Spring '23 Where We Live Magazine

WHERE WE LIVE

Spring 2023

Utility Box Art Project

Letter from Fire Chief Economic Development Update

Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Shredding

April

Let us help you with your spring-cleaning by bringing your household hazardous waste to the Service Center along with an ID and Hurst water bill.

Accepted items: Automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners & degreasers, cooking oil, lawn/garden/pool chemicals, light bulbs, and paint. There is a limit on paint of three five-gallon containers.

Items not accepted: Ammunition or explosives, appliances or electronics, building materials, bulk trash and yard waste, butane or propane cylinders, medicines or sharps, and tires.

Document shredding will be available. Three (3) box limit, no larger than 15”x12”x10” accepted. Limited space. First come, first served.

6Stones will be on-site accepting clothing donations from Hurst residents.

Fight the Bite

Tips to reduce the mosquito population

Controlling mosquito populations and reducing the risk for West Nile virus, Zika Virus and Chikungunya Viruses must be done on several fronts—education and prevention are at the forefront of those efforts. As we head into mosquito season, it’s imperative that residents take steps to protect themselves and control mosquito populations at home.

The most important thing citizens can do to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus is to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around the home and limit exposure to feeding mosquitoes. Many female mosquitoes can lay 100-300 eggs on the surface of fresh or stagnant water every third night during its life span. Here are some simple things citizens can do to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around the home:

1. Do not allow water to accumulate in saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns, or in pet dishes for more than two days.

2. Get rid of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools, or other containers that collect and hold water.

3. Clean debris from rain gutters, remove standing water from flat roofs, and repair leaks around faucets and air conditioners.

4. Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week.

5. Fill or drain puddles, ditches and swampy areas.

6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats or pools, and arrange the tarp to drain the water.

Follow the Four Ds

1. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

2. DRESS in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.

3. Stay indoors at DUSK and DAWN, when mosquitoes are most active.

4. DRAIN standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters. Spring will be here before we know it along with West Nile Virus. When Hurst sprays to kill mosquitos, we notify the area using our CodeRed Notification System. If you would like to be on that list, please sign up at hursttx.gov/codered.

For more information about mosquito control and management, visit hursttx.gov/fightthebite.

The

Social Media Connection

City of Hurst

WEBSITE: www.hursttx.gov

FACEBOOK: @CityofHurstTX

TWITTER: @TheCityofHurst

INSTAGRAM: @CityofHurstTX

NEXTDOOR: City of Hurst

Hurst Public Library

WEBSITE: www.hursttx.gov/library

FACEBOOK: @HurstPublicLibrary

INSTAGRAM: @HurstPublicLibrary

Hurst Police & Fire

FACEBOOK: @HurstPoliceDepartment

TWITTER: @HurstPoliceDept, @HurstFireDept

NEXTDOOR: Hurst Police Department

Hurst Conference Center

WEBSITE: www.hurstcc.com

FACEBOOK: @HurstCC

INSTAGRAM: @HurstConferenceCenter

Hurst Parks and Recreation

FACEBOOK: @HurstParksandRecreation

INSTAGRAM: @HurstParksandRecreation

Hurst Senior Activities Center

FACEBOOK: @HurstSeniorActivitiesCenter

CodeRED Emergency Notification System

The City of Hurst uses the CodeRED Emergency Notification System to notify the entire city or only the affected areas, via telephone or cell phone, about emergency situations in a matter of minutes. The system is available to all Hurst residents free of charge. These phone calls will

begin with “This is a CodeRED Emergency message from The City of Hurst.”

In what case would I receive a CodeRED message?

• Homeland Security related emergencies

• Hazardous material emergencies

• Drinking water contamination

• Other emergency situations where rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety

• Mosquito sprays in neighborhoods

• Missing persons report

• Warning of significant weather

What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message? Listen to the entire message carefully, and follow the instructions. DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless instructed to do so.

To sign up, visit hursttx.gov/CodeRED.

P

P

P

Seasonal Property Maintenance Award

If your neighbor has gone the extra yard to spruce up their property, nominate them for our Property Pride Award!

