DECEMBER 2024
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
If you see something that needs our attention, let us know! Snap a picture with your smartphone and upload it to SeeClickFix We’ll take care of the rest.
Let’s work together to help keep our parks safe and beautiful.
STAY TUNED!
COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION
Are you looking for a new adventure for you and your four-legged friend? In College Station, that's an easy task.
We have 56 dog-friendly parks with 1,895 beautiful acres to experience. That means you can explore a new park every week for a year!
Dogs are required to be leashed in most of our parks – and please clean up after them. If you want a little more running room, check out our off-leash dog parks that offer benches, shaded areas, and open spaces for your dog to run and socialize.
• Barracks Park has a fenced-in recreational area with benches and a covered shelter for owners to relax while their pups play. In addition, you can keep them hydrated with the convenient fountains at the side of the park.
• University Park has opportunities for small and large dogs with separate fenced-in play areas. It also has a walkway through the woods that leads to a large pond where your pup can cool off, swim, and frolic with the other dogs. The park also boasts an agility obstacle course in the large dog area and a wash and hydration station.
• Steeplechase is a 1.5-acre fenced-in area where your pup can release all that pent-up energy. A 0.2-mile walking look sits just inside the fence, so you can also get your steps in. When your dog needs a quick rinse, a wash and hydration station is available, so don't forget your towel. Your kids can have fun with a nearby play unit and a basketball court.
Among Lick Creek Park's five miles of marked trails sits Raccoon Run, a 1.7-mile off-leash trail that gives your pup a little more room to explore. Dogs must be under voice control, and dog park rules apply.
The Lick Creek Nature Center's hydration stations and restrooms are about a half mile from Raccoon Run, the only off-leash trail in Lick Creek Park. Dogs must always remain leashed on all the other trails.
Officers Dries Janssen and Jacob Winslager were recently honored with the Outstanding Service Award for their compassionate and effective response to a mental health call for service. Their quick, decisive actions and exceptional resourcefulness resulted in a life-saving resolution to the crisis. We commend Officers Janssen and Winslager for their dedication and commitment to protecting our community.
Communications Training Operator Mackenzie Carpio was recently promoted to senior public safety telecommunicator. Over the last eight years, she has been a dedicated employee and a valuable communications team member. Mackenzie exhibits a positive attitude toward citizens and her coworkers and has volunteered to assist in many assignments. She has trained multiple dispatchers since becoming a CTO in September 2021. Congratulations to Mackenzie on her new leadership role in the Communications Division!
Celebrate the holiday season at Breakfast With Blue Santa! Come by the College Station Police Department on SATURDAY, DEC. 7
8-10 a.m. for a morning of festive fun for the whole family!
Enjoy donuts, milk and juice, pictures with Santa, bounce houses for the kids, miniature train rides, and plenty of holiday cheer! Kids 12 and under will receive a wrapped gift (one per child, while supplies last).
The event is free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children.
The holidays are a season of joy and love but also a time for criminals to take advantage of unwary citizens. Keep your family and property safe by taking common-sense precautions and reporting suspicious activities to the police.
Stu the Fire Guy has some helpful tips to keep your holiday decorating fire safe.
The Cannon Connect platform was launched in conjunction with November’s National Entrepreneur Month and introduced at a special Business over Breakfast event. The introduction included a demonstration of the platform’s capabilities, including its social functionality, forums, online training, educational sessions, and community event calendar.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant entrepreneurial community!
The platform facilitates networking and knowledge-sharing, empowering College Station’s entrepreneurs to connect with peers and mentors within the larger entrepreneurial network.
The digital initiative complements efforts by local nonprofit and university organizations, business partners, and individuals committed to supporting entrepreneurship. Through the combined efforts, Grow College Station and The Cannon aim to nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovators, fostering a vibrant community of growth and opportunity.
• City offices will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 23-27 and Jan. 1.
• The Gary Halter Nature Center and Southwood Community Center will close Dec. 22-Jan. 1. The Lincoln Recreation Center and Meyer Senior & Community Center will close Dec. 23-Jan 1.
