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The final phase of Lake Carolyn Promenade is expected to wrap up this fall, completing the 16-year project and closing the 6-mile loop.
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Visit IrvingTX.gov for more information. All city offices and services will resume regular operations on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
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IRVING, TX PERMIT NO. 883
There will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection on Monday, Sept. 7 due to the Labor Day holiday. Regular Monday/Thursday residential trash collection will resume on Thursday, Sept. 10. Recycling and brush/bulky collection scheduled for Monday, Sept. 7 will resume on Monday, Sept. 14. The following city facilities will be closed Sept. 7: City Hall Criminal Justice Center Heritage Aquatic Center Hunter Ferrell Landfill Irving Animal Care Campus Irving Archives and Museum Irving Arts Center Irving public libraries North Lake Natatorium Recreation centers
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
City Offices Closed Sept. 7; No Trash Collection
IrvingTX.gov
SEPTEMBER 2026 / VOL 33 / NO 09
A N O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C I T Y O F I R V I N G
City’s Proposed Budget Maintains Current Tax Rate
A few proposed budget highlights include:
Irving City Council is scheduled to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27) proposed budget on Sept. 10. The final public hearing on the budget and tax rate is Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. The hearing provides residents with the opportunity to share input on the proposed budget before final adoption.
Additional Police and Fire Department Personnel Street, Water, Wastewater and Drainage Improvements Fire Station Improvements and Fire Apparatus Purchases Facility Upgrades Let's Play Irving Facility Staffing and Operations Staffing for Enhanced Short-term Rental and Health Inspections Programs
The FY27 proposed budget maintains the current tax rate of $0.5891/$100 taxable value while funding key city operations and maintenance projects. Like all City of Irving budget cycles, the budget is structurally balanced and continues to fund the exceptional services and programs Irving residents enjoy today.
To view the FY27 proposed budget, visit IrvingTX.gov/Budget.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT OCT. 6 Organize a neighborhood block party for National Night Out and be sure to invite the Irving Police Department! The annual National Night Out (NNO) campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make neighborhoods safer, stronger and more connected. The Irving Police Department, Irving Fire Department and other City of Irving teams will visit registered parties between 4:30 and 9 p.m. This year, NNO celebrations will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6. To have an officer or department representative stop by your neighborhood block party, register your NNO event at IrvingTX.gov/National-NightOut.
Now Accepting Boards and Commissions Applications Residents interested in serving on a board or commission can apply for available openings at OnBoard.IrvingTX.gov/ Application. Qualified applicants must be a resident of the City of Irving and a registered voter in the city for at least one year immediately prior to the date of their appointment. The deadline to apply for November board appointments is Sept. 18. For more information, call (972) 721-2493. Below is a list of boards and commissions: Animal Services Advisory Committee Arts Board Building and Standards Commission Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Civil Service Commission Construction Board of Appeals Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Green Advisory Board Health and Disabilities Advisory Board
Housing and Human Services Board Library Board Parks and Recreation Board Planning and Zoning Commission Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board, No. 1 Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals For board description, qualifications and meeting frequency, visit IrvingTX.gov/Boards-Commissions.
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"Cultural Currency" Contemporary Art Exhibit Opens at Irving Arts Center What does money mean to you? "Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection" invites visitors to look at currency in a whole new way. On view through Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Irving Arts Center, this free exhibit is the perfect outing for museum lovers, an artsy date night or a fun weekend family activity. Featuring mixed-media works including collage, assemblage, paintings and sculptures, "Cultural Currency" showcases artists who transform money into thought-provoking works of art.
Many pieces incorporate real currency from around the world turning bills and coins into unexpected materials that explore ideas of value, identity, power and culture. Experience the collection and discover how something as familiar as money can become an intriguing medium for artistic expression and reflection. The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. Galleries are open Tuesday – Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free during regular gallery hours. Learn More at
Artwork: Marcella Lassen, "Wall Street Burger," 9 x 13.5 x 14.5 inches.
IrvingArtsCenter.com/Exhibits
Irving Youth Theatre Presents "Shrek the Musical," Sept. 18-19 Get ready to laugh, sing and believe in happily ever after! Irving Youth Theatre presents "Shrek the Musical," starring Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona and a hilarious cast of fairy-tale favorites. Packed with heart and humor, this familyfriendly musical proves that true beauty comes from within. Come cheer on the talented young performers who worked hard to bring this magical production to life. Catch the fun Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, at Irving Arts Center.