We are looking to recognize homeowners in Hurst for taking extra special care of their properties including painting, landscaping and more.

We can’t wait to see your nomination!

Properties are eligible to receive the award once every three years.

A winner of Hurst’s Seasonal Property Maintenance Award.

Leave your

on Hurst heART

A collection of decorated utility boxes and the artists who designed them as a part of Hurst’s Utility Box Art Project.

Public art initiative offers citizens opportunity to beautify city

In September 2022, City Council and the Hurst Community Arts and Historic Landmark Preservation Committee selected nineteen local artists and community members to transform Hurst utility boxes into art. The City received so many fantastic submissions that the project was approved to expand from six utility boxes to nineteen! The winning artists, ranging in age from 9 to 89, chose to showcase the theme “Community built on connection” by highlighting Hurst parks, history, facilities, and much more.

The vinyl wraps of each of the nineteen designs were recently installed on the utility boxes across

the city. We were happy to capture our artists with their winning designs after the installation process. You can visit our website, hursttx.gov/ utilityboxartproject, to read more about the artists and their designs and view a map highlighting each utility box location.

Next up is Phase 2! The Community Services Department will accept proposals under the theme “The Building Blocks of Hurst.” The City of Hurst celebrated its 70th birthday last September, and over those seven decades, our community has experienced significant growth and transformation. Hurst would not be what it is today without essential building

blocks such as our foundation, shared values and purpose, and heart. These elements are necessary components of a successful, thriving, happy community.

Our foundation: In 1950, the population of Hurst was a resilient 200. The town at the time was mostly farmland, and the residents enjoyed simple pleasures like attending church and eating at Emma’s Cafe.

The following year, Bell Helicopter broke ground to build their factory in Hurst, and in 1952, Hurst was incorporated into a general law city. Five years later, Lawrence Dale Bell High School opened on land donated to the school district by the late Larry Bell, Founder and President of Bell Helicopter. During those years, Hurst’s population grew exponentially.

Hurst built strong civic organizations, industries, and educational systems from this foundation that generated shared values, a shared purpose, and the heart of our community. This support resulted in our modern-day Hurst, a community built on connection. Innovation and leadership remain top strategic priorities for the Hurst community. Be part of our Art in Public Places initiative and leave your heART on Hurst!

Proposals submitted under the theme can include any design inspired by Hurst, including but not limited to Bell Helicopter, L.D. Bell High School, Tarrant County College Northeast

Campus, North East Mall, veterans, first responders, and frontline workers. Applications will be live on April 1 and will close on June 1. We can’t wait to see your art!

Aerial view of Hurst in 1950.

Current aerial view of Hurst for comparison.

Homeowner recommendations to help control migratory birds nesting

Migratory birds, such as herons, egrets, and other nesting birds, bring challenges like noise, odor, and significant amounts of excrement that cover streets, sidewalks, cars, and mailboxes on public or private property. This is definitely something you don’t want near your home or business! Concerns about possible health hazards, noise, and odors are the most cited complaints.

Homeowners can prevent rookery establishment by thinning their tree canopies to less than 70%. A rookery occurs when large numbers of egrets or herons nest together in a concentrated area. For help thinning your tree canopies, contact a professional tree company.

Homeowners can also use scare tactics to encourage the birds to continue flying. Noisemakers and highpressure water nozzles aimed at the trees make the trees an undesirable place to nest. Scare-eye balloons, or other moving objects, work too.

It’s important to try and prevent a rookery from establishing because once they do, there’s not much that can be done at that point until next season. These birds are federally protected, meaning they can’t be harmed!

We have more information and resources available at hursttx.gov/migratorybirds.

Caption goes here.

FROZEN

Essential Hurst City staff continue service during severe winter storm

When streets freeze over and schools and businesses close, our essential city staff members remain on duty, ready to serve and assist our community members in need. Our Public Works Department works hard ahead of a winter storm to ensure roads are properly treated and sanded and remain available when calls come in and residents need assistance with a water, street, or traffic issue. Our Fire and Police Departments continue to respond during emergency situations and by helping ensure drivers remain safe when needing to travel. These departments keep our city moving no matter what weather event comes our way. We are grateful for their dedicated service to this community!

