Residents of Dallas County may vote at any Dallas County Vote Center on Election Day. Visit DallasCountyVotes.org for entire list. A district map, candidate information and Election Day voting locations are at CityofIrving.org/Elections For more information, call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493.
EELECCIÓN GENERAL DEL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL DE
IRVING: 3 DE MAYO
Los Lugares 1,2 y 7 del Distrito del Concejo Municipal están disponibles para las Elecciones. Todos los votantes de Irving acudirán a las urnas el 3 de mayo de 2025. Cualquier residente que este registrado/ inscrito, podrá votar por el Lugar 2 del Distrito General. Solamente los votantes registrados que viven en el Distrito Uninominal para los Lugares 1 y 7, pueden votar por el candidato en su distrito respectivo.
Los residentes del condado de Dallas pueden votar en cualquier lugar de votación el Día de las Elecciones. Visite DallasCountyVotes.org para una lista completa de los lugares de votación. Un mapa del distrito, información del candidato y lugares de votación en el Día de las Elecciones se encuentran en Cityofirving.org/Elections. Para más información, comuníquese con la Oficina del a Secretaria Municipal al (972-) 721-2493.
Cuộc Tổng Tuyển Cử Cho Hội Đồng Thành Phố Irving –Ngày 3 Tháng 5
Các vị trí trong khu vực 4, 6, và 8 của Nghị Viên Hội Đồng Thành phố sẽ đến lúc bầu cử. Các cử tri Irving sẽ tham gia bỏ phiếu vào ngày 4 tháng 5 năm 2025. Bất kỳ cư dân nào là cử tri đã đăng ký đều
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Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center Reopens
The vibrant spirit of the Bear Creek community was alive and well as the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center (BCHC) officially reopened April 26, welcoming visitors to a fully restored and reimagined cultural gem that honors one of North Texas’ oldest African American communities.
Preserving Bear Creek’s Powerful Legacy
The Bear Creek community has roots stretching back to the 1850s, when a mix of free Black, white and enslaved people settled along the upper reaches of Bear Creek. After emancipation, it became a haven for formerly enslaved people, growing into a close-knit African American enclave during segregation.
The BCHC tells this powerful story through its three museums: the J.O. Davis House, the Green House and Bear Creek Masonic Lodge — all relocated from within the community and restored on the parkland during the 1990s and early 2000s. The recent restoration included structural and drainage repairs, complete exterior renovations and exhibit updates across the site.
Each building now features interpretive signage with QR codes that allow visitors to learn more about the site’s history. The J.O. Davis House belonged to an influential local educator and now houses an exhibition about the Bear Creek community; the Green House offers a look at 1920s life in Bear Creek; and the Masonic Lodge, once a
hub for community events, now hosts an exhibition on African American history.
A Tribute to Jackie Townsell
The center is named after Jackie Mae Howard Townsell, a transformative figure in Irving’s civic history. A lifelong advocate for Bear Creek, she made history in 1977 as the first African American and second woman elected to the Irving City Council, where she served for 18 years — the longest uninterrupted tenure in city history. Jackie Townsell's legacy continues to shape the site that bears her name.
Learn more and check out guided tour information online at IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com n
Sunshine and Stars: Irving Arts Center’s May Calendar
TICKETED EVENTS
May 2-17 | The Sunshine Boys
Presented by MainStage Times Vary | $26.50-$33.50
The play humorously explores friendship, aging and time through Willie Clark and Al Lewis, a former vaudeville duo who reunite after a split to film a TV special, with comedic struggles to rekindle their spark.
May 10 | Alex McDonald, Pianist
Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | $17
May 16 | “Al Ritmo Que Toques Bailo” Presented by Ballet Folkorico Mayahuel
7:30 p.m. | $27-50-$37.50
Featuring Trio Caimanes USA, Mariachi Viajero and Suplente Norteno.
May 17 | Haywire
Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving
7:30 p.m. | $37.50
Featuring dynamic frontwoman Shonna Bonds, Haywire performs current country, pop and classic rock songs.
May 18 | Into the Stars
Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving
3:30 p.m. | $10-$20
Blast off with NPOI to “Star Wars” by John Williams, and the ringing music of Beethoven and Khachaturian, with softer interludes by Handel and Humperdinck.
May 21 | Melodic Treasures
Presented by Lone Star Youth Orchestra
7 p.m. | $7.50-$14.50
Program features George Frideric Handel’s “The Arrival of the Queen Sheba” from Solomon; Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565; Elliot Del Borgo’s Danse Infernale; and Klaus Badelt’s Medley from Pirates of the Caribbean.
