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CITY

CITY OF IRVING.ORG

IrvingTX.gov

JULY 2026 / VOL 33 / NO 07

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 Connector: The Loop at Las Colinas Debuts July 6 Getting around the Las Colinas Urban Center just got easier with the launch of Irving Connector: The Loop at Las Colinas. Beginning July 6, the new FREE circulator service will connect residents, employees and visitors to restaurants, businesses, hotels, entertainment venues and residential areas throughout Las Colinas. The Loop follows a figure-eight route along Las Colinas Boulevard and Lake Carolyn Parkway, with through access at O’Connor Road and Promenade Parkway. Riders can hop on and off at convenient stops near destinations, such as Toyota Music Factory, the Lake Carolyn area and other popular locations, daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Loop is the latest addition to the City of Irving’s transit network. Irving Connector Routes 225 and 255 launched in June, restoring transit service along the same routes and stops previously served by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Together, the three routes help keep Irving residents connected to jobs, education, entertainment and other important destinations throughout the city. To buy tickets, view route maps, schedules and real-time vehicle locations, download the Citymapper app or visit IrvingTX.gov/Transit. 

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Goats Grazing for a Greener Irving This summer, approximately 400 goats are helping the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department tackle overgrown brush, invasive plants and hard-to-reach vegetation in areas such as Centennial Park, Oak Meadows Park and Trinity View Park. Think of them as nature's lawn mowers, clearing unwanted growth while helping restore natural habitats. Using goats is an environmentally friendly way to care for parks and natural areas. They help reduce the need for chemicals, lower fuel consumption and make it easier to maintain sensitive landscapes. The goats will be safely contained within designated work areas and monitored throughout the project. If you see them on the job, please admire them from a distance and remember: don't feed, touch or disturb the goats. They are busy making Irving's natural spaces healthier, one bite at a time! 

Goats casually grazing at Trinity View Park.

Irving Elects New City Council Members

Irving operates under a council-manager form of government where council sets city policy and the city manager is responsible for organizational operations. Residents elect a mayor and eight council members to serve the city. All council members are elected for three-year terms. Council meetings are held at least once a month on Thursdays, beginning at 7 p.m. Meeting dates are posted online at IrvingTX.gov/Agendas. For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE

IRVING

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Irving’s ninth year of the Road to the Future Summer Overlay Program is underway with improvements scheduled on 23 roadways across the city.

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF IRVING

Irving residents elected Council Member Mark Cronenwett to single-member district Place 5, and elected Council Member Fahad Ahmed to single-member district Place 6 and Al Zapanta to Office of the Mayor. The June 13 runoff election resulted in the re-election of Council Member Abdul Khabeer to single-member district Place 3.

IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883

In observance of Independence Day, no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection will occur Friday, July 3. Residential Friday trash collection will resume Tuesday, July 7. Friday recycling and brush/bulky collections will resume Friday, July 10. Most city facilities will be closed on July 3, including:  City Hall  Criminal Justice Center  Hunter Ferrell Landfill  Irving Animal Care Campus  North Lake Natatorium  R ecreation centers Visit IrvingTX.gov for more information and other special holiday hours. All offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6. 

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

City Holiday/No Trash Collection

Residents have the option to watch meetings live in HD on YouTube, in addition to ICTN.tv and the ICTN Meetings cable channels (Spectrum Channel 95 and Frontier Channel 31). Subscribe to the city’s YouTube channel to receive notifications for new videos and SCAN ME upcoming live events. 

@TheCityofIrving

Irving City Council Mayor – Al Zapanta*

Place 5 – Mark Cronenwett

Place 1 – John Bloch

Place 6 – Fahad Ahmed

Place 2 – David Pfaff*

Place 7 – Adam Muller

Place 3 – Abdul Khabeer

Place 8 – Dennis Webb*

Place 4 – Luis Canosa

*At-large Districts

Visit IrvingTX.gov/Mayor-Council for more information.

IRVING

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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 Arts Center Presents 'Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Quiché' Irving Arts Center, located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., presents "Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Quiché," a free exhibition on display through Oct. 17. Dating back to around 1000 CE, the Popol Vuh, or “Book of Community,” is a sacred Quiché Maya creation story exploring the origins of the universe, the Hero Twins and the traditions of the ancient Maya world.

to life through the artwork of contemporary artist Jaime Arredondo. “Sharing Jaime Arredondo’s work at the Irving Arts Center is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate a MacArthur High School alum while introducing our community to the powerful story of the Popol Vuh,” said Marcie Inman, Director of Exhibitions. “Through his illustrations, Arredondo brings this epic story to life in a way that is more accessible than ever before.”