Economic Development

Murphy Express

Aaron’s

Eden Town Square

Hurst experiences busy year for development

It was a busy year for commercial development and redevelopment in Hurst as the economy recovered from the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. New prospects and commercial property owners picked themselves up and charged ahead vigorously as the few remaining land vacancies and backfill of existing commercial space was pursued and became occupied as the year went along. During 2022, 119 new businesses opened in Hurst, occupying 375,214 square feet allowing HEB residents to enjoy the many new offerings. The fourth quarter activity was brisk, and three new “big box” retailers opened in Hurst. Aaron’s opened with their array of furniture, appliances, and electronics, while Burlington opened with their wide selection of apparel lines on West Pipeline. Mayfair Village Shopping Center on Grapevine Hwy enjoyed the wide variety of general merchandise products featured in their new Ollie’s store that opened there as an anchor in 35,000 sq. ft. of space across the parking lot from their Tom Thumb grocery store. Dutch Bro’s Coffee recently opened its doors at 2155 Precinct Line Rd. next to the new Murphy Express.

New residential construction will bring more residents to Hurst as Eden Town Square continues its work by constructing its 67 single-family homes for rent next to Target. David Weekly is the home builder, and the homes will feature a touchscreen system with access to numerous virtual smart home services that will be offered. They hope to be complete before the end of the year. Another exciting announcement was made for a new luxury home development by the developer, Our Country Homes. The project, Adkins Park, will include 75 new homes to be built on 30 acres off North Precinct Line Road.

Watch for announcements of other new businesses coming soon to Hurst, including Salad ‘n Go, Golden Chick, Laughing Crab Restaurant, Wing Stop, Line Drive Instructional Baseball Facility, and Vive Society Fitness Center.

For more information on development and redevelopment opportunities in the City of Hurst, please visit hursttx.gov/economicdevelopment.

Dutch Bro’s Coffee

Ollie’s

Letter from Fire Chief David Palla

After 37 years with the Hurst Fire Department and six years serving as Fire Chief, I am retiring at the end of March 2023. Is thirty-seven years a long time to do something? Some of you will say no, and some will wonder why anyone would work so long in one place. When I first started, I had no clue what it would mean to be a firefighter and how long of a career in Hurst I had ahead of me. In the years that I have been here, Hurst has changed considerably. The surrounding region has become almost unrecognizable from when I first started with the department. Having lived in the area all of my life, it is almost like a different “world.” To answer the question of whether it’s been long enough, most of the parents of the people we are hiring are younger than me, so yes, it has been a long (enough) time!

What has not changed is that Hurst is still a caring community, and the support provided to make the community a wonderful place to work and live has not wavered. The fire department has especially been well supported by the community.

I want to thank the citizens of Hurst for what they have provided to my family and me over the years. I cannot think of anything else that I would have wanted to do for a career. I will certainly miss aspects of the job, but with six grandchildren in the area, they will surely find something to take up my time if I run out of things to do. It has been an honor to serve this community for the last 37 years, and I look forward to the next chapter.

David Palla Fire Chief

David Palla Fire Chief

Trash and recycling reminders

We put together some garbage and recycling reminders to help make things a little easier on you!

• Make sure your trash and recycling materials are placed at your curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled pick-up days. Garbage can be placed in a trash bag or contained in a trash can. The total weight of garbage and container can be at most 50 pounds.

• Republic Services’ collection hours are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This means your trash pickup is not considered “missed” for the day until after 7 p.m. If your trash hasn’t been picked up by 7 p.m., submit a service request at hursttx. gov/servicerequest or contact us the following morning at 817-788-7000, and we will work with Republic to send a crew back to your area.

• If you typically have your garbage picked up around a specific time every week but notice some days it’s being picked up later, it might be for a few reasons! There could be more significant than usual trash set-outs, routes running in a different order, employee shortages, or a new driver learning a route.

• Bulky objects for garbage collection can be placed with regular garbage on your typical pickup day. Bulky items include furniture, bedsprings, televisions, washers/dryers, etc.

