City Offices Closed
CITY VING
2025 / VOL 32 / NO 08
Collection
Budget Planning Underway + Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Residents
As the City of Irving prepares for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025–26 (FY26), residents have multiple opportunities to get involved and stay informed. The city is inviting public input on the budget while also announcing increased tax relief for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners.
BUDGET INPUT TIME
Planning for the city’s FY26 budget is underway, and leadership is gathering suggestions, feedback and opinions on what should be considered for the FY26 budget.
Public Input Sessions City Hall | 825 W. Irving Blvd. Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 | 7 p.m.
Adoption of the budget is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, and the city’s budget year runs from Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026. To learn more about the city’s budget, visit IrvingTX.gov/Budget and click on the "FY25 Budget Executive Summary" tab for an overview of the current fiscal year budget.
Send input via email to AskTheBFFs@ IrvingTX.gov or scan the QR code to fill out the Budget Input form.
CITY COUNCIL RAISES RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD
TAX EXEMPTION
In June, the Irving City Council approved a $5,000 increase to the residential homestead tax exemption for property owners who are either disabled or over 65 years old. With this increase, qualified homeowners would see $60,000 of the appraised value of their residential property exempt from City of Irving ad valorem taxes for FY26 and beyond.
Qualified residents who have not already applied for the City of Irving homestead exemption for seniors and disabled residents must submit their application with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) to receive the tax exemption.
For more information, call (214) 631-0910 or visit DallasCAD.org
Animal Services Prepares for Clear
Shelters, National Dog Day Events in August
Animal Services (IAS) is gearing up for a busy August with adoption events throughout the month. Residents should mark their calendars for these events and help bring home a forever friend. Throughout August, IAS will reduce adoption fees to only $25.
Aug. 8 | International Cat Day
Celebrate the international event with an entire day dedicated to honoring and promoting cat adoptions.
Aug. 16-17 | Clear the Shelters MEGA Adoption Event
Join more than 20 North Texas Shelters/Humane Societies at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., in Fort Worth. The event, hosted by the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), features animal shelters across North Texas all under one roof with more than 1,000 animals available for adoption. There will be dogs, cats and small critters. Adoption fees through IAS are waived; however, other participating vendors’ adoption fees will be $25 or less and include spay/neutering, microchipping and age-appropriate vaccinations. For more information, visit HSNT.org/MEGA
Aug. 23 | Clear the Shelters
All animal adoption fees will be waived on this day by IAS and DFW Humane
pigs and more are free to adopt.
Aug. 26 | National Dog Day
Residents can celebrate and honor their love of dogs by adopting a new forever friend for $25. IAS, located at 4140 Valley View Lane, is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday,
Residents
Below is a list of boards and commissions:
Board of Adjustments and Appeals
For board description, qualifications and meeting frequency, visit IrvingTX.gov/ City-Secretary and select “Boards and Commissions.”
Society. Dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea
National Water Quality Month + World Water Week
August is National Water Quality Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of clean, accessible water and the role it plays in our health, communities and environment. With only a small percentage of the Earth’s water being fresh and available for everyday use, this month serves as a reminder that water is a limited resource — and one we all share a responsibility to protect.
Later this month, the global spotlight turns to World Water Week (Aug. 25–29), an international conference that brings together scientists, community leaders and innovators to address the world’s most pressing water challenges. Topics range from food security and climate change to technology and biodiversity — all viewed through the lens of global water sustainability.
In Irving, the Water Utilities staff works year-round to deliver clean, reliable drinking water to over 265,000 residents and the 200,000 individuals who work in Irving daily. Each year, the Environmental Compliance Division of Irving Water Utilities publishes a Water Quality Report detailing the chemistry of the city’s water, which consistently meets or exceeds all state and federal standards. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has awarded Irving’s water system a Superior rating — the highest possible — recognizing its excellence in water quality, operation and management.