Featuring 65 illustrations, this exhibition brings the ancient Maya creation story of the Popol Vuh

Plan Your Visit at

Jaime Arredondo, Creation of the Small Animals, 2010; ink on aluminum, 14x20-1/2 in

IrvingArtsCenter.com/Exhibitions

'The Home Team: Spirit and Sports in Irving' Exhibit Rallies Hometown Pride Step into more than a century of Irving sports history through photographs, uniforms, letter jackets and memorabilia at the Irving Archives and Museum's latest exhibit, "The Home Team: Spirit and Sports in Irving." From student athletes and spirit squads to community teams and local leagues, this exhibit celebrates the traditions, teamwork, and hometown pride that have united Irving residents for generations.  Address: 801 W. Irving Blvd  Admission: Adult $7, Children $5

Learn More at David Reese playing baseball in 1952, from the Irving Online Archives

IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com

Local History Spotlight: The Irving Municipal Museum Opens Local History Spotlight is presented by the Irving Archives and Museum. As part of Irving’s U.S. Bicentennial programming, the Irving Bicentennial Committee, with the cooperation of the City of Irving, created the Irving Municipal Museum. Located in the Plymouth Park Shopping Center in the former E.M. Kahn clothing store, the museum was the starting point for the decades-long effort to create the Irving Archives & Museum. Discover even more Irving history at the link below.

Learn More at Irving Mayor Dan Matkins at the 1975 Irving Municipal Museum dedication ceremony.

IrvingTexas.HistoryIT.com

Step Up to the Plate, Aug. 1, at the Big State Sign Restoration Fundraiser Join us Saturday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. for a fundraiser supporting the restoration of Irving’s iconic Big State Sign at Irving Archives and Museum, 801 W Irving Blvd. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Enjoy root beer floats and live performances by the MacArthur High School Spirit Squad and Irving Symphonic Band while helping bring this iconic landmark back into the spotlight. Get your tickets at the link below.

Learn More at Big State Drugs sign, June 2003. Source: Irving Online Archives

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Current Art Galleries at Irving Arts Center Carpenter Hall Lobby Touch My Soul: Paintings by Pouran Lashini | On view through July 11 Main & Focus Galleries Art Connection Members Show | Mixed-media | On view through Aug. 1 Courtyard Gallery Beyond The Hours: The Art of IAC Teen Volunteers | Mixed-media | On view through Sept. 12 Dupree Theater Lobby Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Quiché | Illustrations | On view through Oct. 17 Gallery Hours Admission is FREE Tuesday-Saturday: noon to 5 p.m. No reservation necessary!

Learn More at IrvingArtsCenter.com/Exhibitions

IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com

JULY 2026

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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 AQUATIC HOURS & ACTIVITIES Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310  Monday & Wednesday | 7 a.m. to noon, 5 to 8 p.m.  Tuesday & Thursday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 8 p.m.  Friday | 7 a.m. to noon  Saturday & Sunday Closed

Parks and Recreation Activities Cimarron Park Recreation Center 201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702 Summer Games Represent Cimarron Park Recreation Center in an Olympic-style summer competition. Participants will practice throughout the summer before competing against other recreation center teams.  M ondays in July | Basketball 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Ages 11–17 | IPAR Card  Tuesdays in July | Golf 101 3 to 4 p.m. | Ages 11–17 | $10 Learn the fundamentals of golf in a structured, supportive and fun environment designed for teens.  Wednesdays in July | Cornhole 1 to 2 p.m. | Ages 11–17 | IPAR Card  Thursdays in July | Cornhole 9 to 11 a.m. | Ages 11–17 | IPAR Card Georgia Farrow Recreation Center 530 Davis Dr., (972) 721-2519  July 17 | Family Night Dodgeball 6 to 7 p.m. | All Ages | Free Bring the whole family for an evening of friendly competition and dodgeball fun. Heritage Senior Center 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496  July 16 | Fire Safety Educational Class/Stop the Bleed 10 to 11 a.m. | Ages 18+ | IPAR | Register by July 10 Learn to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding emergencies through hands-on bleedingcontrol training.