• Tree limbs and brush must be bundled, no longer than four feet in length, and not to exceed fifty pounds. Special pickup for loose brush can be arranged by calling Republic Services at 817-332-7301.

A do P t - A -P A rk Program reaches

The City of Hurst’s mission is to “provide responsive services and effective programs to ensure that Hurst remains a vibrant community.” Our Parks Division works tirelessly to provide our community with clean, attractive, and well-maintained parks. But, we rely on enthusiastic and willing partners to assist us in our efforts.

Why Adopt-a-Park?

We encourage community participation in our park programs. We want to collaborate with groups, organizations, and individuals to help us maintain our community values of inclusiveness and a positive environment. We want to ensure the City of Hurst is well maintained, clean, and secured, leading to an

enjoyable living experience. Participate in the Hurst Adopt-a-Park program!

We will track participant hours and turn them into the City of Hurst’s Volunteers in Action program. Groups or organizations that participate will have their names posted at the park for the duration of their commitment.

Who to Contact

Interested groups or organizations should contact Kristie Weaver, Parks Director, via email or phone: kweaver@hursttx.gov or 817.788.7220. Information is available on our webpage at hursttx.gov/parks.

out to public to keep parks attractive, well-maintained

Chisholm Park

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

Texas weather is unpredictable. Know what to do when severe weather occurs, including severe flooding. Here are ways to prepare before a flood occurs and what to do during one.

Before the Flood

1. Check with the Engineering Department (817.788.7080) on the extent of past flooding in your area.

• City staff can tell you about the causes of repetitive flooding, what the city is doing about it and what would be an

2. Prepare for flooding by doing the following:

• Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood comes.

• Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.

• Make a household inventory and put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc. in a safe place.

• Report blockages in creeks, culverts, drainage ditches and storm drain inlets by calling Public Works at 817-788-7076.

3. Consider some permanent flood protection measures.

• Mark your fuse box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to these floodable areas can reduce property damage and save lives.

• Consider flood protection alternatives such as flood walls or berms. Note that some flood protection

appropriate flood protection level. They can also visit your property to discuss flood protection alternatives.

• Develop a response plan - consult the American Red Cross website for information on creating an emergency preparedness plan.

• The American Red Cross has also published the brochure Repairing Your Flooded Home, which provides information on planning and preparing for a flood event as well as repairing after a flood event.

measures may require permits. Please check with the Engineering Division and/or Building Inspections for more information.

• A copy of Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding are available at no charge to download from FEMA.

4. Talk to the Engineering Division for information on financial assistance.

• If you are interested in obtaining more information on what you can do to prevent flood damage, or what funds may be available to assist you with mitigating flood damage to your property, contact the Engineering Division at 817.788.7080.

5. Get a flood insurance policy.

• Typically, homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, some owners have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they received a mortgage or home improvement loan.

During and After the Flood

• Get a flood insurance policy - it will help pay for repairs after a flood and, in some cases, it will help pay the costs of elevating a substantially damaged building.

• Don’t wait until the next flood to buy flood insurance protection. In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period before the National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect.

• Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

1. Check with the Engineering Department (817.788.7080) on the extent of past flooding in your area.

• Do not wade through floodwaters due to the danger of pollutants, debris (nails, glass, etc) and animals (snakes, ants, etc.). Floodwaters are often murky and depth is hard to determine.

• Do not drive through floodwaters! Turn around, don’t drown! If emergency evacuation is necessary, please

heed the warnings of the emergency management and follow the instructions to evacuate - it saves lives of those around you and possibly of the emergency workers responding.

• Ask for a licensed electrician, plumber etc. to check or turn on your power, water and/or gas.

The City of Hurst Public Works Department is a member of the Community Rating System through the National Flood Insurance Program. This information is provided as a resource.for residents.

PARKS & RECREATION

ADAPTIVE EGG HUNT

This event is for children under 16 with special needs and their families.

This FREE event begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a petting zoo, face painting, craft, sno-cones, photos with Mr. Bunny, and egg hunts, including an area for those with mobility restrictions.

Egg Hunts are offered for ages 0-5, and 6 & up.

The first hunt begins at 6:45 p.m. We will stagger times for each age group. Please, no pets or glass containers during the event.