• Larry J. Ringer Library will be closed from Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 1.
• Solid waste and recycling collections scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 25, will be collected on Thursday, Dec. 26; Thursday's routes will be collected on Friday; Friday's routes will be collected on Saturday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The City of College Station is a terrific place to live and an outstanding place to work!
CHECK A NEW CAREER OFF YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST!
The City of College Station has several job opportunities available.
Check out our careers page and find your perfect fit, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll notify you when a job that matches your needs becomes available.
Saturday, Dec. 14 4-8 p.m.
Gather your family and friends for a festive day at the Northgate Patricia Street Promenade. Explore a unique Christmas shopping experience with over 50 vendors.
Enjoy live music, photo opportunities, and pictures with Santa, and let the kids dive into exhilarating activities. And yes, there will be SNOW!
Best of all, the event is completely FREE.
Don't miss out on a winter wonderland filled with fun and holiday spirit!
Visit College Station and Century Square team up for their annual Holiday Artisan Market on The Green.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shop for the perfect last-minute Christmas gifts, from handmade soaps to holiday decor and more, while enjoying live music.
They've got it all!
What began in 1984 with a couple of light displays funded by a local family has grown into a beloved Christmas in the Park tradition featuring over a million twinkling lights. Visit ChristmasinCS.com to discover more events and holiday specials in College Station!
The City of College Station receives a relatively small portion of your property and sales taxes.
The City's share of local property tax bills is about 28%. Brazos County claims 21%, and the College Station Independent School District's portion is 51%. That means the owner of a $300,000 home pays about $6,228 annually in property tax, with about $1,539 going to the City of College Station.
Additionally, the City's share of the 8.25% sales tax rate is 1.50%. The state's portion is 6.25%, and Brazos County gets 0.50%. For more details, visit cstx.gov/fy25budget
Report non-emergency issues such as potholes, streetlights, or code violations directly to the City of College Station.
• Submit requests anytime, anywhere
• Attach photos for better clarity
• Track the progress of your request
Let’s keep our city safe, clean, and thriving. Download the SeeClickFix App today!
CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW IN COLLEGE STATION!
Whether you’re looking for restaurants, shopping, or fun activities, you’re bound to discover a new favorite spot.
Neighborhood Services maintains collaborative partnerships among neighborhoods, community organizations, and the city government.
Registering your neighborhood or homeowner association makes it eligible for city resources and assistance. Associations can also develop regular communication with staff regarding development and city services in their neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Services offers Welcome Bags for new residents who have moved to the City of College Station. Each bag is filled with important City information to help you adjust to your new home, as well as a few extra goodies.
One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases is mosquito dunks. The easy-to-use, safe, and non-toxic tablets kill mosquito larvae and are suitable for treating common mosquito breeding sites around residential properties.
The Strong and Sustainable Neighborhood Grant Program assists neighborhood and homeowner associations with projects from signage to community gardens. The umbrella program includes the Neighborhood Grant Program and the Gateway Grant Program.
The Office of Neighborhood Services maintains regular contact with registered neighborhood and homeowner associations through the Neighborhood Partnership Program. Associations submit updated information annually at the time of their elections.
At the end of every month, Neighborhood Services invites community members to hear from City department leaders and learn about municipal operations and services through presentations and question-and-answer periods.
Citizens University gives adults an educational opportunity to connect with their local government and become more informed and engaged citizens. The unique program provides a behind-the-scenes look at the departments and divisions that make the City run smoothly. Apply here.
Are you curious about how your city works? Do you want a deeper understanding of how city departments and divisions operate? If so, the City of College Station's Citizens University Program is just for you!
The Citizens University Program is an interesting and rewarding way for adults to connect with their local government and become more informed and engaged. The unique program provides a behind-the-scenes look at departmental duties and responsibilities and how they work together to make our city run smoothly.
• Gain In-Depth Knowledge: Explore the fascinating world of local government and gain a comprehensive understanding of how your city operates.
• Meet City Leaders: Interact with city officials, department heads, and dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving our community.