Lee Park Recreation Center 3000 Pamela Dr., (972) 721-2508  July 17-18 | Cardboard Boat Race July 17 | Build and Decorate Boat | 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 18 | Race Day | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 6+ | $20 per team of four Teams will design and build boats using only cardboard, duct tape and markers, then race their creations for a chance to win awards. Mustang Park Recreation Center 2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334  Thursdays in July | Super Soccer Stars 10 to 11:45 a.m. | Ages 18 months to 5 years old Soccer-based activities to build confidence, physical literacy, gross motor skills and socialization with trained coaches. For more information and to register, call Pritee Mehta at (469) 756-5901.  Saturdays in July | Volunteer Program 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 13–18 | IPAR Card Irving Gives Back provides teens with opportunities to volunteer and support the community. For more information, email njohnson@IrvingTX.gov.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION ~ Senter Park Recreation Center is CLOSED

Library Programs and Activities Uncover More Summer Adventures Continuing in July, readers explore Beneath the Surface, the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge for babies, children ages 3–12 and teens in grades 6–12. Participants enjoy books, earn prizes and attend free events featuring performers, movies, crafts, music and more. Visit IrvingLibrary. Readsquared.com to register, track progress and play games, or stop by any library location for a printed reading log.

Kids 2:30 p.m.

Teens 2 p.m.

July 8 | Octopi Minis July 22 | Narwhals Minis

All Ages

South Irving Library

July 31 | 7 p.m. | Friday Night Library: End of Summer Bash

Kids 2:30 p.m.

July 8 | Dinosaurs of Texas with BK Bones July 15 | Dinosaur Adventure with Brett Roberts July 22 | Creature Teacher July 29 | Balloonosaurus Show

Teens 2 p.m.

Valley Ranch Library

Kids 2:30 p.m.

Teens 2 p.m.

West Irving Library

July 6 | Loch Ness Page Openers July 13 | Perler Bead Keychains July 20 | Underwater Backpack Charms July 27 | Movie & Jurassic Crafts

IRVINGT X.GOV

Explore Groundbreaking Reads Adults continue to discover new titles with Fully Booked, the library’s year-round reading challenge featuring themed prompts that are completed by reading or listening to eligible books and audiobooks. Prizes are awarded after every 15 titles, with a grand prize at 45. Visit IrvingLibrary.Readsquared.com to register and track progress. Adults have other opportunities to keep cool and experience colossal adventures in July. Every Wednesday, Valley Ranch Library screens movie thrillers at 6:30 p.m. The full slate of programs may be found at IrvingLibrary. Libcal.com/Calendar.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS For a full list of events at all library locations, visit IrvingTX.gov/Library. Details about Make It Yourself (MiY) Zone class requirements, including required orientation sessions, may be found at IrvingTX.gov/miy-zones. ● July 14 | Book Bedazzling 2 p.m. | South Irving Library | Teens Add shine and sparkle to a bookshelf! Bring a book from home or choose one from a limited selection and bedazzle away. While supplies last. ● July 21 | Adult(ish) Academy: Meal Planning and Shopping Lists 7 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults This month, the class dishes up food for thought – learn smart strategies for planning meals and stretching budgets. ● July 30 | Button Bouquet 7 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults Let creativity bloom and craft a bouquet. ● July 31 | MiY Zone: Laser Etcher Basics 3 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Adults Learn the basics of the laser etcher by creating a keychain to take home.

Cimarron Family Aquatic Center, West Irving Aquatic Center, Lee Aquatic Park  Monday Closed  Tuesday to Friday | 2 to 8 p.m.  Saturday & Sunday | 1 to 7 p.m. Spray Parks | Open daily | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Southwest Spray Park | 3000 Shady Grove Rd.  Northwest Spray Park | 2800 Cheyenne St. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Aquatics for more information and to register for classes.

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FRIENDS OF IRVING PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATE 51 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE The City of Irving and Irving Public Library proudly celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Friends of the Irving Public Library, recognizing more than five decades of volunteer service, advocacy and support that have enriched the community and strengthened library programs for generations. Since 1975, the Friends have helped expand opportunities for readers and learners of all ages through fundraising efforts that support initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge, the North Texas Teen Book Festival, outreach services and technology resources. Their dedication reflects a shared belief that libraries are vital community spaces that foster literacy, lifelong learning and meaningful connections. To learn more or get involved, visit FriendsofIrvingLibrary.com. Irving’s award-winning public library system offers exceptional facilities, extensive collections, innovative technology, educational programs and engaging events for children, teens and adults. From early literacy activities to workforce development resources, the library continues to be a welcoming destination for discovery and growth. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library for all Irving Public Library needs.

