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Construction continues with phases 3 and 4 of the Delaware Creek Basin drainage channel improvement project.
IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883
Irving Arts Center plans to reopen galleries on Irving Public Library's calendar is full of activities Sept. 15 while also providing virtual galleries and ranging from celebrating Hispanic Heritage month live-streamed performances. to an origami art installation. AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING
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CityofIrving.org
SEPTEMBER 2020 / VOL 27 / NO 09
A N O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C I T Y O F I R V I N G
IRVING CITY COUNCIL CANCELS BOND ELECTION IN NOVEMBER
City Council Budget Retreat held Aug. 19
City of Irving FY 2020-21 Proposed Budget and Input Opportunities Each year in August, the City Manager submits a proposed budget to City Council for consideration for the city’s following fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The proposed budget is Council’s jumping off point to begin budget deliberation until the final budget is adopted in September. Several considerations informed the City of Irving’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 budget, including the effects of COVID-19, the 2020 resident survey and the Irving City Council’s dedication to providing continued community improvements and exceptional service. The city entered 2020 in a strong fiscal position as a result of prudent policy decisions over the years and a solid business tax base. Unlike many other cities, Irving’s sound fiscal standing allowed the city to work through COVID-19 with minimal impacts to overall city operations.
The FY 2020-21 proposed General Fund base budget is balanced with $232.6 million in revenue and expenditures. Read through the proposed budget in detail at CityofIrving.org/Budget.
COVID-19 has dealt a blow to Irving businesses, particularly retail businesses, causing a decline in sales tax collections. However, Irving has fared much better than the top 300 cities average, because of its strong and diversified commercial base. Anticipating a continued downturn due to coronavirus and uncertainty as to the length and unforeseen impacts of COVID-19, the city identified possible expenditure reductions that include potential service reductions and a continued hiring freeze. Public Input and Budget Calendar Residents can provide input and ask questions regarding the proposed budget by emailing the Budget Fiscal Friends (BFFs) at AsktheBFFs@CityofIrving.org.
During the Aug. 13 Special Council meeting, the Irving City Council voted to cancel the Nov. 3, 2020 Bond Election originally scheduled for May 2, 2020. Council also amended the original order of election to include extended early voting dates and locations for the at-large mayoral seat, as well as single-member districts for Place 3 and Place 5 in the Nov. 3 election. Additional election information will be available in the October issue of Irving City Spectrum. n
REGIDORES DE IRVING CANCELAN ELECCIONES DE BONOS MUNICIPALES DE NOVIEMBRE En la sesión Especial del Concejo del 13 de agosto, los regidores de Irving votaron cancelar las elecciones de los Bonos Municipales del 3 de noviembre originalmente programada para el 2 de mayo del 2020. El concejo también enmendó la orden original de elecciones para incluir una extensión en las fechas para votar anticipadamente y los lugares para el voto del alcalde a nivel de todo el distrito, así como para los distritos únicos Lugares 3 y 5 en las elecciones del 3 de noviembre. Información adicional sobre las elecciones estará disponible en la edición de octubre del City Spectrum de Irving. n
Residents are also welcome to attend budget meetings either in person or virtually to participate in the budget process. The dates below are subject to change; check the website for details. ●
The proposed budget continues to support all essential services, including public safety, solid waste services and water delivery, and sewer and drainage maintenance. As the top resident priority in the 2020 survey, the proposed budget includes the city’s Road to the Future projects and street improvements.
S ept. 3 - First Budget/Tax Rate Hearing S ept. 10 - Second Budget/Tax Rate Hearing ● S ept. 17 - Budget/Tax Rate Adoption ●
Visit CityofIrving.org/Agendas to view meeting times, agendas and Zoom links to virtual meetings. n
City of Irving COVID-19 Financial Assistance Childcare Center Assistance Qualifying childcare providers can apply for $5,000 micro grants to help close the gap created by increased costs from new health and safety protocols at CityofIrving.org/COVID-Childcare.
Emergency Business Assistance Program Small businesses adversely affected by the current pandemic can apply for assistance in the form of a forgivable loan up to $50,000 to assist with working capital needs. Pre-applications will be accepted from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6 at CityofIrving.org/COVID-EBAP.
Childcare Payment Assistance Families impacted financially by COVID-19 and required to return to work at the place of their employment can apply for needed assistance at CityofIrving.org/COVIDYouth.