• Hands-On Experience: Get a firsthand look at the daily activities, challenges, and successes of city departments through interactive workshops and site visits.
• Enhance Civic Engagement: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to become an informed and engaged citizen who can actively contribute to our city's future.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for our community and build lasting relationships.
Discover the heart of your city, learn from the experts, and actively participate in shaping College Station's future. Join the Citizens University Program today!
The Solid Waste Division recently visited Longmire Learning Center for a meet and greet with students and a truck show and tell. Division employees chatted with nearly 100 preschoolers and answered questions while leading tours of the mini-rear loaders that provide roll-out service.
College Station Mayor John Nichols and Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez will participate in the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas campaign by collecting donations at local Walmart stores.
Saturday Dec. 14 | 12-5 p.m.
Walmart Supercenter 1815 Brothers Blvd, College Station, TX 77845
If you stop by Walmart on Saturday, say hello to Mayor Nichols and drop your spare change into that famous red kettle.
CITIZENS PRAISE COCS EMPLOYEES
Dixie Chicken bar staff approached Northgate District Crew Leader Tina Baldera and expressed their gratitude for the two roll-offs in the compactor area and the bird deterrence completed by staff earlier this year. Solid Waste has done a great job ensuring Northgate merchants can effectively dispose of their solid waste. Northgate District staff uses lasers to discourage birds from roosting or nesting in the trees around the promenades. The team effort helps to make Northgate a clean place for residents and visitors.
I watched an "ICYMI" post from CStat, and it was a 30-minute YouTube about your recent presentation (about Code Enforcement) to the (City Council). Well done, Tommy (Shilling) - your presentation was terrific, and I love, love, love See Click Fix. I thoroughly agree with the City Council - you and your understaffed team do a terrific job of keeping up with a FAST-growing community. Sincere thanks for all you and your team do.
4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7
Jingle all the way into December with the College Station Christmas Parade!
In 2013, the City partnered with the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum to create a 16-by-8-foot diorama depicting the original train station from which College Station derived its name. The collaboration was part of our 75th anniversary celebration.
The diorama was stored for several years before being loaned to the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History for its "Steam, Smoke, & Steel: Riding the Rails Through Time" exhibit about the history of trains and railroads. After the museum exhibit closed in October, the diorama came home for public viewing on the second floor at City Hall, where visitors can also view the fabulous history wall detailing College Station's history.
We congratulate David White (Place 3), Melissa McIlhaney (Place 4), Bob Yancy (Place 5), and Scott Shafer (Place 6). They were officially sworn into office on. Nov. 14
We also thank our OUTGOING MEMBERS LINDA HARVELL, ELIZABETH CUNHA, AND DENNIS MALONEY FOR THEIR SERVICE.
28-1 NOV. Lights On: Christmas at the Park JAN.
7
NOVEMBER MEETINGS
NOV. 14: BLOG | VIDEO
NOV. 25: BLOG | VIDEO
THURSDAY, DEC. 12 • 6 P.M.
“What’s Up, College Station?” Video and Podcast
Learn the latest about the City of College Station’s services, events, programs, and more as we chat with leaders and experts from across the organization.
and uplifts College Station residents.
Keep up with city events, programs, emergencies, notices, and more by following us on social media. We'd love to hear from you, too!
/CityofCollegeStation
@CityOfCollegeStation
@CityofCS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
979.764.3690 cstx.gov/cip
CITIZEN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS 979.764.3541 cstx.gov/committees
CODE ENFORCEMENT / SEECLICKFIX
979.764.6363 cstx.gov/codeenforcement
979.764.3778 cstx.gov/commserv
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 979.764.3625 grow.cstx.gov FIRE DEPARTMENT 979.764.3705 cstx.gov/fire HUMAN RESOURCES 979.764.3517 cstx.gov/hr
979.209.6347 bcslibrary.org MUNICIPAL COURT 979.764.3683 cstx.gov/court
cstx.gov/neighbor
cstx.gov/parks
cstx.gov/pds
cstx.gov/publiccommunications
cstx.gov/publicworks
cstx.gov/wolfpen
