Irving City Spectrum, October 2024

Page 1


Irving Arts Center has re-opened to the public following this summer’s closure for renovations. Check out all the fall happenings.

The FY24-25 budget overview provides adopted budget highlights including utility rate adjustments and service enhancements.

8 page 3 page 2

The Carbon Road Pump Station reconstruction project has reached the halfway mark of completion.

A 40-Day Tribute to an Iconic Irving Masterpiece

Through Oct. 18, the public is invited to take part in a series of events and activities celebrating the legacy of the Mustangs of Las Colinas and the life of their visionary creator, Robert Glen.

Mustang Memories

An online collection featuring 40 years of memories submitted by people who have enjoyed the significance of this extraordinary work of art. To view the collection or submit a memory, visit MustangsofLasColinas.com

Horse Origami Street Art

The Irving Public Library's Young Adult Action Council is crafting intricate horse origami, which will be assembled into a striking street art installation spelling "READ." This captivating art will be on display at the South Irving Library's drive-thru beginning Oct. 5.

Equest Mini-Horse Ambassadors

Oct. 11 | 2:30 p.m.

South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Dr. Learn how these gentle miniature horses provide impactful therapy to those they serve. After the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet these adorable ambassadors up close, connecting with

the spirit of the Mustangs and learning about the role these horses play in the community.

Sunset on the Plaza

Oct. 18 | 6 p.m.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas, 5221 N. O'Connor Blvd., East Tower

The 40-day celebration concludes with "Sunset on the Plaza" at the

Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center. This event honors the Mustangs’ 40th anniversary with a tribute to Irving's spirit and Robert Glen's artistic vision. Attendees will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, speeches from distinguished guests, and a special sunset toast on the Plaza. RSVP requested by Oct. 11. To RSVP, visit MustangsofLasColinas.com 

NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION

The November General Election will be held Nov. 5 with Early Voting running from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1.

On Nov. 5, residents of Dallas County may vote at any Dallas County Election Day Vote Center and at Early Voting Vote Centers between Oct. 21 and Nov. 1. Visit DallasCountyVotes.org for details on specific polling dates, locations and times. For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493. 

ELECCIÓN GENERAL DE NOVIEMBRE

La elección general de noviembre se llevará a cabo el 5 de noviembre y la votación anticipada se realizará desde el 21 de octubre al 1 de noviembre.

El 5 de noviembre, los residentes del condado de Dallas pueden votar en cualquier Centro de Votación del Condado de Dallas y en los Centros de Votación Adelantada desde el 21 de octubre al 1 de noviembre. Visite DallasCoutyVotes.org para obtener detalles específicos sobre fechas, lugares y horarios de votación. Para obtener más información, llame a la Oficina de la Secretaria del Municipio al (972) 721-2493. 

Tổng Tuyển Cử Tháng Mười Một

Cuộc Tổng Tuyển Cử Tháng Mười Một sẽ được tổ chức vào ngày 5 tháng 11 với Bầu Cử Sớm bắt đầu từ ngày 21 tháng 10 đến ngày 1 tháng 11. Vào ngày 5 tháng 11, cư dân của Quận Dallas có thể bỏ phiếu tại bất kỳ Trung Tâm Bỏ Phiếu

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%. However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Thirty eight percent of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Follow these tips for smoke alarms:

● Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

● Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

● Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

● Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.

Don't forget: Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, and clocks should be turned back one hour to 1 a.m.

For more safety tips, visit IFDSafety.com 

24-Hour Payment Drop Box at City Hall

The drive-up tube system for utility bill payments at City Hall closed Oct. 1. To continue providing convenient utility payment options for residents, the drop-off box at the same location will remain open and available 24/7.

When using the 24-hour drop-off, remember:

 Pick-up times are at 7:59 a.m. Monday through Friday (except city holidays).

 Payments received after 8 a.m. are posted to the account on the next business day.

 Include the account number on all payments.

 Payments made after pick-up time on due dates may incur penalties.

 Never deposit cash or coins in the box.