To view Irving’s 2024 Water Quality Report, visit IrvingTX.gov/Water-Report
Residents are encouraged to do their part to help conserve this precious resource, like watering during cooler hours, checking and repairing leaks, and using smart irrigation controllers. Even small changes can make a big impact.
Residents should take a few minutes to inspect sprinkler systems and adjust spray heads several times each year, and should always skip watering when rain is in the forecast. The city offers free sprinkler system checkups to help identify issues and save water. Checkups can be scheduled at IrvingTX.gov/Irrigation-Checkup-Form Remember, every drop counts.
In the Galleries at Irving Arts Center
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.
Portraits of Dementia Through Aug. 16 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Exhibition destigmatizing those living with dementia through moving portraits and stories of lives well lived.
Photographer Joe Wallace shows not only dementia’s fear, loss and despair, but also the love, dignity and humanity which prevails thanks to loved ones and caregivers.
Amy Branch-Lambert: The Dance Lives On Through Aug. 30 | Focus Gallery
Features work by ceramics artist Amy Branch-Lambert that explores her brother’s life through the greater project of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt. At the center of the installation is a ceramic quilt displayed alongside an actual panel in honor of her brother, Kenneth Branch.
Beauty is Not Always Pretty: Recent Photographs & Prints by Bill Thompson
Aug. 30 - Nov. 29 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Artist Reception Sept. 19 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Details of old railroad cars and the variegated, husk-covered surface of palm trees are the focus of approximately 30 photographs and screen prints included in the exhibition “Beauty is Not Always Pretty: Recent Photographs & Prints by Bill Thompson.” For Thompson, who sees his primary journey as an artist as one focused on the subjects found in his everyday surroundings, these objects are metaphors that celebrate purpose and reveal themes of sacrifice and redemption.
We’ve Been Framed: IDAC Volunteer Art Showcase
Through Sept. 27 | Focus Gallery
Features artwork created by those who volunteer their time working alongside the City of Irving’s Department of Arts and Culture.
Rooted Visions
Through Oct. 18 | Main Gallery
Showcase of 25 self-taught Southern Black artists, who have redefined artistic expression with their innovative use of found objects and everyday materials. Artists such as Mose Tolliver, Hawkins Bolden and Bessie Harvey explore themes of resilience, storytelling and the transformative power of creativity.
De Profundis: Echoes of the Deep, Paintings by Giselle Castro-Brightenburg
Through Oct. 25 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
Artist Reception Sept. 19 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Castro-Brightenburg's work is a celebration of the natural world, focusing on its myriad shapes, colors and the intricate relationships within it. The artist draws inspiration from sea anemones, creatures with a dual nature — both inveterate animals and flower-like beings. She captures the juxtaposition of beauty and predatory instinct, exploring concepts which blur the line between what they are and what they seem to be.
For more information about all activities planned and to register, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
Irving Archives & Museum Events & Happenings
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Through Sept. 28 | Badge of Pride: From Silence… To Celebration!
This landmark exhibit offers one of the first and most comprehensive artifact-driven explorations of LGBTQ+ history in Texas.
Photo: National Gay Rights March Pinback – Washington DC, 1979; Badge of Pride Collection.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Enjoy Second Saturday with free admission and activities for everyone at the Irving Archives and Museum.
IRVING ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $7, Ages 4-12 $5
UPCOMING PROGRAM
Aug. 30 | A Conversation with Katherine Ott 1:30 p.m. | Free Join historian Katherine Ott for a conversation on the joy of working in museums, the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history and embracing the possibilities of America.
Ott is a curator in the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where she documents LGBTQ+ history, the history of gender and sexuality, disability, ophthalmology, dermatology and other subjects. She has curated exhibitions on HIV and AIDS, the Stonewall Uprising, the Americans with Disabilities Act, polio and prosthetics.