Learn More at
IrvingArtsCenter.com/Tickets
Local History Spotlight: Mustangs of Las Colinas '30+1' Anniversary Local History Spotlight is presented by the Irving Archives and Museum In 2015, Irving celebrated the Mustangs of Las Colinas with a '30+1' anniversary celebration. Postponed from 2014 to allow for construction on O’Connor Boulevard, the festivities welcomed sculptor Robert Glen from Tanzania. The celebration featured a city proclamation, museum open house, community gathering, historical reflections and live music.
Learn More at Image: Mustangs of Las Colinas “30+1” Anniversary Celebration on September 26, 2015.
IrvingTexas.HistoryIT.com
Enjoy Free Entry at Irving Archives and Museum During October Get ready for “History on the House” this October at Irving Archives and Museum. In celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, the the Irving Convention Center is sponsoring free museum admission all October. Plus, visitors will get $5 off purchases of $10 or more at the museum store. Come discover why the award-winning Irving Archives and Museum makes Irving a must-visit cultural destination!
Learn More at Image: Guests explore “The Irving Story” local history exhibit at Irving Archives and Museum
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IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com
Upcoming Events at Irving Arts Center Sept. 13 | 1 p.m. Open Studio for Teens (Free) presented by Irving Arts Center Sept. 18-19 | 7:15 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Shrek the Musical presented by Irving Youth Theater Sept. 19 | 2 p.m. Irving Volunteer Fair (Free) presented by Irving Arts Center Oct. 1 | 8 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Love Flamenco World Tour presented by Universo Management Oct. 8 | 8 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Yasmin Levy, One More Night Tour presented by Stars & More Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Carpenter Hall Waterloo - A Celebration of ABBA concert by Entertainment Series of Irving For tickets, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
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Fall Activities Around Irving
IRVING AQUATIC HOURS & ACTIVITIES
The Irving Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Activities Brochure is now available. It provides information on how to schedule, sign up and register for the upcoming camps, classes, programs and activities available through December. Pick up the Fall 2026 Brochure at any recreation center or view online at IrvingTX.gov/Parks-Classes-Programs. Search Facebook for @IrvingParksandRec and “like” the page to stay up-to-date with what is going on in Irving Parks and Recreation from events, programs, schedules and more. Visit IrvingTX.gov/Parks for more information.
Parks and Recreation Activities Cimarron Park Recreation Center 201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702 Thursday Nights | Girls Flag Football 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 11 to 17 | $10 Build confidence, learn football fundamentals and have fun in a team environment. Participants will develop passing, catching, running and defensive skills through engaging drills, games and teamwork. Georgia Farrow Recreation Center 530 Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519 Sept. 18 | NCAA College Football 27 Tournament 6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 11 to 14 | Free Test your skills in the NCAA College Football 27 Tournament and compete for the championship title. Bring your best game and battle for bragging rights. Heritage Senior Center 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496 Sept. 11 | ICAN Senior Resource Fair 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 18-up | Free Connect with local organizations and discover valuable resources for seniors, caregivers and families. This resource fair features a variety of vendors offering information, services and support to help seniors stay informed and connected. Lively Pointe Youth Center 909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090 Now Registering | Irving Youth ACTION Council (IYAC) | Ages 13 to 18 | Free Take the lead with the Irving Youth ACTION Council. This student-led group plans teen programs, organizes volunteer projects and represents Irving teens at community events throughout the DFW area. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Complete an application at IrvingTX.gov/teen-programs.
Mustang Park Recreation Center 2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334 Sept. 8-12 | 9/11 Heroes Challenge 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Ages 18 and up | IPAR Card Honor the heroes of Sept. 11 by taking on the 110-story StairMaster Challenge. Participants may complete the challenge anytime between Sept. 8-12. For more information, email aramirez@irvingtx.gov. Sept. 25 | Pickleball Palooza 6 to 9 p.m. | Ages 18-up | IPAR Card Grab a paddle for an evening of friendly competition during this come-and-go pickleball event. Rally with fellow players and sharpen skills on the courts.
History comes alive this fall during the NEA Big Read, as Irving Public Library celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with programming made possible by the library’s 13th National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant award. From Sept. 12 to Nov. 14, all ages are invited to explore the people, events and ideals that shaped the nation through a free communitywide series inspired by “1776,” Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough’s acclaimed account of the defining first year of the American Revolution. The celebration kicks off Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cimarron Park with a picnic featuring a hot dog lunch, games, face painting, balloon art, musical performances and a community resource fair. Free copies of this year’s title will be available at the picnic, library locations and at NEA Big Read programs while supplies last.