Residents can pay online at MyIrvingBill.org

October at Irving Arts Center

Through Oct. 5 | The Children’s Hour

Presented by MainStage Times vary | $26.50-$33.50

A drama that sheds light on loyalty, intolerance and the power of gossip. The Children’s Hour tells the story of an unruly student at a rural Massachusetts boarding school who falsely accuses her two female teachers of engaging in a romantic relationship.

Oct. 3 | JumpstART Stories & Art: ¡Celebramos!

Bilingual Story Time!

10 a.m. | Free | All Ages

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special bilingual story time and arts & crafts activities.

Oct. 5-Nov. 9 | Saturday School: Adventures in 2DDrawing, Painting & More

2 to 4 p.m. | $95 for six-week session

Students ages 6-10 will explore a variety of mark-making methods and experiment with many drawing and painting materials including watercolor, oil pastels and collage to create their own nature-inspired artworks.

Oct. 5 | 5th Annual Volunteer Fair

2 to 4 p.m. | Free

Looking for a way to get involved and give back to the community? Visit with more than 30 Irving-based nonprofits and learn how you can serve and support these organizations.

Oct. 6 | Inspired!

Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra

3:30 p.m. | $10-$20

The New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving kicks off its 2024-25 season in “inspired” fashion with exotic rhythms inspired by noted composers from Mexico, France and Austria.

Oct. 11-12 | Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Presented by Irving Youth Theatre

7 p.m. | $16.50-$19.50

The Entertainment Series of Irving’s Educational Outreach presents middle and high school students performing this classic “Tale As Old As Time.”

Oct. 12 | Opening Night with Clayton Stephenson

Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO)

7:30p.m. | $38-$49

The ISO sets the stage for their 2024-2025 season with an opening night concert featuring 2022 International Cliburn Piano Competition Finalist, Clayton Stephenson.

Oct. 18 | Lost Shaker of Salt Band

Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving

7:30 p.m. | $37.50

Take a trip to a tropical paradise as Lost Shaker of Salt performs the music of Jimmy Buffett.

Oct. 19 | Daniel Del Pino, Pianist

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LSO)

7:30 p.m. | $17-$50

The LSO kicks off its 2024-25 season with a performance featuring pianist Daniel Del Pino.

Oct. 26-27 | Authentic Flamenco

Presented by Fever Dallas

7:30 p.m. | $49-$109

The Royal Opera of Madrid and Fever are bringing the Authentic Flamenco to North Texas! Experience this passionate, authentic Spanish flamenco show created and performed by award-winning dancer El Yiyo.

Visit IrvingArtsCenter.com or follow @IrvingArts on social media for updates and fall events.

Irving Archives & Museum Events & Happenings

SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design | Through Jan. 7

In an age of complex environmental challenges, why not look to the ingenuity of nature for solutions? The forms, patterns and processes found in the natural world —refined by 3.8 billion years of evolution — can inspire the design of everything from clothing to skyscrapers. The exhibition brings together art and design with environmental science using artifacts and artworks, as well as interactive learning stations.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Visit the Irving Archives and Museum to explore how nature’s brilliance can inspire art, design and sustainability. Unleash your inner inventor and discover the incredible world of biomimicry.

Interactive Element (inside the exhibit):

 Story Corner with Prompts: Dive into engaging stories and prompts about the wonders of biomimicry.

Special Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design-themed activities in Spark!Lab

 Bio-Inspired Building Blocks: Construct imaginative structures using LEGOs inspired by nature’s genius.

 Sketching Station: Sketch natural forms and designs with shells, leaves and flowers as the inspiration.

 Biomimicry Design Challenge: Collaborate on nature-inspired solutions with various crafting materials and showcase innovative prototypes.

Second Saturdays

 Oct. 12 | Nature Observation Journals: Decorate and take home a personalized journal.

IRVING ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday | noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $7, Children ages 4-12 $5 IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com

TRICK-OR-TREAT SAFETY TIPS

Keep Costumes Creative and Safe

● Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

● Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can block a child's vision.

Walk Safely

● Children 12 and younger should not be alone at night without adult supervision.

● Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing.

● Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Drive Safely

● Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.

IN THE GALLERIES

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Free guided tours are offered on the first Saturday and second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.