YOUTH & FAMILY EVENTS
May 1 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Cinco de Mayo
10 a.m. | Free
A story time and art activity held on the first Thursday of each month. This month is a special bilingual presentation with Cinco de Mayo being the theme.
May 11 | Second Sunday Funday: Masterpieces with Mom + Second Sunday Open Studio for Teens
1 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages
Drop in to celebrate Mother's Day with arts and crafts activities. Bring your mom, aunt, grandma or other significant person in your life and celebrate this special day by making some amazing art together!
Summer Camp Registration is Now Open! Register now for unique weekly camp experiences for kids and teens ages 4-16 from June 9 through August. These hands-on classes are taught by professional art educators and artists. Camps fill quickly, register today!
Irving Archives & Museum Events & Happenings
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Through May 18 | Working America
In the national exhibition Working America, artist Sam Comen presents photographs of American immigrants and first-generation Americans at work in the small, skilled trades as icons of the American experience. The subjects share stories of economic independence and struggle, belonging and exclusion, faith and fear, and service to both community and family.
Don’t miss your chance to see the companion exhibition, Irving Works, which highlights City of Irving employees at their jobs working to keep Irving an enjoyable and inviting place to live. Their stories highlight the dedication and expertise that power the city yearround. On view through May 18.
Photo: Charles Sztanski, Art framer from the series Working America, 2018. Courtesy of the artist, Sam Comen.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Enjoy Second Saturday with free admission and activities for everyone at the Irving Archives and Museum.
May 10 | Workplace Wonders: A Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Dive into the Working America exhibit with a scavenger hunt! Explore stories of hardworking people and tools that have shaped history.
June 14 | Woven Stories: Weave, Wear, Share
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Join a hands-on bracelet-making activity. Learn simple weaving and knotting techniques to create unique bracelets that reflect your style and story.
ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM
SPRING TO ANIMAL SERVICES FOR ADOPTION EVENTS IN MAY
Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC) will hold adoption events throughout the month of May.
Through May 3 | Free Adoptions
In honor of National Star Wars Day on May 4, IACC will host “May the FUR be with you.” During this event, all pets are free to adopt through May 3.
May 6-10 | Free Microchips and ID Tags
IACC also will offer free microchips and ID tags May 6-10. During the event, any Irving resident can stop by the shelter and get a free pet ID tag. For microchips, residents must bring their pet along with them to receive the free service.
IACC, located at 4140 Valley View Lane, is open 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. For more information, contact (972) 721-2256.
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.
Cistercian Prep: Middle & Upper School
Student Artwork Through May 10 | Courtyard Gallery Features artwork from middle and upper school students at Cistercian Preparatory School.
Annual Exhibition of Irving ISD Student Artwork
Through May 17 | Main and Focus Galleries Features High School Senior Portfolios
Rachel Black Journeywork
Through June 28 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
Rachel Black is a principal lecturer and lead faculty member of the Foundations program at University of North Texas and a long-time Irving resident. This exhibition features recent landscape paintings inspired and informed by her travels throughout the American West during her faculty development leave in 2024.
Portraits of Dementia
Through Aug. 16 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Organized by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, this unique exhibition destigmatizes those living with dementia through moving portraits and stories of lives well lived. Artist Joe Wallace has been a portrait photographer and storyteller for 20 years. Wallace's work shows not only dementia’s fear, loss and despair, but also the love, connection, dignity and humanity which prevails thanks to loved ones and caregivers.
Grasslands, 2022 by Rachel Black
The Sunshine Boys May 2-17. Photo by Mike Morgan.
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Memorial Day Ceremony May 25
Honor Irving veterans at a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Veterans Memorial Park Committee. The ceremony will feature a guest speaker, music and a moment of reflection speaker.
Sunday, May 25 | 2:30 p.m.
Jack D. Huffman Community Building Auditorium | 801 W. Irving Blvd.
A ceremony will be held at the Irving Veterans Memorial Park Wall of Commemoration, 644 Rock Island Road, following the program.
For more information, call (972) 721-2501.
Parks and Recreation Activities
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
May 3 | The Queens Court: A Mother’s Day Tea Party
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $10
An afternoon of elegance, tea and treats fit for royalty celebrating moms with charm and grace.
May 30 | Paints & Pastries (AKA Canvas & Cakes)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $10
Unwind with an evening of painting, pastries and creativity.
