CITY UPDATES
NEW PARKING GARAGE TO OPEN ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
The City is pleased to announce that the new parking garage will officially open to the public on Saturday, October 18. This milestone represents a key step in supporting accessibility and accommodating the continued growth and development within the City’s historic Downtown area.
The first three floors will offer public parking, including ADA-accessible spaces on all levels for full accessibility. City employees will be required to park on the second and third floors of the parking garage. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The fourth floor of the garage will remain reserved exclusively for contractor parking and staging until the Downtown Center construction is complete and is not open to employees or the public. Additionally, City vehicles and construction-related vehicles will not be permitted to park overnight or on weekends to maintain availability for daytime use.
During the ongoing construction of the Downtown Center, pedestrians should use the W. Pecan Street and W. Walnut Street sidewalks to safely access City Hall and the Downtown Square.
The City has communicated detailed parking guidelines to staff to ensure a smooth transition as the facility opens. Employees and visitors are encouraged to observe posted signage, adhere to traffic markings, and exercise caution as the community adjusts to the new parking configuration.
The opening of this new facility underscores the City’s commitment to enhancing downtown mobility, improving access for residents and visitors, and supporting a more efficient parking experience in the heart of Celina’s growing community.
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PARKING GARAGE MAP ]
RESIDENTIAL TRASH AND RECYCLING SERVICE TRANSITION
Beginning Monday, October 20, the City will begin communicating with residents regarding the transition of residential trash and recycling services from Waste Connections to Community Waste Disposal (CWD). For the majority of residents, collection days will remain unchanged. However, a portion of the Downtown area - specifically locations west of the railroad and S. Walnut St - will experience a schedule change, with collection moving from Thursday to Wednesday.
CART REMOVALS & DELIVERIES
To ensure a smooth transition, Waste Connections will remove existing trash and recycling carts, and CWD will deliver new carts between October 27 and November 21, 2025. Removals and deliveries will occur on current collection days. The City is divided into four quadrants, allowing the process to take place over four weeks. A detailed schedule outlining removal and delivery dates for each area will be shared with residents in advance.
Following the completion of cart removals and deliveries, residents will begin using the new CWD carts. Waste Connections will continue servicing these carts through December 1, at which point CWD will officially assume full responsibility for residential trash and recycling collection services.
All additional trash or recycling carts currently in use will also be replaced by CWD during this transition period. If old carts are not removed during the scheduled week, residents should continue to place them at their regular collection point, as crews will make additional passes in subsequent weeks. Any carts remaining after November 24, should be reported to CWD Customer Service.
Residents who do not receive new carts by 7:00 PM on the day following the scheduled delivery are encouraged to contact CWD Customer Service at (972) 392-9300, option 2, or via email at customerservice@cwd.to.
The City appreciates residents’ patience and cooperation during this transition. These changes are designed to provide a more efficient, resident-focused service experience, supporting the needs of our growing community.
NEW FM 455 INTERSECTION OPENS TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
Beginning October 20, 2025, the newly configured intersection at FM 455, GA Moore, and N. Legacy Dr will officially open to traffic. The intersection will function as a four-way stop, designed to enhance safety and improve traffic flow for motorists traveling through this area.
With the opening of the new configuration, the former alignment of FM 455 will be permanently closed, and demolition work on the old roadway will commence. Motorists should also note that N. Legacy Dr north of the intersection will remain closed for several additional weeks as construction continues on this segment.
Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution, adhere to all posted signage, and allow for extra travel time as the area transitions to the new traffic pattern. The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as these roadway improvements are completed - further enhancing safety, connectivity, and mobility in our city.
CELINA POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES ANNUAL BLUE SANTA PROGRAM
The Celina Police Department’s Blue Santa Program has returned for the holiday season, providing a meaningful opportunity to support local families in need. Each year, this cherished community initiative brings joy and hope to Celina families, ensuring that every child experiences the warmth and generosity of the season.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
• Adopt a Local Family: Each participating family resides in Celina and has children enrolled in Celina ISD.