24th Annual Art Connection Members

Exhibition Through Nov. 9 | Main and Focus Galleries

This annual nonjuried exhibition features art created by professional and nonprofessional artists with awards given in three categories (Youth, Nonprofessional and Professional), as well as an overall Best of Show.

Lane Banks: Geometric Paintings

Through Nov. 30 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

The exhibit features the work of Dallas-based artist Lane Banks. His work is insistently abstract, mathematical, conceptual in origin and geometric in appearance. It does not derive from perception, but is entirely constructed from numerical rhythms and proportions. It is concept made visible a thought construction.

The Art of Marty and Richard Ray

Through Jan. 25 | Carpenter Hall Lobby Gallery

Richard Ray and wife, Marty, are Dallas-based artists who often collaborate on ceramic works (Marty’s specialty) and paintings (Richard’s primary medium). Richard and Marty’s unique collaborations merge design, themes and skills to create finished works of art in both mediums.

Mumentous: Football, Glue Guns, Moms and a Super-sized High School Tradition Deep in the Heart of Texas

Oct. 19-Jan. 25 | Courtyard Gallery

This captivating exhibit explores the evolution of Texas high school homecoming mums from their humble beginnings in the 1920s through today’s highly varied practices. The photography and narratives touch on a number of topics including high school football, fan and pop culture, the DIY movement, entrepreneurship and women as tradition-keepers.

A Magic Evening at Turtle Creek by Richard Ray
Untitled acrylic on canvas by Lane Banks

City of Irving

City Council Adopts FY25 Annual Budget

On Sept. 12, Irving City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY25) budget based on maintaining a tax rate of $0.5891/$100 valuation . The city’s fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 each year.

Message from Irving City Council

The city's FY25 annual operating budget includes City Council priorities, resident input and strategic plans to deliver exceptional services and promote a high quality of life for Irving residents, visitors and businesses.

The budget includes a 5.7% increase in General Fund revenues to $306.1 million , maintaining the current property tax rate while increasing the senior and disabled exemption to offset rising property valuations.

Everyone has felt the economic impact of inflation and recession, and much of the increased revenue received by the city will go to covering costs for everything from pipes and valves to concrete and rebar. Recruitment and retention of quality employees is critical to the success of a service-based organization. As such, the FY25 budget also includes competitive benchmarking for salaries and benefits, as well as step increases and market adjustments for public safety.

Above and beyond existing service levels, key enhancements in the FY25 budget include:

Additional Funding for Facility and Technology Upgrades

Homeless Diversion

Economic Development

Public Safety

Litter Abatement

Infrastructure Improvements

New Mustang, Senter & Lee Park Aquatic Center Operations

Maintaining underground infrastructure, especially utilities, is critical for the future of Irving. Investing in these assets helps keep the city’s systems efficient and in good working order.

 The water and wastewater rates will increase an average of 7.04% combined to fund contracted pass-through treatment, operations, and capital improvement projects

 Drainage will increase 8.3% to fund drainage projects, operations and litter abatement.

 Solid waste and EMS rates remain unchanged over the prior fiscal year.

See Page 6 for the Utility Rate Overview

City COUNCIL MEETINGS

Irving City Council meetings are held on designated Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.

Work Sessions are held prior to council meetings and begin at various times depending on the agenda. Work Sessions are open to the public in the first floor Council Conference Room at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Check specific meeting agendas to confirm start times.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Agendas for meeting dates, agendas and instructions for speaking at council meetings.

Meetings are streamed live on YouTube @TheCityofIrving, at ICTN.tv and on local cable channels. Like and subscribe to the city’s YouTube channel to receive notifications for new videos and upcoming live events.

The city’s organizational strategy, Future in Focus, consists of five focus areas and 18 operating strategies. Based on input from city leadership and key stakeholders, the plan works in tandem with the city’s five-year capital plans, City Council priorities and annual budgets.

Future in Focus encompasses key initiatives that allow the city to stay focused on what matters most, which is to deliver exceptional services and promote a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.