Friends of Irving Public Library Book Sale Aug. 8 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Irving Warehouse | 3000 Rock Island Road

Library Holiday Schedule ● Closing at 5 p.m., Friday, July 3 ● Closed Saturday, July 4

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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

Year 9 of Irving’s Summer Overlay Program Underway The City of Irving’s ninth year of the Road to the Future Summer Overlay Program kicked off in June with improvements scheduled on 23 roadways across the city. The City of Irving Traffic and Transportation Department’s Streets Division will work on roadways ranging from major corridors to residential streets. Crews will remove existing asphalt down to the street’s base, then lay and pave new asphalt. The process is typically completed in a couple of weeks per street, weather permitting.

HOUSEHOLD DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING Irving Solid Waste Services hosts a free household document shredding and electronics recycling opportunity for Irving residents. July 18 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Las Colinas Service Center

The following streets are included in the 2026 Summer Overlay Program:  14th Street, from Senter Road to Rindie Street  Abbott Drive, from Rogers Road to Wanda Drive  Belt Line Road, from State Highway 114 to Interstate 635  Briery Road, from Rock Island Road to Belt Line Road  Britain Road, from Union Bower Road to Irving Boulevard  Broadmoor Lane, from Grauwyler Road to end  Brownwood Court, from Helmet Street to end  Cross Bend, from Woodenrail Lane to Hackmore Loop  Cross Bend Court, from Cross Bend to end  Darr Street, from Grauwyler Road to Robin Road  French Street, from Grauwyler Road to Union Bower Road  Helmet Street, from Crandall Road to Brownwood Court

 H olly Street, from Union Bower Road to Nursery Road  Luzon Road, from Arawe Circle to Story Road  MacArthur Boulevard, from Oakdale Road to Hunter Ferrell Road  Rochelle Road, from Northgate Drive to State Highway 114  Rustic Drive, from Briery Road to Belt Line Road  Shurm Court, from Helmet Street to end  Tipton Road, from Fifth Street to Shady Grove Road  Walnut Hill Lane, from MacArthur Boulevard to State Highway 114  Woodenrail Lane, from Compton Avenue to Cross Bend Court Drivers are reminded to drive slowly, stay alert and look out for crews, pedestrians and other drivers. Do not text and drive, and be patient when driving in work zones. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Road2Future for a full list of street projects. n

5964 Riverside Drive Two-box limit for document shredding. Proof of Irving residency is required. Materials from businesses will not be accepted. CRT monitors or televisions are not accepted. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the truck reaches capacity. Call (972) 721-2232 for more information. 

Irving Fire Department to Host Open House for Fire Station 8 TOWN HALL MEETING JULY 23 | 6 P.M. Join District 1 Council Member John Bloch and At-Large Council Member David Pfaff for a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. Presentation topics include data center regulations and responsible governance, and an Irving Connector by Via public transportation update — followed by a question-and-answer session from the audience. For more information, contact Bethany Assels, City of Irving Community Outreach Coordinator, at (972) 721-4969. 

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The City of Irving Fire Department invites the public to its Fire Station No. 8 Grand Opening Celebration at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14. The event includes a fire apparatus wet-down and pushback ceremony.

Fire Station 8 Grand Opening Celebration Tuesday, July 14 | 9 a.m. 5675 Riverside Drive Fire Station 8 Boathouse

The station, which has been under construction since January 2025, has a larger footprint than its predecessor. Now located at 5675 Riverside Drive, the 19,579-squarefoot fire station includes: four pass-through apparatus bays, a full kitchen and day room, exercise areas and lodging for on-duty personnel. The new fire station also features a designated voting space that doubles as a department training area. A boathouse and fire boat will service properties near Lake Carolyn, along with staging an all-terrain Emergency Medical Services vehicle for Campion Trail.

“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 IrvingTX.gov.

Check out this video featuring firefighters getting their first look inside Fire Station 8 during construction.

SCAN for ICTN VIDEO

For more information, contact the Irving Fire Department at (972) 721-2651. 

@TheCityofIrving

JULY 2026