By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
As we bring in the new year, we offer a sampling of our best photography work of 2016. Click on the image above to view a slideshow, or scroll and click the individual photos in the mosaic below.
Special thanks to Multimedia Coordinator Jon Carpenter, External Relations Manager Mike Neu, Broadcast Media Specialist Mark Beal, and Chad Cockrum of Brazos Multimedia for their hard work in documenting city events and activities throughout the year.
For more city photos from 2016 and beyond, click here.
College Station played host to the 2016 U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Presidents Cup in mid-June at Bachmann Park and Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The event attracted more than 130 of the best soccer teams from 12 states. It had been a dozen years since a Presidents Cup regional was contested in Texas. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Presidents Cup Photos
In July, College Station’s parks and landmarks were overrun by Pokémon Go enthusiasts. The fever for the internet game led the city to organize an official Pokémon Go event on July 17 at Wolf Pen Creek Park. (photo by Chad Cockrum) – More Pokémon Go Photos
The Classic Country and Bluegrass Jam Session on June 7 was one of many popular senior adult activities at the Southwood Community Center. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Senior Activities Photos
On June 4, the Larry J. Ringer Library played host to a Big Rigs event featuring fire trucks, police cars, rescue dogs, and more. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Big Rigs Photos
Local law enforcement officers and supporters gathered at the American Pavilion in Veterans Park on May 18 for the 29th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. A rifle volley was fired and buglers played Taps in honor of the 128 police officers who were killed across the country in 2015, including 12 in Texas. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Law Enforcement Memorial Photos
On Oct. 18, a street in Missouri City was dedicated to the memory of the late College Station City Manager, Frank Simpson, who served that city before coming to College Station in 2011. He was an assistant city manager in College Station before being elevated to the top job just before his death in 2013. Later in the fall, the Texas Municipal Retirement System board named its meeting facility in Austin the H. Frank Simpson Board Room. (photo courtesy of Missouri City Public Communications)
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial board of directors hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The event included a roll call of names on the Wall of Honor and speeches by Sen. John Cornyn and Gen. Hal Hornburg, a retired four-star U.S. Air Force commander and a Texas A&M graduate. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Veterans Day Ceremony Photos
The city’s many summer camps offered recreational and educational opportunities for youngsters and a chance for adult to serve as counselors, coaches, and instructors. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Summer Camp Photos
In November, Nancy Berry departed after two terms as mayor, the maximum allowed under the city charter. She was presented with the gavel she used for more than 160 council meetings. Berry begins a term on the Brazos County Commissioner’s Court in January. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – PODCAST: Mayor Berry reflects on her time in office
The City of College Station celebrated Trick or Treat at Werewolf Creek on Oct. 28 at Wolf Pen Creek Park. The event featured a safe environment highlighted by dozens of candy booths providing free treats and also featured carnival games, face painting, and a petting zoo. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Trick or Treat at Werewolf Creek Photos
Local senior adults enjoyed free food, music, and a cakewalk at the Senior Fall Fest on Oct. 20 at the American Pavilion at Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Senior Fall Fest Photos
On June 16, scores of youngsters and adults participated in a 2.2-mile Freedom Walk from the Lincoln Recreation Center to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum as part of the local Juneteenth celebration. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Freedom Walk Photos
Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane administered the oath of office on Nov. 21 as Karl Mooney became College Station’s 15th mayor. Mooney’s wife, Laura, looks on. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – AUDIO: New mayor’s Nov. 11 Interview on WTAW
Residents were encouraged to step outside to mingle with their neighbors and visit with local law enforcement officers at neighborhood block parties for National Night Out on Oct. 4. The event is intended to enhance crime prevention education and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More National Night Out Photos
Residents joined the effort to save the monarch butterfly by participating in Butterflies in the Brazos Planting Day on Oct. 2. The group built a demonstration garden by planting milkweed and other nectar plants along the Bee Creek Park trail. Several local parks will soon have butterfly gardens. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Butterflies in the Brazos Photos
Arthur Erickson and Gaston Schweitzer of Boy Scout Troop 1222 (below) led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Sept. 10 city council meeting. Erickson is a freshman at A&M Consolidated High School and Schweitzer is a seventh grader at A&M Consolidated Middle School. Local boy scouts frequently lead the Pledge at council meetings. (photo by Jon Carpenter)
On May 24, Fire Chief Eric Hurt retired after 35 years with the College Station Police Department. Earlier that month, the CSFD became one of only 164 municipal departments in the world to be accredited by the Commission of Fire Accreditation International. (photo by Jon Carpenter) –PODCAST: Hurt reflects on 35-year career