SUBSCRIBE @TheCityofIrving

Strategic thinking, planning and management play a strong role in the City of Irving’s organizational culture

Left to Right: Mark Cronenwett, Luis Canosa, Dennis Webb, Abdul Khabeer, Mayor Rick Stopfer, Al Zapanta, John Bloch, Kyle Taylor, Brad M. LaMorgese

The City of Irving fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. The

The FY25 Total Budget is $924.5 Million with the majority comprising the General Fund and new and existing capital projects and equipment, including Road to the Future, Delivering Clean, Safe Water and Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow, as well as funding significant projects from the 2021 Bond Election approved by voters in May 2021.

The FY25 General Fund budget, the city’s main operating fund, is $306,081,132 . The

parks and recreation, libraries, community development and administration services and

structurally balanced FY25 budget maintains the city’s service levels while adjusting

market, as well as funding service enhancements, new projects and equipment.

1,983

FY25 Municipal utility rates

Solid Waste Services and EMS rates remain unchanged; however effective Oct. 1, 2024, water, wastewater and drainage rates will increase and be reflected on statements after Nov. 1.

 Residents with a 3/4”

Increased due to:

 Pass-through costs increased from Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for wholesale water purchase and water treatment

o DWU wholesale and water treatment costs are increasing 16.3% overall due to increase in maintenance and chemical costs

 Upcoming capital improvements

o Esters elevated storage tank replacement to increase water distribution system capacity

o Expanding the Princeton Pump Station to increase water supply delivery

 Residents with a residential lot of 5,000 SF or greater will see the cost increase by $1 per month from $12 to $13

WASTEWATER

 Residents with 3/4” meter who use 10,000 gallons of water and 8,000 gallons of wastewater per month will see the cost increase by $6.28 from $89.29 to $95.57

Increased due to:  Pass-through costs increased from the Trinity River Authority (TRA) to treat wastewater

o TRA wastewater treatment costs are increasing over 9.9% due to facility infrastructure and maintenance needs  Upcoming capital improvements

o Upper Delaware Creek wastewater replacement to expand capacity and reduce risk of wastewater backups

Parks and Recreation Fall Activities

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Oct. 18 | Fall Carnival

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All Ages | Free

Enjoy a variety of activities including carnival games with prizes, a cake walk and a pumpkin decorating contest. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Oct. 16 | Trunk or Treat

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 3-11 | Free

Children can join the fall fun by collecting candy from decorated vehicle trunks. It’s a fun and safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

Heritage Senior Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496

● Oct. 15 | Medicare Fraud Prevention Presentation

10:30 to 11:15 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | IPAR Card

Join the Senior Source to learn how to safeguard yourself and others from Medicare fraud. Registration deadline is Oct. 11.

● Oct. 31 | Halloween Party

10 to 11:15 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | $2 per person

Dress up for the costume contest and dance the morning away to spooktacular hits. Enjoy delicious themed treats and drinks to keep the party going. Registration deadline is Oct. 25.

Lee Park Recreation Center

3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508

● Oct. 11 and 14 | School's Out Program

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $20 per child

Spend the day playing games, participating in sports and creating craft projects. Lunch is included.

Lively Pointe Youth Center

909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090

● Tues, Wed, Thurs | Podcast Engineering Club

6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 13-18 | IPAR Card

Learn the fundamentals of podcast production.

● Oct. 28 | Ghoulish Gathering

5 to 8 p.m. | Ages 12-17

Candy, movies and snacks for teens! Registration deadline is Oct. 23.

Tree Board Poster Contest

● Oct. 28 | Trunk or Treat with Irving PAL

5 to 8 p.m. | Ages 12 and younger

Call Irving Police Community Services at (972) 721-2544 to reserve your spot.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Oct. 2-30 | Special Effects Makeup Camp

4 to 6 p.m. | Ages 9-15 | $10

Learn the fundamentals of special effects makeup used by the professionals to do glam, gore and illusion effects used in TV shows and movies.

● Oct. 12 | Mustang’s Not so Scary Drive- In Movie

6 to 8 p.m. | All Ages | IPAR Card

Bring the friends and family for a drive-in movie classic, “Hocus Pocus.” Decorate a pumpkin while watching the movie. Parking spots are first-come -first-serve, and one pumpkin to the first 50 families.

