ALLEN IN FOCUS
Winter Weather Tips
Cold
Weather, Warm Home: Tips To Stay Safe This Winter
Start the new year off right by ensuring your home is safe, cozy and ready for the winter months ahead. » For more information about these Winter Weather tips and other ideas, visit CityofAllen.org/WinterPrep.
Set Alerts with WaterSmart: Track your water usage and set alerts such as “unplanned usage” notifications to identify problems.
Winterize pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and open cabinets under sinks during freezes.
Prepare for outages: Stock battery-powered lights and consider safe backup heating options.
Sign up for WaterSmart: Get Water Leak Alerts
Test detectors: Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace outdated units.
Inspect heating systems: Schedule professional inspections for chimneys, fireplaces and furnaces.
Practice safe heating: Keep a three-foot safety zone around heating equipment and never use ovens for heat.
Each home in Allen is equipped with a smart water meter. These handy devices provide access to real-time leak alerts, helping you catch issues like leaking or burst pipes early. Setting up alerts in your WaterSmart account is easy:
• Log with your account ID and zip code.
• Customize notifications for immediate updates.
This tool can save you thousands in water damage costs by detecting leaks before they cause major problems. » Start your WaterSmart account today: CityofAllen.org/WaterSmart
New Year’s Resolution: Learn Life-Saving Skills
Life-saving skills are not just for healthcare professionals. Allen Fire Department offers free community classes to give you confidence to make a life-changing impact!
CPR Training
Spring 2025 Classes: Jan. 20 & Mar. 24, 6-8 p.m.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be a game-changer in emergency situations, and training is just a heartbeat away. Allen’s free Family & Friends American Heart Association class covers adult, child and infant CPR, proper AED use and choking response. The class is designed for families and individuals wanting to be prepared for emergencies. No medical experience is needed—just a willingness to learn.
» Learn more: AllenFire.org/CPR
Stop the Bleed Training
Spring 2025 Classes: Feb. 17 & Apr. 21, 6-8 p.m.
Join Allen’s free Stop the Bleed class for vital techniques to manage and stop bleeding with just your hands or a trauma first aid kit. Gain the confidence to take action in emergencies to help save lives when every second counts.
» Learn more: AllenFire.org/StopTheBleed
Citizens Fire Academy (CFA)
Application period will be open Jan. 20 – Feb. 14.
Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) is a free 8-week course led by the Allen Fire Department. Offered each spring, the course is an opportunity for residents and businesses to learn about the department structure and operations. Participants must be at least 18 years or older and live or work in Allen.
» Learn more: AllenFire.org/CFA
A New Milestone Update For The Ford Park Master Plan
Ford Park, built in 1986, has long been a cornerstone of Allen’s recreational spaces. As Allen has grown and evolved, so have the needs of its park visitors. Late last year, the Ford Park Master Plan was released to guide future additions and renovations to the park. The plan is based on feedback from the Allen community and includes the following amenities:
Parks Projects and Development Updates
Station Park
The project’s site planning and construction document process will continue through 2025. » Learn more: LifeInAllen.org/FordParkMasterPlan 1
E. Exchange Pkwy
Next Stop: Locomotive Playground! Allen Station Park’s playground is getting an upgrade, and it’s full steam ahead. Construction is underway to create a locomotive-themed play area, arriving by mid-2025. Keep an eye out for updates as we whistle toward the finish line!
Stay up-to-date on Parks & Recreation’s current projects and latest developments happening around Allen. » For more information: LifeInAllen.org/ParksProjects
Yard: Public Art
Allen’s Newest Tail-Wagging Art Pups and their humans are howling with excitement over the new public art at the Bark Yard dog park! The installation of sculptures, silhouettes and park features began in December 2024 and will be fully unleashed in Spring 2025.
Bee Ready for Playground Fun Lost Creek Park is buzzing with plans for a new playground and shade structures! Construction is scheduled to begin mid-2025, replacing the wellloved equipment that’s been busy since 2001. This new addition will surely be the bee’s knees.
Tell Us About Allen: The Destination
Visit Allen (Allen’s Convention and Visitors Bureau) is leading a strategic planning project to help shape the future of our city as a top destination for fun, relaxation and business. From the best events and attractions to all the hidden gems, we want to know what makes Allen unforgettable to YOU. This is your chance to be part of the vision! Focus groups will include at least one two-hour feedback session.
» Email info@visitallentexas.com if you want to be part of an in-person focus group.
Download the MyAllen app
MyAllen app working for you!
Allen residents submitted 5,300 service requests through MyAllen app and Request Center last year.* This allowed City staff to quickly address and resolve service issues in our community.
The MyAllen app and Request Center can be used to receive reminders, submit service requests and get updates when the problem is solved.
Requests on MyAllen *Oct. 2023 - Sept. 2024
1,376 REQUESTS
919 REQUESTS 381 328 REQUESTS REQUESTS 87 REQUESTS Trash, Recycling, HHW Streets and Sidewalks Park and/or Trail Issue Animal Issues
» For more info and to access the desktop version of the app: CityofAllen.org/MyAllen
Upcoming Events: Find Fun Things To Do In Allen
» Get more details about these events listed below and view more upcoming events at CityofAllen.org/Events .
FEBRUARY 2024 MARCH 2024
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
Jason Davis Jazz Quartet
Audiences need to fasten their seat belts when the Jason Davis Jazz Quartet takes them on a wild ride of high energy grooves.
FRIDAY, FEB. 21SUNDAY, FEB. 23
Submit artwork to a family-friendly juried competition. Artwork will be displayed in an art exhibit, giving the community a chance to observe art produced by talented artists like YOU! Two pieces of art per artist limit. Artwork submissions: Feb. 10 at 8:00 a.m. to Feb. 19.
» Learn more: LifeInAllen.org
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
Visit The Allen Train Depot
SATURDAY, MAR. 8
Allen ISD Eagle Run
The annual Allen ISD Eagle Run hosted by the Foundation For Allen Schools benefits the Foundation For Allen Schools and the Allen ISD PTA Council. All proceeds directly fund educational classroom grants, teacher support and student scholarships, along with Allen PTA programs and campus projects.
» More details: AllenISD.org
SATURDAY, MAR. 8
Art Extravaganza at Allen Heritage Village at Allen Eagle Stadium at Allen Community Ice Rink at Lowery Freshman Center Auditorium by Allen Philharmonic Symphony Chorus Duruflé Requiem at Allen Heritage Village at Joe Farmer Recreation Center
Filled with historic materials from Allen’s past, the Allen Train Depot is open on the first and third Saturday of each month. Visit for free and get a tour from the Allen Heritage Guild.
» More info: AllenHeritage.org
Aesthetically based in Gregorian chant, the mass is a work of peace and calm, advocating a message of consolation and acceptance. The second half of the program features three special string orchestra pieces. » More details: AllenPhilharmonic.org
SATURDAY, MAR. 15
St. Patty’s Day Skate
Follow the rainbow to the Allen Community Ice Rink for a St. Patrick’s Day Skate. Wear green to receive a free skate rental!
» Event details: LifeInAllen.org