Nutrition has provided free fitness programs that include Zumba and yoga. Also, there are programs through the recreation center that include yoga on the beach and kayak and paddleboard classes. However, if you enjoy a regular gym, the recreation center has plenty of machines for you to achieve your beach body.
9. Special Olympics Track Meet
The annual Special Olympics track meet is something everyone looks forward to. The event takes place in May every year where athletes with intellectual disabilities from school districts in the area compete in track and field events. The event is run by volunteers from the community and Little Elm high school students volunteer as "buddies." As buddies, students make sure their athletes get to their events on time and serve as their biggest cheerleader. If you haven't attended one yet, I highly suggest you do so. This is an experience that will most likely make you tear up once or twice.
10. The sense of community
I've always been a proud Little Elm resident, but the above picture made my heart so full. For those of you who haven't seen this picture, this is Little Elm residents praying over Little Elm Police Chief Rodney Harrison following the death of five officers in the Dallas shooting. This community is unlike any other. We support each other. We lend out a hand to those who need it. I can't even count the number of times I've come across Facebook posts where residents offer to give away items to those who are struggling financially or have lost everything in a house fire. I've seen people offer to meet up with complete strangers who are struggling with depression just to let them vent. I am amazed everyday at how this town rallies together to help those in need, or support each other, whether it be by going to high school sports games to support our athletes or to local businesses to support local families. I couldn't be happier to call Little Elm home.
