Wylie City Employees “Dodge” Conflict

Want to throw something at your co-workers? Wylie city employees do -- but only on Wednesdays.

Dozens of city workers play dodgeball at lunchtime on Wednesdays instead of hitting the fast-food window or the elliptical.

"It's really funny to see a different side of everyone," said Steven Harben, who works for the Wylie Parks and Recreation Department.

The idea was the brainchild of fellow parks employee Archie Whitt, who joked that it's a better way to get competitive with co-workers than a pickup basketball game.

"If there's someone in another department that you'd just like to hit with a ball, this is the time to do it," he said.

It comes with the full blessing of City Manager Mindy Manson.

She chooses to sit on the sidelines, but said it's a "hoot" to watch employees burn off some steam.

"Even where I'm sitting, we still have to dodge," she said, laughing.

It's also an excuse to stay active.

"It's definitely a workout," Harben said. "Last week, I was sore for a couple of days afterward."

The dodgeball hour is open to the public at the city recreation center, but to city staff, it has been a great way to build camaraderie between coworkers and departments alike.

"Back at the shop, guys are going back and forth at each other -- like, 'I'm going to nail you here. I'm going to get you here,'" said Whitt.