Housing & Utility Assistance Programs Residents experiencing hardship due to COIVD-19 who have lived in Irving for at least two months and meet income requirements to qualify may apply for rental and utility assistance at CityofIrving.org/COVID-Housing.
For more details on all the eligibility requirements for these programs and how to apply, check the City of Irving COVID-19 webpage CityofIrving.org/COVID19 or contact Imelda Speck, Economic Development Project Administrator, at ispeck@cityofirving.org or (972) 721-2398. Since these are federally funded programs, limitations and qualifications may apply to households/businesses that have already received assistance from the federal stimulus program known as the CARES Act provided by another agency. n
IISD SCHOOL ZONES ACTIVATED SEPT. 28 As of publication time, starting Sept. 28, Irving Independent School District (IISD) students who choose in-person learning will receive transportation services for the 2020-21 school year. To that end, drivers should expect school zones to be activated on Sept. 28 and school zone traffic laws to be enforced. As a reminder, the use of hand-held communication devices to engage in a call or to create, send or read messages by the driver is prohibited in school zones. Violation of the ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $200. School Bus Reminders Student safety is essential. School buses are designed to be highly visible, and state laws protect students getting on and off the bus. Texas school bus law requires motorists to stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction the driver is headed. A vehicle may continue moving forward once the school bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass. n
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Two New Exhibitions Make Their Debut as Irving Arts Center Plans to Reopen Galleries Sept. 15 Irving Arts Center plans to reopen its galleries beginning Sept. 15, from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. All gallery patrons and office visitors will be required to make a reservation prior to entering the building. The last reservation available each day will be 4 p.m. Social distancing and face coverings/masks will be required. Additional protocols and reopening procedures are available online at IrvingArtsCenter.com/Reopening.
"Dreamers," illustration by Yuyi Morales
Yuyi Morales: Soñadora Main Gallery | Beginning Sept. 15 Award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales was born in Xalapa, Mexico, in 1968. Heavily influenced by her upbringing in Mexico, her work gives poignant insight from an immigrant’s perspective; colorful, evocative stories and pictures leap from the page, onto the walls of Irving Arts Center’s Main Gallery.
Rail Car, Portola, CA by Lee Saloutos
Signs, Symbols & Surfaces: Photographs by Lee Saloutos Carpenter Lobby Gallery | Beginning Sept.15 Photographer Lee Saloutos creates a compelling visual narrative surrounding architecture, society and the natural world, with unique perspective, probing and exploring abandoned sites, ruins and tumbledown buildings. The subject matter frequently offers up unexpected colors and textures, as well as aspects of their makeup that are ordinarily hidden from view.
In the Galleries
Visit IrvingArtsCenter.com for virtual tours and video content featuring current exhibitions.
Steven Foutch: Prints Dupree Lobby Gallery Recent work by Steven Foutch, department chair and assistant professor of Printmaking at the University of Dallas, is on display.
"My Private Heart," by Steven Foutch
North Lake College Student Photography Exhibition Courtyard Gallery Photographs taken by Dallas College North Lake Campus students will be on display.
"Carol and Bug," by Jessica Hillman
Night/Light: Photographs by Kate Jenkins Focus Gallery Kate Jenkins teaches Photography at Dallas College North Lake Campus. Her photography often incorporates constructed narratives. In the images presented in this exhibition light plays a central role, illuminating scenes captured in the dark of night.