DISABILITY AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST
Irving fourth graders are invited to enter the Irving Disability Advisory Committee’s annual poster contest. Participants are encouraged to show how people with disabilities use their abilities to contribute to the community.
Winners will have their art showcased inside City Hall, Baylor Scott & White – Irving and Irving ISD facilities. Winners will be recognized at the Oct. 2 City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Students in public, private or home schools are invited to participate. Submit entries by 5 p.m. on Sept. 12. Artwork must be created using watercolor, pencil, pastels or crayon on 8.5 by 11-inch cardstock.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/Disabilities-Poster-Contest
EVENTS AT IRVING ARTS CENTER
From inspiring family-friendly programs to unforgettable performances, there is always something happening at Irving Arts Center.
Through Aug. 2 | Noises Off Times Vary | $26.50-$33.50
Presented by MainStage A side-splitting backstage farce with slamming doors, falling trousers and flying sardines! Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure.
Aug. 7 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Dog Days of Summer 10 a.m. | Free Join a free story time
SCAN ME
Rooted Visions showcases the work of 25 black artists from the South.
2024 Disability Poster Contest Winners
Noises Off, presented by MainStage.
Photo by Kris Ikejiri Second
Irving Summer Aquatic Activities
Aquatics Facilities Schedule
Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) | 200 S. Jefferson St.
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 | Closed
North Lake Natatorium (NLN) | 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Closed Aug. 4 through Aug 23 | Reopening Aug. 25
Monday through Friday | 6 to 7 a.m., 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday | Closed
Cimarron Family Aquatic Center (CFAC) | 199 Red River Trail Summer Hours through Aug. 10
Tuesday through Friday | 2 to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 7 p.m.
Monday | Closed Fall Hours start Aug. 11
Saturday & Sunday | noon to 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday | Closed
Lee Aquatic Park (LAP) | 3000 Pamela Drive
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday | 2 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 7 p.m.
Monday | Closed
West Irving Aquatic Center (WIAC) | 3701 Conflans Road
Tuesday through Friday | 2 to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 7 p.m.
Monday | Closed
LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM
Registration Opens Aug. 25 at 9 a.m. Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingRec to register.
Solo Español / Spanish Only
Ages Preschool and 4+ | NLN | $48
Martes | Sep. 9-Oct. 14 | Día de recuperacíon Oct. 21
Women-Only
Ages 12+ | $48 | NLN
Thursdays | Sept. 11-Oct. 16 | Make-up Oct. 23
Group Lessons
All Ages, 6 mo.+ | $48 | NLN
Mondays & Wednesdays | Sept. 8-24
Make-Up Sept. 29
Fridays | Sept. 12-Oct. 17 | Make-up Oct. 24
Saturdays | Sept. 13-Oct. 18 | Make-up Oct. 25
Private Lessons Ages Preschool and 3+ | $144 | NLN
Mondays | Sept. 8-22 | Make-up Sept. 29
Tuesdays | Sept. 9-23 | Make-up Sept. 30
Wednesdays | Sept. 10-24 | Make-up Oct. 1
Fridays | Sept. 12-26 | Make-up Oct. 3
Saturdays | Sept. 13-27 | Make-up Oct. 4
Semiprivate lessons are also available for $180; email Aquatics@IrvingTX.gov
AQUATIC PROGRAMS
Saturdays | Aqua Trek Aerobics
10 to 10:45 a.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | LAP
Saturdays | Aqua Synergy Aerobics
11 to 11:45 a.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | LAP
Saturdays | Power H2O Noon to 12:45 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | LAP
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | Senior Pep Water Aerobics, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | HAC
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | Senior EZ Water Aerobics, noon to 12:45 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | HAC
Mondays-Thursdays | Night Steppers Water Aerobics
6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | HAC
Aug. 2 | Guard Ready
10 to 11 a.m. | Ages 14+ | Free | WIAC
Work with an instructor to improve your swimming skills and pass the pretests. All participants are eligible to attend a City of Irving Lifeguard Certification once they have passed the pretests.