May 31 | Family Field Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | All Ages | IPAR
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, food and friendly competition.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
May 8 | Mother’s Day Brunch
10 to noon | All Ages | $5 per person
Savor tasty brunch dishes and celebrate mom. Register by May 5.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
May 5-30 | Golden Sneaker Games
Varies | 18 and up |IPAR
An annual event that celebrates fitness, socialization and active living among seniors. Register by May 14.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
May 21 | End of School Year Bash
5 to 7 p.m. | Ages 11 to 17 | IPAR
Enjoy games, contests and activities with friends while making unforgettable memories.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
May 9 | Pickleball Palooza
6 to 9 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | IPAR
A come and go event where players of all levels can enjoy a fun Friday night.
May 10 | Mommy and Me Bouquets
10:30 a.m. to noon | All ages | $20 per couple/ $5 additional add-on
Celebrate the beauty of Mother’s Day in a special way with an Earthy and Whimsical Floral Workshop.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
May 16 | Mothers, Meals & Masterpieces
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. |18 and up |$10 per person
Indulge in a memorable painting experience while enjoying a delectable dinner. Register by May 8.
May 30 | Pottery Painting 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages |$5 and up Unleash your artistic side and transform raw pottery into a personalized works of art.
Stay Connected and Ready to Play
The Irving Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Activities Brochure is out now! The guide provides information on how to schedule, sign up and register for upcoming camps, classes, programs and activities available through August. The guide includes schedules by age groups and information for all Irving recreation centers. Pick up the Summer 2025 brochure at any recreation center or view online at CityofIrving.org/RecSchedules
Search Facebook for @IrvingParksandRec and “Like” the page to stay up-to-date with what is going on in Irving Parks and Recreation — events, programs, schedules and more. Visit CityofIrving.org/Parks for more information.
Library Activities and Programs
Cultures of Irving: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Explore the rich traditions, stories and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Free library programs for all ages offer a vivid blend of story and sound through film, literature, music and art.
May 5 | Girls Night Out Book Club: “The Many Daughters of Afong Moy”
7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Adults
May 10 | Afternoon Movie
2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages
May 10 | Grace Hula Dance
2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Kids
May 13 | MiY Zone: Asian-Style Dumplings
6 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults Space is limited. Call West Irving Library at (972) 721-2691 to register.
May 15 | Heritage Book Club: “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane”
7 p.m. | Heritage Senior Center | Members
May 16 | Craftastic! Paper Umbrellas
2 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults
May 17 | Novel Fiction Book Club: “Pachinko”
10 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Adults
May 24 | Lion Dance and Martial Arts Performance
2 p.m. | West Irving Library | All ages
May 27 | Super Cool Book Club: “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane”
7 p.m. | West Irving Library | Adults
May 31 | Craftastic! Rangoli Style Wall Decor 10 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Adults
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Ready, Set, Study
As the end of the school year approaches, teens prepare to hit the books solo or with friends. In May, library locations will provide dedicated space on select dates and times for come-and-go study hall sessions. Snacks and basic school materials will be available while supplies last.
South Irving Library: May 7 | 6 p.m. May 14, 21 | 5 p.m.
West Irving Library: May 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 | 4:30 p.m.
Shared Supplies and Creative Vibes
South Irving Library invites artists, crafters and creatives to donate new and gently used art supplies during May in preparation for the Community Art Supply Swap at 3:30 p.m. on June 7. From paint and paper to fabric and yarn, one person’s extras may inspire someone else’s masterpiece.
For details about events, online services, updates, MiY Zone requirements and additional information, see CityofIrving.org/Library and social media.
IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Indoor Pool
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IRVING FAC CURRENTLY HOUSED AT CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER
The Irving Family Advocacy Center (FAC), which was severely impacted by the March 4 EF-1 tornado, remains closed at 600 W. Pioneer Drive.
Due to the storm, the victim advocacy and investigative services have temporarily moved in order to assist area residents. Counseling services are being offered virtually. The FAC is currently operating out of the Irving Criminal Justice Center (CJC) at 305 N. O'Connor Road.
Crews are working to establish a new temporary location for the FAC off State Highway 114. Once the facility is open, the city will provide additional details for individuals who need services.
Construction to Begin on West Irving Creek Channel
Drainage Improvements in Phase One Begins in May
Work begins this month on Phase A of the West Irving Creek Channel Improvement Project. Many areas along the three-mile West Irving Creek Channel are relatively flat and do not provide adequate drainage for stormwater. The drainage improvement project, which will occur in four phases, will remove 165 homes in the Barton Estates and Sherwood Forest neighborhoods from the 100-year flood risk.
Channel Work
Phase A of the channel improvement project will take place from West Pioneer Drive to Alan-A-Dale.
Contact FAC staff at (972) 721-6560. n SCAN for
FREE LANDFILL DISPOSAL DAYS
MAY 16 & 17
Cleaning up around the house and wondering how to dispose of unwanted items? Each year, Solid Waste Services provides two free disposal days at the landfill.