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Kid Fish was held May 14 at Beachy Central Park. Participants learned about the art of fishing, fish species, and practiced mini-fishing. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Kid Fish Photos
WIth more than 100 visitors and community partners in attendance, the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial board dedicated its 11th bronze statue near the Indian Wars Memorial site at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex on Sept. 21. (photo by Mike Neu) – Learn More
The National Night Out Kickoff Party on Sept. 17 featured a burn house demonstration, medical helicopter, child fingerprinting, public safety demonstrations, vehicle displays, community education booths, and kid-friendly activities to encourage block party registration for National Night Out. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More National Night Out Kickoff Party Photos
Recycling & Environmental Compliance Manager Heather Woolwine was named the City of College Station’s 2016 Employee of the Year. Heather’s year was highlighted by transitioning the city from a curbside sort-and-bag recycling system to a single-stream recycling program. (photo by Jon Carpenter)
The Lincoln Recreation Center played host to the annual Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 10. Attendees enjoyed a free hot breakfast along with entertainment and Christmas-themed carnival games. Kids ages 15 and under received a gift from Santa. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Breakfast with Santa Photos
At noon on July 8, Police Chief Scott McCollum led officers, families and citizens in prayer and a moment in silence for the five officers who died and the nine who were injured during an ambush in Dallas the night before. (photo by Jay Socol)
The Lincoln Recreation Center participated in the national Lights on Afterschool event on Oct. 20. The fun gathering celebrated the importance of after-school programs with interactive games and entertainment. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Lights on Afterschool Photos
College Station Police Department hired 33 employees in 2016. As part of the recruitment effort, CSPD worked with city staff to generate photos and other marketing materials highlighting positions in high demand. (photo by Mike Neu) – About CSPD
Residents were invited to dress like their favorite pirate character for Pirate Day on July 13 at Adamson’s Lagoon. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More College Station Aquatics Photos
The city’s popular water fitness classes each summer provide enjoyable and effective exercise to increase cardiopulmonary capacity, strength and flexibility. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Water Fitness Photos
The Police Department sponsored a free picnic and back-to-school rally at the Lincoln Recreation Center on Aug. 27. The event featured a free lunch, games, a splash pad, and bounce houses to thank citizens for their support and to kick off the school year in a positive way. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More CSPD Community Picnic and Back-to-School Party Photos
The College Station City Council on August 17 completed its second and final workshop about the city’s proposed $341 million budget for FY17. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – FY17 Approved City Budget
The College Station Police Department, in partnership with Voices for Children, honored fathers and father-figures with a day of fishing at on June18 at Cy Miller Park. The event featured fishing, Texas Parks and Wildlife education stations, bounce houses, and public safety vehicles on display. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Father Fish Day Photos
The Reptile Hospice and Sanctuary of Texas and KnK Reptile Rescue were at the Ringer Library for Reptile Day on July 29. The event featured various snakes, lizards and turtles. (photo by Mark Beal) – More Reptile Day Photos
Longtime Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor Lance Jackson joined hundreds of others in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the facility’s $3.37 million expansion and renovation. The project is expected to be finished by the fall of 2017. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More Lincoln Recreation Center Groundbreaking Photos
At October’s annual Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial, a bugler from the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band joined the CSFD Pipes & Drums and other first responders to remember firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Five Texas firefighters died in 2016. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Photos
College Station played host to the American Softball Association’s 16-and-Under National Championship in early August at Beachy Central Park and Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. The tournament attracted 92 teams from 24 states. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – More ASA Softball National Championship Photos
The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Region 5 Track & Field Championships were conducted in College Station in early July. The event attracted a multitude on athletes, officials, coaches and spectators to town. (photo by Chad Cockrum) – More TAAF Region 5 Track & Field Championships Photos
Since 2002, the popular Starlight Music Series has provided free concerts to residents and visitors. But in 2016, the city introduced an online contest where fans could vote for a select group of musicians to decide the featured artists for the summer’s final concert. (photo by Mike Neu) – More Starlight Music Series Photos
A young couple relaxes in a hammock at Wolf Pen Creek Park on a balmy evening in late October. (photo by Jon Carpenter) – City of College Station on Flickr
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
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