New Mustang Recreation + Aquatics Facility Breaks Ground
Irving Elects New City Council Members
89th Texas Legislative Session Ends
More than 2,500 of the 8,719 bills filed in the recently concluded state legislative session affected city governments in some way.
One significant bill that could not be stopped is Senate Bill (SB) 840, which requires cities with a population of more than 150,000 to allow multi-family construction without a zoning case in commercial, office and warehouse zoning districts. Irving opposed this bill throughout the entire legislative process and asked Governor Greg Abbott to veto the bill. The last day for the governor to veto legislation was June 22 without a veto from the governor, the bill automatically becomes law after 20 days.
House Bill (HB) 21, which stops out-of-area housing finance corporations (HFCs) from coming into a city or county, purchasing a property, and removing it from the property tax rolls, was signed on May 28 by Governor Abbott and is now in effect. Prior to this legislation, HFCs from Cameron County and Pecos, TX, have purchased apartments in Irving, claimed to offer some level of reduced rent for affordable housing, and removed the properties from the city’s tax rolls. Irving has estimated its revenue loss from these actions at more than $700,000.
Summer at Irving Arts Center
TICKETED EVENTS
July 6 | Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
Presented by Fever
6:15 p.m. | $30-$66
The music of Taylor Swift will be performed by the Listeso String Quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight.
July 6 | Candlelight Queen vs ABBA Presented by Fever
8:45 p.m. | $30-$66
The music of Queen and ABBA will be performed by the Listeso String Quartet under the warm candlelight glow.
July 18 -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-ofcontrol egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure.
YOUTH & FAMILY EVENTS
July 10 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Picnic Time for Teddy Bears!
10 a.m. | Free
Join a free story time and art activity, moved from first Thursday of the month due to holiday. This month read teddy bear stories, sing songs and make a fun, teddy bear-themed craft.
July 13 | Second Sunday Funday: At the Beach + Second Sunday Open Studio for Teens
1 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Drop in to dive into seaside and beach-themed summer art projects that are fun to make for all ages.
Additional bills the city opposed that did not pass include:
HB 19: Limited overall debt issues to 20% of the city’s budget, and all but eliminated the use of certificates of obligation for short-term fixes needs.
SB 673: Required cities to allow accessory dwelling units in any residential zoning district.
HB 111: Restricted a city’s ability to go into a closed session to talk about pending litigation.
HB 23: Allowed developers to hire their own people to review their development plans, after which the city would be required to issue a building permit.
HB 4272: Required cities to pay the costs of utility relocations on infrastructure projects, something currently required of the utility companies.
SB 924: Would have virtually eliminated franchise fees paid to the city by telecommunications entities. A bill that eliminated some of those fees passed in 2021.
In an unexpected but welcome turn of events, the city is set to receive $2.1 million for the Campion Trail project Funding was included in the state budget and requested by Rep. Cassandra Garcia-Hernandez, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Irving Legislative Insider is a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the impacts state legislation has on the community. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Legislative-Affairs for more information and to subscribe to email updates. n
SUMMER ART CAMPS THIS MONTH
MINI-CAMPS FOR AGES 4-5
Camps meet Monday -Friday from 10 a.m. to noon
Class Fees | $95 each camp (art supplies included)
July 7-11 | Intro to Art Mini Camp - Intergalactic Adventures
July 21-25 | Intro to Art Mini Camp - If You Give a Kid a Paintbrush
July 28-Aug 1 | Intro to Theatre Mini Camp - The Magic School Bus, A Dramatic Adventure
ART ADVENTURE CAMPS FOR AGES 6-12
Camps meet Monday -Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Class Fees | $225 each camp (art supplies included)
July 7-11 | Out of this World Designs
July 14-18 | S.T.E.A.M. Powered
July 21-25 | Pop Art & Patterns
July 28-Aug. 1 | Rinse & Repeat
TEEN CAMPS FOR AGES 13-16
Camps meet Monday -Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Class Fees | $225 each camp (art supplies included)
July 14-18 | Teen Camp Summer Studio Intensive: Drawing, Painting & Mixed Media
For more information about all activities planned and to register, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
Irving Archives & Museum Events & Happenings
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Through Aug. 10 | Caribbean Indigenous Resistance / Resistencia indígena del Caribe ¡Taíno Vive!
Through Sept. 28 | Badge of Pride: From Silence…To Celebration!
STAY COOL WITH A/C REPAIR ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS
Qualified homeowners in Irving may be eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 to help cover the cost of A/C repair, thanks to federal Community Development Block Grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The city’s Emergency Repair Program is designed to support low- to moderate-income homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. Grants are awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis, so don’t wait to apply!
