Mike Berneburg Honored as Recreation Professional of the Year
Published on November 13, 2025
The City of Arlington is proud to announce that Mike Berneburg, Golf Services Manager for Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture, has been awarded the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) North Region Recreation Professional of the Year. Mike received the honor at the recent TRAPS North Region Conference in Denton, Texas, recognizing his leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to both the parks and recreation field and the municipal golf industry.
Berneburg has played a key role in bringing meaningful community programs to Arlington. He has been an important supporter of PGA HOPE, a nationally recognized initiative providing free adaptive golf clinics for veterans and active-duty service members, helping strengthen and expand the program’s presence locally.
His commitment to expanding access for youth is equally notable. Berneburg championed Youth on Course, enabling juniors to play Arlington’s municipal golf courses for just $5 per round, removing financial barriers and helping foster the next generation of golfers.
He also served as the lead City representative for the Veritex Bank Championship, helping Arlington successfully host this PGA Korn Ferry Tour event and elevating the city’s profile within the golf and sports tourism landscape.
Prior to his current position, Berneburg served as Head Golf Professional at Lake Arlington Golf Course from 2011–2024 and at Meadowbrook Park Golf Course from 2013–2024.
“Mike’s vision, professionalism, and dedication consistently raise the bar—not only for Arlington Golf but for our field as a whole,” said Dr. Venera Flores-Stafford, assistant director of Parks, Recreation & Culture. “He embodies the spirit of service at the heart of parks and recreation, and we are thrilled to see him recognized with this award.”
Berneburg is a graduate of UT Dallas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and he was elected to PGA Membership in 2012.