Aug. 5-8 | Beat the Heat
5 to 10 p.m. | All Ages | Pool Admission | LAP & WIAC Enjoy the pool under the cover of night and stars.
Aug. 9 & 23 | Tales & Tides Saturdays | noon to 12:45 p.m.| Ages 4-7 | Free | LAP Story time with a Splash.
Aug. 23 | Disco Splash Bash
5 to 9:30 p.m. | All Ages | Pool Admission | CFAC Enjoy the pool under the cover of night and stars in the sky.
Sept. 8 | Irving Sharks Swim Team Tryouts
6 to 7 p.m. & 7 to 8 p.m. | Ages 7-17 | Free | NLN Practices will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 22 to Nov. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. Try-out registration opens Aug. 25 at 9 a.m.
Library Summer Activities + Programs
“Color Our World” Summer Reading Challenge Prizes Summer Reading Challenge prizes may be picked up through Aug. 13, subject to availability. Visit IrvingLibrary. ReadSquared.com for more information.
Donate, Circulate, Decorate
Throughout August, bring gently used ornaments and decorations for any holiday to South Irving Library, and then from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 27, stop by the library for the Community Holiday Home Décor Swap. This is an opportunity to discover fresh flair to brighten displays for the seasons ahead.
As the library closes the book on this summer’s programs, it continues to provide opportunities for readers of all ages.
Kids The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (1KB4K) program encourages families to read with their young children to build early literacy skills. Participants track progress as children prepare for school success, one book at a time. Visit IrvingLibrary.ReadSquared.com for more information.
At 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at West Irving Library, students in grades 3-5 are invited to join the final meeting of a summertime book club created just for them. The selected title is “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda,” and the book club features a discussion and themed activities. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Kids-Library for more details about this book club and others coming up in the fall.
Adults
The Fully Booked Reading Challenge inspires adults to read year-round and earn prizes along the way. Participants choose books according to themed prompts and track their progress on READsquared or on a printed log. Irving Public Library’s book clubs offer readers a chance to connect and discover new favorites. From mysteries and romance to graphic novels and literary fiction, readers will find a club for every interest and at every location. See a full schedule and join the conversation at IrvingTX.gov/Book-Clubs.
Book club kits are also available for those who would like to host their own discussions. Preregistration with a library card is required. For more details, visit IrvingTX. gov/Book-Clubs.
PROGRAMS
LIBRARY
Find out more about events, online services, MiY Zone requirements and updates by visiting the library’s website at IrvingTX.gov/Library and social media.
PARKS AND RECREATION CENTER ACTIVITIES
Activities are offered for all ages year-round. Register in person at a local recreation center or online at IrvingTX.gov/IrvingRec
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
Aug. 29 | Paints & Pastries
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $10
Unwind with an evening of painting, pastries and creativity. Register by Aug. 22.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Dr., (972) 721-2519
Aug. 16 | Back to School Backpack Giveaway
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 5-17 | Free Free school supply and backpack giveaways.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
Aug. 7 | Trip: World Springs Resort 4 p.m. |
awarded.
Mondays & Wednesdays | Indoor Tennis 5 to 7 p.m. | Ages 7-14 | $60 per hour Learn basic tennis skills needed to compete in a more comfortable and fast-paced setting.
Thursdays | Zumba 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $5 per class
Come join the party, and ditch the workout.
Northwest Park Recreation Center 2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
Aug. 22 | Pottery Painting 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $5 Transform raw pottery into a work of art.
FIFTY YEARS OF FUNDRAISING WITH THE FRIENDS
The Friends of the Irving Public Library organization, which supports and raises funds for the library, is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In August, the Friends will host two sales offering a wide selection of books, music and movies. Both sales take place at the Friends Warehouse, 3000 Rock Island Road.
Aug. 2 | Back to School Sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Open to the public.