Key Eligibility Details
Home must be owner-occupied and the owner's primary residence.
Household income must meet HUD income guidelines.
Supporting documents are required at the time of application.
Repairs must not be covered by existing homeowner's insurance.
Previously purchased units or past repairs are not eligible.
Window units are not eligible.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/HousingRehab For more information and to apply Don't miss this opportunity to stay safe and comfortable — apply now while funds are available. n
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.
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 BranchLambert 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.
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.
Exhibition presents the history of the Taínos, the Indigenous peoples of the northern Caribbean islands, and how their descendants are reaffirming their culture and identity today. The bilingual (English/Spanish) exhibition was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of the American Latino.
Photo: The Beginning of the End, a painting from contemporary Taíno artist Albert Areizaga showcases the destruction that European colonization brought to the Caribbean. Courtesy of Albert Areizaga.
IRVING
This landmark exhibit offers one of the first and most comprehensive artifact-driven explorations of LGBTQ+ history in Texas.
Photo: Button from LGBT 1993 March on Washington. With 800,000+ participants, this march pushed for military inclusion, legal protections and marriage equality.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Enjoy Second Saturday with free admission and activities for everyone at the Irving Archives and Museum.
July 12 | Sacred Symbols: Paint Your Story 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages
Celebrate resilience and identity through art. Inspired by Caribbean Indigenous Resistance: ¡Taíno Vive!, this dropin activity invites visitors of all ages to reflect on their roots, strength and stories — then express them on a personal canvas. Use symbols, colors and shapes to create a meaningful keepsake to take home. Come explore, create and connect through culture.
De Profundis: Echoes of the Deep, Paintings by Giselle Castro-Brightenburg
July 12-Oct. 25 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
Giselle’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. Giselle 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 Arvo Pärt”, oil on canvas by Giselle Castro-Brightenburg
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ANIMAL CONNECTION EXPERIENCE
AT FRITZ PARK
312 E. Vilbig St.
OPEN THRU JULY 27 IrvingTX.gov/Parks-Trails
Irving Summer Aquatic Activities
Aquatics Facilities Schedule Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) | 200 S. Jefferson St.
Monday & Wednesday | 7 a.m. to noon, 5 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday | 7 a.m. to noon
Saturday & Sunday | Closed
North Lake Natatorium (NLN) | 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Tuesday through Friday | 2 to 9 p.m.
Saturday through Monday | Closed
Cimarron Family Aquatic Center (CFAC) | 199 Red River Trail, Lee Aquatic Park (LAP) | 3000 Pamela Drive, West Irving Aquatic Center (WIAC) | 3701 Conflans Road
Tuesday through Friday | 2 to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 1 to 7 p.m.
Monday | Closed
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
Tuesdays-Thursdays | Sundown Splash Aerobics
7 to 7:45 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | CFAC
Tuesdays-Thursdays | Cardio, Flow and Aqua Aerobics
8 to 8:45 p.m. | Ages 18+ | $2 | CFAC
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
July 7-9 or July 21-23 | Blended Lifeguard
Certification Training
Ages 15 and older | $125/$250 | NLN
Become a certified lifeguard. Irving Parks and Recreation hires Red Cross certified lifeguards for part- and full-time summer and year-round positions. Blended learning combines online learning with in-person skills sessions where you will practice skills and demonstrate
competency. Plan to complete all eLearning modules at least two days prior to the first in-person skills session. Must provide proof of completed eLearning content. Successful completion of the course will result in American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid, CPRProfessional Rescuer and AED certifications.
Prerequisite 1: Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (Continuous, Without Rest)
Jump into the water, fully submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Tread water for two minutes using only the legs.
Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2: Timed Event (1 minute, 40 seconds)
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (Face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingRec to register online or in person at the North Lake Natatorium.
July 12 & 26 | Tales & Tides Saturdays | noon to 12:45 p.m.| Ages 4-7
Story time with a Splash.
July 19 | Tie-Dye Tiki Splash
5 to 7 p.m. | All Ages | Pool Admission | CFAC
An evening of tropical tie-dye, hula dancing and tikiinspired games. Create a vibrant shirt, savor refreshing treats and watch Surf’s Up (PG, 2007).
July 22-31 | Learn to Swim Program Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays | 5 to 9 p.m. | $48 per session | NLN, CFAC Registration opens July 18 at IrvingTX.gov/IrvingRec.
July 31 | Summerween
7 to 10 p.m. | All Ages | WIAC
Celebrate summer with a spooky twist — Halloween thrills and splashtacular fun collide!