The Texas Tenors (from left to right) JC Fisher, John Hagen and Marcus Collins
The Texas Tenors to Perform Sept. 25-26 in Irving; Performances to be Live Streamed This past July, Irving Arts Center was pleased to work with MainStage Irving-Las Colinas (MILC) to host its first ever streaming theatrical production. The full-length three-person comedy, "An Act of God," was filmed in Irving Arts Center’s Dupree Theater and streamed by hundreds of pleased patrons from July 25 through Aug. 3. On the heels of that success, Irving Arts Center continues to work with resident groups including Entertainment Series of Irving (ESI), Irving Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and MainStage, as well as other groups and rental clients to offer streaming and on-demand performances in September and into the fall. As of publication time, future performances available for streaming were still being firmed up for ESI, while MainStage has reached an agreement to produce "Dear Elizabeth," a stage adaptation of the compiled letters of correspondence between poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell. The play, written by Sarah Ruhle, will be directed by Michael Serrecchia and should be ready for streaming and on-demand viewing in October. Meanwhile, the ISO has announced a very special streaming engagement with Emmy Award-winning, chart-topping recording artist, The Texas Tenors. The Texas Tenors will present their 10th Anniversary Tour Sept. 25-26, performing three shows with the
acclaimed Irving Symphony Orchestra under the direction of famed maestro Hector Guzman. The concerts will feature selections from the Texas Tenor’s hit albums including "A Collection of Broadway & American Classics,” "Rise,” "Country Roots, Classical Sound” and "You Should Dream.” Thanks to streaming technology, the performance now will likely be seen by not only locals, but by fans of The Texas Tenors around the world. Billboard Magazine’s #10 classical artist in the world in 2019, The Texas Tenors have amassed a huge fan base worldwide, thanks to a number of high-profile performances including on NBC's “America's Got Talent: The Champions.” The group is considered the most successful touring group in the history of that TV show, according to Pollstar, a media outlet which tracks concert ticket sales. In North Texas, their following is especially strong, as evidenced by the fact that an earlier date in March at Irving Arts Center was nearly sold out prior to being rescheduled due to the pandemic. As of publication, ticketing and streaming details were still being worked out, but that information will be available at both IrvingArtsCenter.com and at IrvingSymphony.org. There you will find all the relevant information needed to experience this groundbreaking concert event! n
Upcoming To-Go and Virtual Art Programs Every Tuesday I Virtual Lunch and Learn Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Free Lunch and Learn has gone virtual with an informal adult education program meeting weekly on Zoom to discuss art topics that tie into current exhibitions at Irving Arts Center galleries. Videos, lectures, peer presentations and guest speakers are some of the activities offered. Jump on Zoom, relax and join the conversation. For more information, email IAC Director of Exhibits Marcie Inman at minman@cityofriving.org. Sept. 3 | JumpstART Stories and Art “To Go” 10 a.m. | While Supplies Last | Free Story time moves online with take-home craft projects offered for curbside parking lot pickup on the first Thursday of the month. The theme for this month’s JumpstART is “Jump into Fall” with stories and a craft project inspired by apples, pumpkins and falling leaves! Sept. 13 | Second Sunday Funday “To Go” Edition 1 to 4 p.m. | While Supplies Last | Free Second Sunday Funday moves to a “To Go” format with take-home craft projects offered for curbside parking lot pickup. Grab a paintbrush and go with the flow to create
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"Burning Man," 2018 by Kate Jenkins
Choosing to Participate IACOnlineArt.com (Virtual Show) As the world has become more interconnected, it is more important than ever to inspire people of all ages to create positive social change. The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) has partnered with the educational organization Facing History and Ourselves to dramatically increase access to the themes and content presented in its national initiative “Choosing to Participate” with poster exhibition designed to encourage dialogue, engagement, respect and participation in classrooms and communities.
Poster from the Choosing to Participate exhibit
Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence IACOnlineArt.com (Virtual Show) Based on the National Portrait Gallery exhibition of the same name, Votes for Women seeks to expand visitors’ understanding of the suffrage movement in the United States. The poster exhibition addresses women's political activism, explores the racism that challenged universal suffrage and documents the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibits the government from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote on the basis of gender. The exhibit is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.
a colorful composition, inspired by this month’s theme “paint it.” Sept. 23 | Homeschooler Happening Virtual Meeting 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. I $5 Irving Arts Center’s quarterly home school program will resume and meet virtually on Zoom. The session will include an art lesson and virtual tour of Soñadora, a new exhibition on display in the Main Gallery which features the works of artist, author and illustrator Yuyi Morales. Two sessions will be offered with space limited to 15 families. A $5 registration fee will cover supply kits (enough for a one child), available for pick up from the Irving Arts Center prior to the sessions. Oct. 1 | Bilingual JumpstART Stories and Art “Para Llevar” (To Go) 10 a.m. | While Supplies Last I Free Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special bilingual story time, arts and crafts activities featuring the books of author and illustrator, Yuyi Morales. Take-home craft projects offered for curbside parking lot pickup. Craft project ideas and stories will be posted online as well.
College Women Picketing the White House in 1917
20th Annual Art Connection Members Show IACOnlineArt.com (Virtual Show) This nonjuried online exhibition features works by Art Connection members. Eligible entries were judged for cash awards in three categories: youth, nonprofessional and professional. An overall “Best of Show” prize also was awarded. Participating members were invited to participate in the 2020 design/theme challenge ― “Signs of the Times” ― submitting artwork that reflects on the unprecedented and challenging times we are living in; the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing protests against systemic racism, societal and economic uncertainty and other timely issues.