● Oct. 16 | Family Fun Day (Canvas Art)

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | All Ages | $5 per person

Calling all families! Join the monthly fun playing against or creating with other families.

Northwest Park Recreation Center

2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529

● Oct. 30 | Trick or Treat Trail

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Families

Wear a costume and enjoy tasty treats at this night on the trail. Award given for best costume.

● Oct. 18 | Fall Pottery Painting

5:30 to 8 p.m. | All Ages | $5+ per piece

Paint pottery for a friend or yourself. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Staff will glaze and fire the pottery. Registration is required.

High school students in Irving are invited to enter the Tree Board’s first poster contest. Deadline for entries is Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. Participants are asked to illustrate: What lives in your tree? Winners will have their art showcased inside City Hall and Irving ISD facilities. Students will receive recognition at the Nov. 11 Parks and Recreation Board meeting at 6 p.m. Irving students in public, private or home schools can participate. Artwork must be created in watercolor, pencil, pastels or crayon on 8.5 x11 inch card stock.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Posters for contest guidelines or call (972) 721-2501 for more information.

Discover with Me

Parents, caregivers and their children ages 1-3 are invited to attend this educational series from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday in October at South Irving Library. Each session offers unstructured playtime for children and a chance for adults to talk to a children's specialist. Topics covered include early literacy, child development, health, nutrition and more.

Inktober

Teens, participate in the annual Inktober challenge by completing 31 drawings in 31 days. Establish a daily drawing routine and develop art skills by joining classes to learn how to letter by hand, capture facial expressions and experiment with zentangles. Find program details on the library calendar, and stop by any location's Teen Zone display for inspirational prompts and free supplies, available while they last. Visit Inktober.com for details.

November’s Upcoming Novel Challenge

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) encourages aspiring authors to write daily with the goal of completing a 50,000-word book draft by the end of November. West Irving Library will host NaNoWriMo "write-ins" for adults throughout the month. Please check the web calendar for updates. Visit NaNoWriMo.org for more information.

PROGRAMS

The library is always open at CityofIrving.org/Library. For a full list of online services and a schedule of programs for all ages, visit the website calendar.

● Mondays & Wednesdays | THREADS: A Senior Space

10 a.m. | West Irving Library | Adults

Seniors can enjoy a new space to work on crafts while meeting other members of the community.

● Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 | South Walking Club

5 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults

Every Monday, enjoy a casual walk around Centennial Park with library staff. Bottled water is provided. Meet in the South Irving Library lobby.

● Oct. 8 | Bilingual Financial Workshop: On Budget

6:30 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults

Learn the basics of financial planning in this seminar, presented in English and Spanish.

● Oct. 12 | Ballet Folklórico DFW

2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Kids

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this dance performance.

● Oct. 25 | Friday Night Library: Trunk or Treat

7 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages

Partygoers are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a bag to collect treats. In case of rain, the program will move indoors.

IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Indoor Pool Open Swim Hours

Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC)

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310

● Monday & Friday | 7 a.m. to noon ● Tuesday & Thursday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m. ● Wednesday | 7 a.m. to noon, 5 to 9 p.m. ● Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 5 p.m.

North Lake Natatorium (NLN) 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860

● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 6 to 7 a.m., 5 to 9 p.m.

● Tuesday & Thursday | 6 to 7 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.

● Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.

Oct. 5 | Aqua Queens: Women’s Celebration Swim | NLN | All Ages | Youth $2, Adult $3 Dive into empowerment and celebration of women at this annual women’s swim event. Enjoy a refreshing swim while basking in an atmosphere of fun, support and camaraderie.

Oct. 12 | AquaStars | HAC 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Under 18 | Free AquaStars is custom designed for children with special needs and provides an opportunity to experience water play. Participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Oct. 19 | Guard Ready | NLN Noon to 2 p.m. | Ages 14 and older | Free Get lifeguard ready while working with an instructor to improve swimming skills and pass the pretests. All participants who pass the pretest are eligible to attend an Irving Lifeguard Certification.