For the most up-to-date information, spray park locations and hours, visit IrvingTX.gov/Aquatics
Library Summer Activities and Programs
Color Our World with Reading Challenges Irving Public Library invites all ages to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Color Our World through July 31. Participants may register online through ReadSquared to track reading, post reviews, explore book recommendations and play interactive games. Printed reading logs are also available at all library locations.
Babies, children and teens read or listen to books to earn prizes, and are invited to attend a variety of activities at every location, including live performances, crafts and family-friendly movies.
Prizes may be picked up through August 13.
Adults have their own yearlong challenge, Fully Booked, which features themed prompts and readers’ choice. To earn incentives throughout the year, participants read or listen to adult and young adult titles in print, digital or audio formats.
Visit irvinglibrary.readsquared.com for more information or to register.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Find out more about events, online services, MiY Zone requirements and updates by visiting the library’s website and social media.
KidsNotes with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
July 9 | 2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
July 17 | 2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library
July 9 | Sustainable Energy Seminar
7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Adults
July 12, 15, 29 | Art Style Recreations Series
2 p.m. | South Irving Library | Teens
July 17 | Book Nook Diorama
2 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Teens
July 21 | Stained Glass Art
2 p.m. | West Irving Library | Teens
July 23 | Color Our World with Irving Arts Center
2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Kids
July 25 | Craftastic: Painting with Yarn
2 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults
July 25 | Friday Night Library: Carnival
7 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages
July 26 | Homebuying 101 Bilingual Seminar
2 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults
July 29 | Superhero Movie Party
2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
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
July 25 | 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 July 18.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Dr., (972) 721-2519
July 18 | Family Night Dodgeball
6 to 8 p.m. | All Ages | IPAR Competitive family dodgeball.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
July 3 | Stars and
workshop to sharpen skills and explore creative techniques using your camera or smartphone. Register by July 11.
Lively Pointe Youth Center 909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
July 16 | Babysitter Training Course
9 a.m.
Master CPR for adults and AED use while earning a 2-year Red Cross certification.
Mustang Park Recreation Center 2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
Mondays & Wednesdays | Indoor Tennis 5 to 7 p.m. | Ages 7-14 | $60 per hour
Learn basic tennis skills needed to compete in a comfortable and fast-paced setting.
Thursdays | Zumba
6:40 to 7:40 p.m. | Ages 18-up | $5 per class Join the party and ditch the workout!
Northwest Park Recreation Center 2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
July 18 | Puzzle Palooza
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18 and up | IPAR A head-to-head jigsaw showdown blending strategy and speed. Register by July 9.
MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT: JULY IS SMART IRRIGATION MONTH
July is Smart Irrigation Month, and it's the perfect time to take a look at how you water your yard. With temperatures rising, small changes can lead to big savings — for your wallet and Irving’s water supply.
Water early or late. The best time to water is early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Watering in the heat of the day leads to more evaporation and less impact.
Watch the weather. Skip a watering day if rain is in the forecast. Make sure your rain sensor is working so your system does it for you.
Fix those leaks. A broken sprinkler head or small leak can waste hundreds of gallons in just one week. Take a few minutes to test your system monthly.
Aim wisely. Make sure sprinklers aren’t watering driveways or sidewalks. A quick adjustment can make a big difference.
Go smart. Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering based on weather, saving time, water and money.
Did you know Irving Water Utilities offers free sprinkler system checkups? The licensed irrigation technician will evaluate your sprinkler system and identify any potential issues.
Visit IrvingTX.gov/irrigationcheckup-form to schedule a free system check-up and explore more ways to save water!
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
BUDGET INPUT TIME!
Planning for the city’s Fiscal Year 2025- 26 (FY26) budget is underway, and leadership is gathering suggestions, feedback and opinions on what should be considered for the FY26 budget, which begins Oct. 1, 2025.
Public Input Sessions
Construction Begins on Campion Trail Phase 1B
The 30-year master-planned project has reached the final phases of development. Phase 2, the final phase of the project, is anticipated to begin in 2026 with construction ending in late 2027.
Work begins this summer on Campion Trail Phase 1B, which runs along Frazier Dam between Irving and Dallas. The 1.8-mile segment of Campion Trail is expected to be complete in fall 2026.
Commencement of Phase 1B brings the Campion Trail project one step closer to completion. Work includes the construction of two bridges, two low-water crossings and two boardwalks in addition to paving the 12-foot-wide concrete trail segment. This portion of Campion Trail also includes a dam outlook and rest area at Frazier Dam, and new canoe launches will be built north and south of the dam.
Campion Trail Phase 1B is estimated to cost $4.2 million and is funded through the Park Improvement Bond Fund.