Aug. 6 | Members-Only Book Sale 1 to 3 p.m. | Not a member of the Friends organization? Memberships are available at the door.
Visit FriendsofIrvingLibrary.com for more information.
SCAN ME
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION GRANT PROGRAM
The Irving Neighborhood Grant Program is available to neighborhood associations registered with the City of Irving. The program encourages neighborhood leaders to implement projects that will foster a spirit of community. Information on registering your neighborhood association, benefits of registration and eligibility for the 2025-26 Neighborhood Grant Program is available on the city’s website at IrvingTX.gov/ Neighborhood-Services
Registered Irving neighborhood associations can apply for a grant of up to $2,500 annually that can be used for:
Communications – newsletters, fliers, website, etc.
Neighborhood Identity – street sign toppers, banners, etc.
Physical Improvements – minor improvements of green spaces, tree planting and beautification projects.
Special Events – National Night Out, Block Party, neighborhood socials, etc.
Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 22 to Neighborhood Services, 825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, Texas 75060 or via email at bassels@IrvingTX.gov. Applications will be reviewed, approved and awarded by a committee, subject to approval of funds by City Council.
WILD ANIMALS IN IRVING
Irving Animal Services (IAS) responds to situations involving wildlife when public safety is in jeopardy or a wild animal is injured or sick. However, the mere presence of a native wild animal does not typically constitute a public safety threat. Preventing wild animals from becoming accustomed to people is the first step in reducing wildlife conflicts.
Wild animals will continue to come to a location if they find sources of food, water or shelter needed for survival. Trapping and removing wildlife do not solve the problem, because that simply creates a vacancy for another wild animal to move in and use the available resources.
Prevent + Resolve Wildlife Conflicts
A few simple measures can help prevent or resolve conflicts between you and your wild neighbors:
Never intentionally feed wildlife
Keep trash containers tightly sealed
Feed pets indoors or pick up any remaining food after giving about 30 minutes to eat
Hang bird feeders out of reach of other animals. Do not leave bird seed in feeders or on the ground overnight
If you have a pet door, close it securely at night
Wildlife Deterrent Service Available
IAS has deterrent devices available for loan to residents and businesses, such as ultrasonic devices and motion-activated sprinklers and lights.
These devices can be borrowed for up to two weeks, free of charge. Information about how to use the devices is provided. Borrowers must sign a deterrent agreement.
To learn more, visit the Urban Wildlife page at IrvingTX.gov/Urban-Wildlife
Construction Continues on Police + Fire Facilities
The City of Irving’s public safety continues to evolve as its residential and business footprint flourishes. To meet the current needs of the community while preparing for increased service in the future, Irving's Police and Fire departments are expanding and enhancing several of their public safety facilities including the Irving Animal Care Campus, Live Fire Tactical Training Center and Fire Station 8. Construction is underway and each of the multimilliondollar projects are slated for completion in 2026.
Irving Animal Care Campus Expansion Project
Construction on the existing Irving Animal Care Campus, 4140 Valley View Lane, began in November 2024. Progress on the $6.35 million project has temporarily slowed due to a required change order and the sequence of operations. The contractor is acquiring the necessary equipment to install a new electrical service and is coordinating with Oncor to ensure a timely installation. The contractor also has been working to ensure the site is secure, completing requests by the operations teams, and working to complete the foundation for the west-facing addition.
The new project will include larger kennel spaces, expanded quarantine space, enlarged Isolation Unit space, additional exterior dog runs and improvements to the HVAC system for a healthier environment. Additionally, a state-of-the-art clinical facility, including surgery, radiology, ICU and exam rooms will be constructed in the new space. A reception area, dog and cat transfer space, and repurposing of the current clinical spaces are slated for the construction project.
The project is 43% complete and is expected to be finished in April 2026, weather permitting.