When 5:30 p.m. | Friday, March 31

Where Hurst Central Park | 700 block of Mary Drive (across from the Tennis Center)

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy our FREE petting zoo, photos with Mr. Bunny, face painting, crafts, pony rides, and egg hunts! Food is available for purchase from one of our amazing vendors.

Egg hunts are available for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The first hunt begins at 6:40 p.m. We will stagger times for each age group.

Please, no pets or glass containers during the event.

When 5:30 p.m. | Tuesday, March 28

Where

Hurst Community Park | 601 Precinct Line Road

DOGGONE EGG HUNT

The small dog egg hunt begins at 9:15 a.m. The large dog egg hunt begins at 9:30 a.m.

We had so much at last year’s Dog Hunt that we can’t wait to do it again! Come out to the Dog Park with your 4-legged best friend for Mr. Bunny photos, treats, giveaways, and an Egg Hunt.

We will have two hunts, one for large dogs and one for small ones. Dog

size is determined by the Dog Park rules.

All dogs must be on a leash during the hunt and in the event area. The designated Dog Park pens will be open for un-leashed “free play time” during the event.

When Photos begin at 8:30 a.m. | Saturday, April 1

Where

Hurst Dog Park | 900 TCC Road

Monday, July 3

Hurst Community Park 601 Precinct Line Road

The annual City of Hurst Stars & Stripes event is Monday, July 3, at Hurst Community Park. Come out to enjoy live music, good food, and a beautiful fireworks show! FREE shuttles are available from designated parking at North East Mall.

As we get closer to the date, visit hursttx.gov/hurststarsandstripes for all of the event details!

hursttx.gov/recreation

Facebook @HurstParksandRecreation

NOW OPEN!!!

CHECK OUT THIS EXCITING ADDITION AT THE HURST RECREATION CENTER!

NEW FUNCTIONAL TRAINING AREA

GYM B IS OFFICIALLY NOW A NEW FUNCTIONAL FITNESS AREA! WE REARRANGED OUR WEIGHT EQUIPMENT, ADDED SOME NEW FLOORING AND A FEW ADDITIONAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT, AND VIOLA! THE FUNCTIONAL TRAINING AREA WAS BORN! THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE RECREATION CENTER ADDS MORE SPACE FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL WORKOUTS AND MORE ROOM TO STRETCH AND WORK ON YOUR FLEXIBILITY.

AND THE BEST PART IS ITS AN INCLUDED BENEFIT OF OUR FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS! COME CHECK IT OUT!

MACHINED WEIGHTS AND FREE WEIGHTS ALL IN ONE AREA!

A NEW TURF AREA WITH A SLED AND TRX RIG!

FITNESS MEMBERSHIPS START AS LOW AS $75 A YEAR! VISIT THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

FACILITY INFORMATION

Hurst Recreation Center

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Contact information 700 Mary Drive Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7325

Hurst Tennis Center

Hours of Operation:

To view the full class and program schedule, please visit hursttx.gov/recreation or pick up a Live & Play activity guide at the Hurst Recreation Center.

Monday-Thursday*: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 5 – 9 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.

Court Rental Fees

Resident: $3

Non-Resident: $5

* Gates are open for free play from 1-5 p.m. on weekdays

Hurst Public Library

Hours of Operation

Contact information 701 Mary Drive Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7330

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Contact Information 901 Precinct Line Rd.

Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7300

Find out all the information on the Hurst Public Library, including programming, at hursttx.gov/library and on social media @HurstPublicLibrary.

Hurst Senior Activities Center

Hours of Operation: Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. For the latest news and updates, please visit hursttx.gov/hsac and on Facebook @HurstSeniorActivitiesCenter.

Contact Information 700 Heritage Circle Hurst, Texas 76053 817-788-7710

PARK SYSTEM

Taking Care of Hurst Parks

Parks crews inspect parks regularly for safety, litter, vandalism, and minor maintenance items. If you notice anything that requires our attention, please call 817.788.7325. Residents and guests may also report concerns via our ‘Where We Live’ app found in the Apple App store and Google Play store.

www.hursttx.gov/parks