Colleyville in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Texas Public School Gymnastics Program

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, July 12, 2023

1. Texas Public School Gymnastics Program Marker

Inscription. Tony and Frances Tirk, Sokol (Czech Athletic Club) members and gymnast boosters, claim this site as the founding home of the Texas high school gymnastic programs. The Tirks purchased this farm in 1924 and hosted Sokol picnics on this site for over 50 years. On many occasions, upward of 135 Sokol members gathered here to picnic, play games and advocate the idea of gymnastic competition among Texas public schools.

Two University of Texas graduates, local athletic coaches, took on the challenge of selling the idea to Northeast Tarrant County schools. Success came in 1965. As Sokol members and Colleyville citizens spread the word, other schools implemented similar programs.

Thanks to the dedication of the Tirk family, Tony served as a Sokol club officer for 12 yerars and dedicated his life to promoting school gymnastics. Today Texas is recognized nationally for its outstanding gymnastic programs.

Erected by City of Colleyville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 32° 54.266′ N, 97° 9.332′ W. Marker is in Colleyville, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is at the intersection of Pleasant Run Road and McDonwell School Road on Pleasant Run Road. Marker is

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located in the grassy area in front of the concession stand at Pleasant Run Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6603 Pleasant Run Rd, Colleyville TX 76034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alholm/Tirk Pond (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pleasant Run Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Bransford Depot (approx. 0.6 miles away); Felps Berry Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bransford (approx. 0.7 miles away); Webb House (approx. 0.7 miles away); The "Rock House" (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dunn/Tirk Log Barn (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colleyville.

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, July 12, 2023

2. Texas Public School Gymnastics Program Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.