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Library Receives National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program offers a range of titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives that aim to inspire conversation and discovery. The main feature of the initiative is a grants program, managed by Arts Midwest, which annually supports dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read selection. Irving Public Library (IPL) has been awarded a grant of $10,000 to host the NEA Big Read in Irving. IPL will present readings, talks and a multitude of other interactive activities focused on “A Small Story About the Sky,” by renowned poet Alberto Ríos, from Jan. 23- Feb. 27, 2021.
Credit line: NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
IPL plans, situation permitting, to kick-off its NEA Big Read Jan. 23, 2021, with a fiesta in Senter Park. Over the following five weeks in Senter Park, IPL will celebrate themes from “A Small Story About the Sky” with activities that will help the public learn about and appreciate poetry, explore the desert Southwest and North Texas environments and celebrate the Hispanic culture. Activities will include workshops, craft activities, films, poetry readings, an art contest and a poetry slam event hosted by program partner Dallas Poetry Slam. Other partners include Irving Independent School District, City of Irving Parks and Recreation, Friends of the Irving Public Library, the Grand Prairie Library System and many more.
Since 2006, the NEA has funded more than 1,600 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $22 million to organizations nationwide. Over the past 13 years, grantees have leveraged more than $50 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts and videos, visit Arts.gov/NEABigRead. n
Library Origami, Virtual Programs, NTTBF Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Irving Public Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special virtual family programming. The weekly Bilingual Story Bytes program airing at 1:30 p.m. Fridays on Facebook will feature a fun and educational series of celebratory shows. The series includes a reading of Rene Saldaña’s picture book “Hit It! Hit It! Hit It! A Festival of Numbers,” a flannel board presentation and a sing-along. The first Friday of each month showcases a read-aloud presented by the Irving Library bilingual storytellers. The library also introduces a new virtual Spanish vocabulary program featuring bilingual Children’s Librarian J’Ann Alvarado. Be Bilingual with Señora J’Ann premieres at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Visit the library’s Virtual Programming page for links to playlists and more shows to watch, CityofIrving.org/3612. Through Sept. 15 | Origami Collaborative Art Project and Video Series Learn how to make origami paper cranes and help spread a message of peace! Through Sept. 15, Irving Library challenges the community to create 1,000 origami cranes to build a collaborative art piece inspired by Sadako Sasaki and the Peace Crane Project. Pick up origami paper kits and return completed cranes to the South, Valley Ranch or West locations, and check out temporary art installations outside the buildings. Share origami paper cranes on social media using #IrvingCranes.
See a list of supporting programs and online tutorial information at CityofIrving.org/Library. NTTBF Presents: Irving Public Library’s North Texas Teen Book Festival presents the following virtual author visits this month on Facebook Live and YouTube on the library’s and NTTBF channels: Sept. 8 | Picture Our World Author Panel | 7 p.m. Families are invited to attend this virtual panel to hear from authors of picture books that reflect the varied experiences of American children. Meet authors Vashti Harrison (“Little Dreamers”), Yuyi Morales (“Dreamers”), Daria Peoples Riley (“America, My Love, America My Heart”), and Dan Santat (“After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again”). Visit CityofIrving.org/3697 for channel links and more details on free books for Irving readers from the authors represented at the panel.
Sept. 18 | Heritage Senior Center Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. "Jumanji: The Next Level" | Rated PG13
CIT Y OF IRVING . ORG
Residents can help by participating in the city’s curbside recycling program. ●
R inse and dry plastic bottles or containers. D rop all approved recyclables in a blue transparent trash bag. ● P lace the bag on the curb on the designated collection day. ●
Transparent blue trash bags are available for purchase from area retailers or online. Residents also can use the Recycling Drop-Off Station at Hunter Ferrell Landfill, 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road. The station is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information on the city’s recycling program, visit CityofIrving.org/Recycling. For more information on the Every Bottle Back campaign, visit EveryBottleBack.org or search #EveryBottleBack on social media. n
SAVE THE DATE EERIE IRVING PARK OCT. 24 Bring the family out to this first-time fall event. Eerie Irving Park, a Drive-Thru Experience, will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Trinity View Park. There will be plenty of treats for children along with surprises throughout the park.