Campion Trail is a 22-mile master-planned greenbelt located along the Elm and West Forks of the Trinity River. The trail is part of the regional DFW Discovery Trail, a 66-mile trail system connecting the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas and Irving. Additionally, Campion Trail has connections to trail systems in the cities of Coppell and Farmers Branch.
The Campion Trail project has been a decades-long investment in community recreation and regional connectivity. For more information on the city’s trail system, visit IrvingTX.gov/Trails.
For more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure investments, visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests. n
HOT WEATHER TIPS FOR YOUR PETS
The scorching Texas heat can be life-threatening for pets and increase the chances of heat stroke. Follow these tips to keep your pet healthy during the summer months.
Unlimited access to fresh, clean water. During the summer months, pets will increase their intake of H2O to stay hydrated. Additionally, when a pet is outside, ensure they have a shady place to escape the sun’s rays.
Go outside in the cooler hours of the day. Avoid walking a pet on hot surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete. Your pet’s paw pads can be damaged, which can hinder their walking.
Don’t leave a pet in the car. A car’s inside temperature can quickly rise to deadly levels and leave your pet susceptible to heat stroke. Instead, leave your pet at home in the air conditioning while running errands.
Keep flatter snout animals inside. Animals like pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke because they can’t pant effectively. Additionally, owners also should keep senior and juvenile pets inside in the air conditioning as well.
Be mindful of garden and yard safety. Store lawn fertilizer and insecticides out of a pet's reach. When using lawn and garden products, follow pet-safety instructions. Avoid planting greenery and plants that are toxic to pets.
Pet owners should immediately contact a veterinarian if they observe the following signs of a heat stroke:
Excessive panting
Abnormal gum and tongue color
Excessive drooling
Unsteadiness
(Source: American Veterinary Medical Association).
Policing on Cloud Nine Helps Keep Irving Safe
Since World War I, drones — also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) — have served in various federal operations. In recent years, the Irving Police Department (IPD) has reimagined that technology, building one of the most forward-thinking drone programs in municipal policing today.
Thanks to years of development and strategic investment, every patrol shift in Irving now includes a certified drone pilot. Officers conduct routine duties as usual, but with an added high-tech partner ready to assist from above.
Drones are well-known for their value in search and rescue operations, but their role in day-to-day policing continues to expand. From responding to stolen vehicle reports to surveying suspicious activity, these flying tools give officers a faster, broader perspective.
“Traffic doesn’t exist 300 feet up,” said Assistant Chief Hover, who helped launch the drone initiative in 2017. “With drone support, we can respond more quickly and provide responding officers with real-time intelligence. It’s a game-changer for both community and officer safety.”
In March, the department reached a significant milestone with the installation of drone docks across Irving. The
Downtown
strategically placed units contain drones that launch remotely from IPD’s Real-Time Crime Center.
“Drones assigned to patrol cars are effective, but fixed drone docks enable us to respond citywide with an average response time of two minutes,” said Sgt. Chris Rider, supervisor of the Drone First Responder Unit. Each dock supports a drone capable of covering a two-nautical-mile radius. Through advanced software, drones are autonomously dispatched to the coordinates provided.
“Protecting the public’s privacy is a priority. During flight to and from a call, the camera is oriented forward, facing the horizon, and only adjusted during an active investigation, when necessary,” Rider said. “Every drone flight is logged and reported to the state, ensuring transparency and accountability. Control of the camera is only engaged by the pilot once the drone arrives on scene.”
The program reflects Irving’s broader commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to enhance city services. It’s not just about keeping the public safe — it’s about doing so in the most efficient and responsible way possible.
Irving Reimagined Survey Open
This fall, a temporary transformation will create an opportunity for the community to test ideas, spark imagination and guide the revitalization of downtown Irving.
Through a 120-day process driven by community input, creative design, and hands-on fabrication a new energy is coming to Main Street, from Rock Island Road to Second Street.
Using tactical urbanism — including temporary street improvements, traffic and parking tests, public art, lighting and interactive programming — downtown will activate in bold, imaginative ways. The effort debuts with a lively kickoff weekend in October and continue with smaller events throughout the season, giving the community a chance to experience and shape the future of Downtown Irving.
The survey will help guide the design, potentially leading to enhancements like seating, art installations and new community gathering spaces. The city aims to test these
ideas and incorporate feedback into the long-term vision for downtown Irving.
The journey starts now! Get involved to help shape and plan this unique community experience.
Give your input by taking the Community Survey by visiting IrvingTX.gov/Downtown. The survey closes July 13.
SCAN ME