North Lake Natatorium (NLN) 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860 Closed Sept. 6 -13. Fall operating hours begin Monday, Sept. 14. Monday & Wednesday | 6 to 7 a.m., 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday | noon to 2 p.m. Friday | 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday | noon to 4 p.m. Sunday | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lee Aquatic Park (LAP) 3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-7310 Saturday | 1 to 5 p.m.
AQUATIC CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Sept. 19 | Tales & Tides 12:15 to 1 p.m. | Free | NLN Make a splash during this fun story time by the pool. Families can enjoy a perfect blend of reading, learning and aquatic fun. Monday, Wednesday & Friday | Senior EZ Water Aerobics 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. | Ages 18-up | $2 | HAC Northwest Park Recreation Center 2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529 Sept. 11 | Pottery Painting 6 to 8:30 p.m. | All ages | $5 and up Create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by choosing a favorite piece, add a personal touch and take home a unique work of art.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday | Senior Pep Water Aerobics 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. | Ages 18-up | $2 | HAC Monday through Thursday | Night Steppers Water Aerobics 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | Ages 18-up | $2 | HAC Visit IrvingTX.gov/Aquatics to register for classes.
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Senter Park Recreation Center CLOSED for construction.
Library Programs and Activities NEA BIG READ: TAKE A PAGE FROM HISTORY
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
Sept. 21 | Spill the Tea: Women of the American Revolution 7 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults During this tea and talk, Dr. Stephanie Cole of the University of Texas at Arlington presents a look into the world of colonial-era women. Sept. 26 | Quilts for Veterans 2 p.m. | South Irving Library | Adults Create individual quilt squares as part of this collaborative effort to honor veterans. The Quilts of Valor Foundation will stitch the squares into quilts and present them to veterans. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
SAVOR THE BENEFITS OF A LIBRARY CARD A library card goes beyond the bookshelves. During September, National Library Card SignUp Month celebrates the many ways an Irving Public Library card connects residents to books, movies, technology, digital learning resources and exclusive discounts at participating restaurants through the Library “Heart” Local program. Add to the adventure by picking up a game card at any library location, complete five boxes in a row in any direction, then turn it in for a chance to win a prize drawing. For details, visit IrvingTX.gov/ special-events-library.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS Visit IrvingTX.gov/Library for a full list of programs. For details about Make It Yourself (MiY) Zone class requirements, including required orientation sessions, see IrvingTX.gov/MiY-Zones. Sept. 12 | Hispanic Heritage Month: Fiesta 2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages Celebrate with crafts, a scavenger hunt, coloring books for kids and a live dance performance.
NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY A full schedule is available at IrvingTX.gov/NEA-Big-Read. Sept. 16 | Tiny Art Contest Workshop 6 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages Create an America-themed painting for entry into the contest and display at America’s Birthday Bash in November. Take-home kits are available at library locations while supplies last. Submit artwork to a library location by Nov. 1 to be eligible for the contest, with winners selected from each age group. Presented by the Texas Bluebonnet Arts & Crafts Group. Sept. 17 | Bells Across America 4 p.m. | Millennium Park | All ages Commemorate the U.S. Constitution in a ceremony led by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sept. 18 | Books and Brews 4 p.m. | Alma Café & Bakehouse | All ages Gather and get a copy of the book “1776,” engage in conversation and enjoy communal reading time.
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Sept. 14 | Sensory Sensitive (SNAP) Storytime 4 p.m. | South Irving Library | Ages 3-5 and caregivers Designed for neurodivergent children, this program ususally meets on the first Monday except this month due to Labor Day. Register at (972) 721-2606. Sept. 26 | Community Holiday Home Décor Swap 10 a.m. to noon | South Irving Library | Adults Browse through and take home gently used festive finds for a variety of holidays. Sept. 26 | Vintage Car Show 2 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages Admire classic cars and create a custom bumper sticker.
Support the Friends of the Irving Public Library during the North Texas Giving Day donation period, which continues through Sept. 17. The funds raised will benefit the library’s makerspaces. Visit FriendsofIrvinglibrary.com for more information.