Registration is required due to a limited number of parking spots available at each recreation center. The parking lot will open one hour before show time. Attendees must stay in their vehicles at all times. Restrooms will be available inside the centers if needed, but guests must wear a mask while outside their vehicle as long as governmental orders are in place.
Sept. 11 | Lee Park Recreation Center Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" | Rated PG
According to the ABA, 35 million plastic bottles are thrown away every year. Many of those bottles end up in landfills or littering communities. It can take a regular, single-use plastic bottle up to 450 years to decompose in a landfill. With the Every Bottle Back campaign, the ABA hopes to keep plastic bottles out of landfills and turn them back into bottles or other materials. The plan drastically reduces the need to manufacture new plastic.
Visit NTTBF.org for more information.
Join the Irving Parks and Recreation Department's free outdoor Friday Night Movies Series for families to enjoy from the comfort of their cars at recreation centers throughout Irving. The six-week series will be held every Friday from Sept. 4 to Oct. 9 at the times listed below.
Sept. 4 | Cimarron Park Recreation Center Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. "Onward" | Rated PG
Today’s plastic bottles are made to be remade. The American Beverage Association (ABA) has launched the “Every Bottle Back” campaign and encourages Irving residents to help by recycling single-use plastic bottles.
Sept. 12 | Rick Riordan Presents | 2 p.m. Attend a virtual panel featuring authors from the Disney-Hyperion imprint Rick Riordan Presents with J.C. Cervantes (“The Storm Runner”), Kwame Mbalia (“Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky”) and Tehlor Kay Mejia (“Paola Santiago and the River of Tears”). The event will be moderated by North Texas Teen Book Festival spokesperson and Irving Librarian, Mandy Aguilar. To enhance the experience, free books from these authors will be available for tween and teen readers at the South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch library locations from Sept. 12-30.
Coming Soon to a Irving Recreation Center Near You
Guests can bring their own food and drinks, but alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
JOIN THE EVERY BOTTLE BACK RECYCLING MOVEMENT
Attendees must stay in their vehicles at all times. Governmental orders, including mask requirements, in place at the time of the event will be observed.
Sept. 25 | Senter Park Recreation Center Movie starts at 7:30 p.m. "Remember the Titans" | Rated PG
Make sure to like and follow Irving Parks and Recreation on Facebook @IrvingParksRec for the most up-to-date information or visit IrvingEvents.org. n
Oct. 2 | Mustang Park Recreation Center Movie starts at 7:30 p.m. "Toy Story 4" | Rated G Oct. 9 | Northwest Park Recreation Center Movie starts at 7:30 p.m. "The Good Dinosaur" | Rated PG For more information and to register, call (972) 721-7318 or visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec. n
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ILLUMINATE IRVING SHINES A LIGHT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE More than 12 million men and women are victims of domestic violence each year in the United States, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. That is an average of 24 people a minute experiencing violence from their intimate partner. Completed Channel Construction
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the City of Irving is shining a light on this silent crime throughout the month. For the health and safety of the community, Illuminate Irving will not feature an in-person event this year. Instead, the Irving Family Advocacy Center (FAC) will offer residents “to-go” kits that will include a variety of materials individuals can take home to decorate lanterns in honor of a domestic violence victim. Lantern decorating kits can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Sept. 28 at the Family Advocacy Center, 600 W. Pioneer Drive, while supplies last. After decorating lanterns, participants can perform a lantern release at home in a pool, bathtub or any container filled with water. Individuals are encouraged to take a photo or video of the lantern release and submit it by Oct. 16. Photos and video will be used in an Irving Domestic Violence Awareness Month video. Digital media can be submitted at Dropbox.com/ request/rX3GYFSK4EJ17Dd9xK33. During the last week in October, the Irving Police Department (IPD) will share the Domestic Violence Awareness Month video on its social media accounts, featuring resident submissions, as well as survivor stories and a performance from the Nimitz High School choir. For additional information, visit CityofIrving.org/ Illuminate or call (972) 721-6550. Show Support with Purple The FAC and IPD also encourage the Irving community to support and honor domestic violence victims and survivors by displaying purple lights or ribbons in their neighborhoods, offices and businesses throughout October. Individuals also can wear a purple ribbon or attire to support the awareness campaign. Additionally, the FAC asks businesses and individuals to share photos of their purple support on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #IlluminateIrving and #DVAM. n
Pedestrian Bridge at Jaycee Park