New Fire Station 8
Construction on the new Fire Station 8 began in January. The $15.3 million construction project will relocate the
current Fire Station 8 at 650 E. Las Colinas Blvd. to the site of the former DART Transit Station at 5601 Riverside Drive. Underground utilities are now complete, and the slab has been poured. Vertical building framework began in July, and work is now underway for the installation of a new emergency traffic light on Riverside Drive.
The new 19,579 square-foot fire station will include:
Four pass-through apparatus bays
Full kitchen and day room
Exercise areas
Lodging for on-duty personnel
Designated voting space that also serves as a Fire Department training area
Boathouse and fire boat to service properties adjacent to Lake Carolyn
Staging for an all-terrain EMS vehicle for Campion Trail emergencies
The project is approximately 35% complete and is slated to open in late March 2026, weather permitting.
Live Fire Tactical Training Center
Construction is underway on the Live Fire Tactical Training Center at Belt Line Road and State Highway 161. The facility was included in the 2021 Bond Election to help meet the growing needs of the Irving Police Department. Roof framing and decking are in place. The concrete roof has been poured, along with slab in the office area. Walls are now framed in the interior of the facility.
The new facility will include modern policing capabilities, including adding more space for long-range weapons training, as well as dynamic, multi-use space for mobile tactical training.
The project is currently 40% complete and is expected to open in February 2026, weather permitting.
For more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure investments, visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests
Princeton Booster Pump Station to Undergo Multi-Year Expansion Project
Expansions to Irving’s Princeton Booster Pump Station, located near Princeton, Texas, will begin this fall. The project will increase the facility’s pumping capacity to support the additional water that will soon be entering Irving’s Chapman Lake Raw Water Supply System from the Upper Trinity Regional Water District’s (UTRWD) new Lake Ralph Hall.
Project Scope
Replace the six existing pumps with larger models (three 400-horsepower pumps and three 2,000-horsepower pumps)
Install an additional 2,000-horsepower pump for increased pumping capacity and redundancy
Construct a new electrical building
Install new electrical equipment to support the larger pumps
Upgrade existing facility components including the communications equipment, septic system and a full roof replacement
The expansion project will increase the facility’s pumping capacity by 60%, from 65-million-gallons-per-day to 104 million. Princeton Booster Pump Station is a critical piece of the City of Irving’s over 70-miles of raw water supply system; the pump station facilitates moving water from Chapman Lake used by Irving. Once complete, Lake
Irving
Funding Sources
Clean, Safe Water for All
For decades, Irving officials have strived to create water independence for the City of Irving and reduce reliance on the City of Dallas for raw water requirements. Through continued investments in the water supply system, the city remains committed to delivering clean, safe water to everyone in Irving.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
Police Remind Drivers: No Cellphones in School Zones
As the new school year begins this month, the Irving Police Department reminds drivers that using hand-held cellphones in active school zones is prohibited. Motorists cannot engage in calls by talking, dialing or listening on a hand-held mobile device, nor can they enter or read text or email messages.
The ban applies to hand-held cellphones and other electronic communication devices.
Violations are considered a Class C misdemeanor and may result in fines. However, drivers may use hands-free devices in school zones and are permitted to use phones during emergencies involving fire, police or ambulance services.
Safety Reminders from Irving Police
Stay alert and minimize distractions near schools.
Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing or the stop-arm is extended.
Always obey posted school zone speed limits.
Yield to crossing guards and pedestrians in crosswalks.
Tips for Parents and Students
Remind children to use sidewalks and to cross only at designated crosswalks.
Students should make eye contact with drivers before crossing and never assume vehicles will stop.
Walkers, bikers and bus riders should arrive early to avoid rushing.
School zone times are clearly marked on street signs and may vary by campus start and dismissal schedules.
For more information about school zone safety, visit IrvingTX.gov or call the Irving Police Department’s nonemergency line at (972) 273-1010.
Ralph Hall in northeast Texas will be used by UTRWD. Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2029.