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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
CITY OF IRVING ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER SYMPOSIUM The City of Irving Environmental Career Symposium is a free opportunity to hear from experts in the environmental field from local, regional and state levels as well as private sector industries. Attendees will have the chance to meet government and industry leaders in the environmental field and learn how to improve their resumes and networking skills to enhance their career. Opportunities for networking, resume enhancements and complimentary headshots will be provided to attendees. Friday, Sept. 11 | 1 to 4 p.m. 1925 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Two panel sessions: How to Choose the Right Environmental Career for You: Topics include choosing a degree, public vs. private organizations, how to break into the industry and more. A Day in My Life: Topics include typical tasks and responsibilities, office vs. field work, everyday skills and more. This event is for anyone interested in pursuing an environmental career; students and professionals are encouraged to attend. Reserve a spot at IrvingTX.gov/BeGreen.
DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SEPT. 19 Solid Waste Services offers residents free personal document shredding and electronic recycling events throughout the year. There is a two-box limit, and no documents from businesses will be accepted. Proof of residency is required. Saturday, Sept. 19 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Las Colinas Service Center 5964 Riverside Drive
Lake Carolyn Promenade Wraps Up Construction The final phase of Lake Carolyn Promenade construction is expected to conclude this fall, bringing the 16-year project to a close. Completion of phase 5, located along the north shore of the lake near the Toyota Music Factory and Wells Fargo Bank campus, is the final piece needed to close the 6-mile loop around Lake Carolyn. A continuous, accessible pedestrian pathway around the lake, the Lake Carloyn Promenade improves the walkability of the Las Colinas Urban Center, providing a safe lakeside path from the portion of Lake Carolyn north of Spur 348 down to Levy Event Plaza, and everywhere in between. The promenade offers residents and visitors multiple seating opportunities to enjoy the lake view alongside the walking/biking trail. Phase 5 also adds two new gateway entrances/exits to the walkway,
located at Las Colinas Boulevard and Promenade Parkway. All phases of Lake Carolyn Promenade, a project the city began investing in 2010 as part of the Las Colinas Urban Center Master Plan, have been funded through Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funds. TIF funds are obtained through the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 1, which covers a large portion of Las Colinas. TIF programs place increased tax revenue from new development and higher property values in the designated TIRZ into a special TIF fund to finance improvements in that zone. This process allows the city to reinvest the revenue back into the area from which it originated. Lake Carolyn Promenade phase 5 used $4.66 million in TIF funding from TIRZ No. 1, which is 22.6% less than the original project estimate. Visit IrvingTX.gov/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
Irving’s New Police Tactics Training Center: Building Today’s Readiness and Tomorrow’s Policing Capacity The Irving Police Department is preparing for the future of public safety with the opening of its new Police Tactics Training Center. This investment is designed not only to enhance today’s training standards but to ensure the department is equipped for the next 40 to 50 years of policing in a rapidly growing and evolving city. Funded through the 2021 municipal bond election, the $17.5 million facility reflects Irving’s long-standing commitment to proactive planning and public safety investment. At the heart of the center is a 20-lane shooting range that dramatically expands the department’s ability to train officers efficiently and safely. This training replicates the complexity of real-world encounters, resulting in better skill development and long-term performance. The range’s design supports dynamic movement, low-light work and vehicle-based tactics, allowing officers to train in environments that closely resemble the situations they face in the field. A key addition is the 100-yard rifle range, which provides capabilities the department previously lacked.
The center also includes a large, flexible classroom space that can be configured for a wide range of training needs. The Police Tactics Training Center is more than a building. It is a long-term investment in readiness, professionalism and community safety. By building a facility designed for the next half century of policing, Irving is ensuring its officers are prepared not only for today’s challenges but for the demands of the city’s future.
Shredding events provide residents the opportunity to have sensitive documents properly destroyed, as well as an easy way to conserve resources by recycling paper. The city no longer accepts CRT monitors or televisions. For more information, call (972) 721-2232.
Volunteers Needed for Sept. 26 Trash Bash Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) will host the 35th annual Trash Bash on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at T.W. Richardson Grove Park, 333 E. Interstate Highway 635. Volunteers will focus on cleaning the northern Campion Trail area to prevent litter from reaching the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. KIB will provide litter pickers, gloves and bags for trash and recycling. After the cleanup, volunteers can visit educational exhibits and enjoy a free lunch, including a vegetarian option. Participants can bring nonperishable food donations for Crisis Ministries of Irving Food Pantry and will receive a T-shirt while supplies last.
For More Information on Payment Options, Visit
IrvingTX.gov/Water-Payment-Options
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Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 18. Visit IrvingTX.gov/KIB or call (972) 721-2175 for more information. For those who prefer a virtual option, volunteers can clean up an Irving location of their choice and share results using #IrvingTrashBash2026.
“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.
@TheCityofIrving
SEPTEMBER 2026