Construction Continues on Delaware Creek Drainage Improvement Project The City of Irving currently is working on Phases 3 and 4 of the Delaware Creek Basin drainage channel improvement project. The project began in 2016 to accommodate stormwater runoff from increased road, retail and residential development upstream. The project includes expanding and improving existing drainage channels, adding fencing along channel walls and installing upgraded wastewater mains to increase capacity. Phase 4 of the project runs from Cripple Creek Drive to Jaycee Park and includes three pedestrian bridges and three vehicular bridges. Phase 4 is the largest portion of the Delaware Creek project and includes water and wastewater improvements. The bridges at Cripple Creek Drive and Jaycee Park are now complete. The city replaced the former pedestrian bridge at Jaycee Park with an updated bridge compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, crews are expanding the Jaycee Park pond to accommodate more stormwater capacity and will add concrete block walls around the area to match the aesthetics of the drainage channel walls. The Sunnybrook Drive and Puritan Drive bridges are currently being installed. The city anticipates completion of the bridges by the end of November. Block concrete walls along the channel, water and wastewater
improvements and the reopening of Jaycee Park are expected by the end of the year. The entirety of the $22 million Phase 4 portion of the project is slated for completion in 2022. Much of the $14 million Phase 3 portion of the Delaware Creek project is now complete. Brockbank Channel, a smaller branch of the creek, runs from Grauwyler Road to Lively Park and is currently under construction. Brockbank is scheduled for completion at the end of 2020. Once this section is finished, the lower Delaware Creek project will be complete. The city completed work on Phase 1, Delaware Creek from Grauwyler Road to Cripple Creek Drive and Embassy Channel from Delaware Creek to State Highway 183, in October 2017. Phase 2, Brockbank Channel from Grauwyler Road to State Highway 183, was finished in May 2018. Phases 3 and 4 are expected to protect an estimated 200 homes from the 100-year flood plain. The Delaware Creek Basin project is intended to reduce floodplain limits in Irving and protect public and private property. Visit CityofIrving.org/Investing-in-Our-Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
Artist Renderings
City Moves Forward on West Park Playground Replacement Project
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT OCT. 6 Planning a National Night Out party for the neighborhood? The Irving Police Department (IPD) invites neighborhoods to register and reserve an officer or representative from the department to visit the block party. Visit CityofIrving.org/NNO2020 to register by Sept. 29. IPD will follow any orders issued by Dallas County at the time of the event. Be aware and plan according to governmental orders by limiting group sizes, social distancing and requiring masks when social distancing is not an option. n
This fall, the City of Irving will start renovation of the playground at West Park, 530 Davis Drive. The city will remove the existing structure and replace it with a new playground. The project was unanimously approved during the July 16 Irving City Council meeting. The $350,000 project is funded through Community Development Block Grants. The playground replacement is a combined effort of the city’s Capital Improvement Program, Parks and Recreation and Planning and Community Development departments.
New play equipment will be installed with fresh ground surfacing and an improved drainage system.
The current playground was installed in 1999. Due to aging, it is now in a condition that is beyond repair. Crews will demolish the current structures and surfacing.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Investing-in-Our-Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
The city’s objective for the project is to create an inspiring, inclusive playground for children of all abilities to play and explore, as well as a sensory-rich and aesthetically pleasing experience for residents and visitors. The city also looks to create a family-friendly environment that encourages child-parent interactions. The project is slated for completion in December, weather permitting.
2020 Census: Change the World in 10 Minutes With a few simple questions, the 2020 Census allows residents the opportunity to change the world in 10 minutes or less. The deadline to fill out the 2020 Census was extended to Sept. 30. Those who fill out the online census form help guarantee that every resident in the City of Irving is heard and the community receives its fair share of federal funding for schools, housing, health care, emergency relief and transportation projects. Respondents ensure that Irving residents can be fully represented at national, state and local levels, and that voting districts can be drawn fairly. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve depended on federal and state funding for assistance. An accurate
population count helps us get residents the help they need,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. The questions are simple: Name, age, birth date, sex, race, ethnicity, address, relationship, other addresses, rent or own and phone number. Individual answers are kept private, but everyone’s answers together affect the future of Irving, determining political representation and access to resources over the next decade. Census workers are visiting residences that have not yet responded. The Census Bureau will continue to collect data until Sept. 30. Respond today, and change the world! Visit 2020Census.gov or call (844) 330-2020. n
“City Spectrum” is published by the City of Irving Communications Department to keep residents informed of city news, events and information. For additional information, visit CityofIrving.org. P. 4
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