May 16 and 17 | 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hunter Ferrell Landfill | 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road
Proof of residency a current City of Irving utility bill and driver's license is required. Residents can dispose of waste, excluding construction materials, free of charge. The landfill disposal fee will apply for contractors disposing of waste that results from work performed for Irving residents.
Residents may call (972) 721-8059 for more information or visit CityofIrving.org/Landfill n
HOUSEHOLD DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
Irving Solid Waste Services hosts a free household document shredding and electronics recycling opportunity for Irving residents.
May 31 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Irving Purchasing Building | 835 W. Irving Blvd.
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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until the truck reaches capacity.
Call (972) 721-2232 for more information.
HOME CHEMICAL COLLECTION DAY JUNE 8
Request a voucher online and drop off unwanted household hazardous waste at the Home Chemical Collection event.
June 8 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Las Colinas Service Center | 5964 Riverside Drive
Items accepted include aerosol sprays, automotive fluids and oil filters, batteries of all kinds, chemical products for home use, fluorescent light tubes lawn and garden chemicals, paint and pool chemicals.
Vouchers are limited and required, request online by visiting CityofIrving.org/HHC
Visit CityofIrving.org/Solid-Waste-Services for more information n
Construction includes replacing the concrete trapezoidal channel with a reinforced concrete vertical wall channel and replacing five bridges along the channel, at AlanA-Dale, Yorkshire Street, Conflans Road, Wells Road and Lawrence Street. The Wyche detention area, an area of the channel located at the former Wyche Park cricket field, will also be improved for larger stormwater storage capacity; contractors will install a pond at the bottom of the basin and a 10-foot-wide concrete walking trail around the entire basin.
Construction Timeline and Funding
Construction on Phase A is expected to last through fall 2027, with Phase D expected to begin in spring 2026. Phase C of the project will be included in the next fiveyear Municipal Drainage Utility Bond program, with Phase B to follow once project funds are identified.
Estimated to cost $24 million for Phase A and $21 million for Phase D, and both Phase A and Phase D are funded through the Texas Water Development Board Flood Infrastructure Fund (TWDB-FIF). The fund provides grants and zero-interest loans. By applying for and utilizing the TWDB-FIF, the city saved about $23.6 million.
Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow Channel construction will be completed by Humphrey & Morton Construction, the contractors responsible for the recent Embassy Channel Drainage Project. West Irving Creek Channel improvements support the city’s Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow initiative, which focuses on removing residences and businesses from the flood plain and maintaining current drainage systems around Irving.
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
What’s Up With My Water Bill?
As summer heats up, you may notice higher-than-usual water bills. This time of year, water use naturally increases, especially outdoors. But the good news is there are simple ways to understand your usage and take control of your bill.
Reasons Why It’s hot! Lawns, gardens and landscaping need more water to survive the Texas heat; and many homes use automated sprinkler systems that run more often than needed.
More activity means more water. Whether it’s extra loads of laundry, longer showers or topping off the pool, summer routines often lead to higher usage indoors too.
Irrigation is often the biggest culprit. Outdoor watering can make up more than half of your total summer water use. And if your irrigation system isn’t set efficiently — or has a leak — it can drive your bill up fast.
Track Your Water Use in Real Time
Did you know you can keep an eye on how much water you’re using? Irving uses smart water meters, and with MyIrvingBill.org, residents can:
Monitor your daily water use
Spot leaks early
Adjust the way you use water
Sign up at MyIrvingBill.org and stay ahead of your next bill.
Cart Path Improvements Complete at Irving Golf Club
After eight months of construction and over three miles of concrete poured, cart path replacement at Irving Golf Club, 2000 E. Shady Grove Road, is complete. The new cart paths are the latest major improvement project at Irving Golf Club, which reopened in 2019 after significant renovations.
New, six-foot-wide concrete paths replace the original golf cart paths laid in the 1980s. In addition to replacing the cart paths, which were cracked and caving in, the new pavement is twice as wide near the tees and greens to allow for two-way traffic.
Funded through the Park Improvement Bonds, the $1.7 million project further invests in Irving Golf Club, which has seen an increase in popularity since reopening in 2019
September
356 (Irving Boulevard) Rehabilitation Project runs from State Highway (SH) 183 to the eastern limit of Irving. Work is planned primarily at night, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and the project runs through late September.
Project Scope Initial phase of work: structural
The section of SH 356 owned by the City of Irving, located between Millennial Fountain and Strickland Plaza, is not included in the TxDOT rehabilitation project. n