Saturdays | Aqua Synergy Aerobics | NLN 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. | Ages 18 and older | $2

An invigorating water aerobics workout designed to boost energy and fitness levels.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | Aqua Sunrise Aerobics | NLN | 7 to 7:45 a.m. | Ages 18 and older | $2

This low-impact early morning aqua aerobics class is performed in shallow water and is designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | Night Steppers Water Aerobics | HAC

6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $2

Join this upbeat evening class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Aquatics to register for classes and the most up-to-date information about facilities.

IRVING PUBLIC LIBRARY'S NEA BIG READ 2024

The NEA Big Read features community reading events and discussions centered around the theme "Where We Live." The public-selected book for this year is “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak. This series of programs from Oct. 17 through Nov. 16 is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Irving’s program partners include Friends of the Irving Public Library.

The program kickoff is Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, 3925 Jackson Street, with a historical tour, puppet show, crafts and more. The full schedule of events includes an art exhibit, book discussions, a stargazing hike, workshops teaching storytelling, genealogy, outdoor skills and more. The program finale is a keynote address with the book’s author is Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

For details, follow the library’s website calendar at CityofIrving.org/Library and social media on Instagram, X and Facebook at @IrvingLibrary

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. For more information, visit the NEA Big Read website at CityofIrving.org/BigRead 

Vouchers

HOME CHEMICAL COLLECTION DAY

Carbon Road Pump Station Reaches 50% Completion

The City of Irving Water Utilities Department has reached the halfway mark of completion for the Carbon Road Pump Station reconstruction project. Water Utilities began the project in spring 2023 and has made substantial progress on the pump station building and pipeline.

The Irving Family Advocacy Center and the Irving Police Department will hold the annual Illuminate Irving remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Millennium Park, 201 Sowers Road, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Learn more at CityofIrving.org/ Illuminate 

The $38 million facility, located off Carbon Road and State Highway 161, will replace the current pump station, the oldest running Water Utilities facility, which was built in the 1970s. The new station will retain the existing 4 million- and 5 milliongallon ground storage tanks and use them to serve the west side of Irving.

provide additional protection and allow the pipelines to be installed without closing Carbon Road or affecting the flow of traffic.

A 36-inch discharge pipeline, new roof system, bridge crane system and 42-inch pipe suction header for the new pumps are nearing completion.

Full Speed Ahead

What can residents expect from construction in the coming months?

Over the next six months, crews will complete the following large-scale construction tasks:

● Architectural features on the exterior of the building.

● Complete the 36-inch discharge pipeline.

The pump station foundation, structural supports and concrete block walls are now complete in the new pump station. Additionally, 42-inch and 54-inch tunnel casings have been installed under Carbon Road. Discharge pipelines from the new pump station will be installed inside these casings. The casings

● Install electrical and mechanical equipment in the pump station.

Once the new system is complete, it will use emergency backup generators to ensure Irving residents receive continuous service.

The new facility will increase capacity from 25 million to 33 million gallons of water a day and if one pump goes down, another pump is ready to serve as a backup.

The project is part of the Delivering Clean, Safe Water initiative and is anticipated for completion in November 2025.

Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. 

Animal Connection Experience at Fritz Park

Starting Oct. 5, the Animal Connection Experience is hosting a pumpkin patch, hay maze, fall photo

pumpkin seed garden, gift shop, pig races, spooky barn and other fun fall activities at Fritz

312 E.

General admission is $5 per person and $4 per Irving resident (proof of residency required). Free admission for children 2 and younger. Petting zoo feed is $1 per cup, magic pumpkin seed is $3 and pony rides are $3 per child.

Weekend Hours | Oct. 5-Nov. 3

● 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Saturday ● Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Visit CityofIrving.org/Animals for more information, themes and activities planned for each weekend. 

Congratulations Central Fire Station

After 39 years, the Irving Fire Department's Central Fire Station at 137 E. Second St. has officially reopened in the Irving Heritage District! The grand opening celebration on Sept. 6 for the new Central Fire Station included a traditional wet-down/pushback ceremony of Engine 51. The new station features "Old Central," an area for the public to view the historic pieces of the former station, along with Irving firefighter memorabilia.

Subscribing

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.