• Personal Wish Lists: Every child provides a wish list that includes both essential needs and special wishes. Once you adopt a family, you will receive their list, along with wrapping guidelines and delivery instructions.
• Team Up: For those looking to make a larger impact, consider partnering with friends, neighbors, or coworkers to adopt a family together. Only one contact person is required for group participation.
• Gift Cards Welcome: The program also accepts $25 Visa or Walmart gift cards to help meet additional family needs.
WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP
Participating in the Blue Santa Program is more than an act of giving - it’s an opportunity to make a direct and personal difference for a Celina family. By joining the program, you:
• Bring joy to local children who might otherwise go without gifts this holiday season.
• Support your neighbors while strengthening the bonds that make Celina a caring and connected community.
• Demonstrate kindness, generosity, and community service - values that inspire the next generation.
• Experience the true spirit of the holidays through meaningful, hands-on giving.
The success of the Blue Santa Program is built on the generosity of residents like you. Together, we can ensure that every Celina child wakes up to a magical Christmas morning filled with joy, love, and hope.
BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE RETURNS NEXT WEEK
As part of the upcoming Beware! of the Square event, the City is excited to announce a friendly competition between the Celina Police Department and Celina Fire Department to see which team can recruit the most blood donors this year. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for residents to make a direct, lifesaving impact in our community while enjoying the festivities of this annual celebration.
BLOOD DRIVE DETAILS
Friday, October 24
Celina Police Headquarters, 3025 S. Coit Rd
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Saturday, October 25
Celina Downtown Square, 142 N. Ohio St
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Participants are encouraged to vote for their preferred department when donating to support this friendly rivalry. Last year, the Celina Police Department earned the title - this year’s donors will decide whether they defend the crown or if the Fire Department rises to the challenge. Whether you are a first-time donor or a regular participant, every donation counts. By joining these events, residents have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of fellow community members, while also engaging in a spirited, community-building competition.
MARKETING DEPARTMENT RECEIVES MULTIPLE MARCOM AWARDS
The City congratulates the Marketing Department for winning eight awards in the 2025 MarCom Awards, including two Platinum and three Gold awards. The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals for creative excellence, highlighting superior work in print, digital, video, and public relations campaigns. These awards are highly competitive and honor exceptional creativity, strategy, and execution in marketing and communications initiatives.
Below is a list of the awards won by the Marketing Department:
Platinum: Celina Cajun Fest Video (Web Video - Overview)
Platinum: Heart for Hometown - Celina’s Longhorn Legacy (Video/Film - Government)
Gold: A Legacy in Motion - Press Box at Old Bobcat Stadium (Web Video - Educational)
Gold: “In the Know” Video Series (Web Video - Series)
Gold: Annual Report 2024 (Publications - Annual Report)
Honorable Mention: Celina Cajun Fest (Design - Poster)
Honorable Mention: Countdown to Christmas Brochure (Publications - Special Events)
Honorable Mention: Life Connected. Magazine (Publications - Magazine)
S. LEGACY DR ASPHALT ROAD REPAIRS BEGAN THIS WEEK
As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality infrastructure, the Annual Street Maintenance (ASM) Program focuses on repairing and preserving local roadways to ensure long-term safety, functionality, and sustainability.
ASPHALT ROAD REPAIRS
• Location: S. Legacy Dr (FM 428 to Punk Carter Pkwy)
SCHEDULE (Weather Permitting)
• Start Date: October 15, 2025
• Estimated Completion: November 25, 2025
TRAFFIC IMPACT
• Access will be limited to local traffic only, allowing residents to safely reach their homes.
• The contractor will actively manage traffic control throughout the project.
• Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible to minimize delays.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as crews work to improve the quality and longevity of Celina’s streets. These proactive maintenance efforts represent a significant investment in the safety, mobility, and long-term sustainability of the City’s infrastructure.
CITY WELCOMES NEW PUBLIC WORKS TEAM MEMBERS
The City is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Public Works Department streets team: Ryan Castro and Julian Garcia. Their expertise and commitment will support the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the City’s infrastructure, contributing to the safety, functionality, and quality of streets throughout the community.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the continued progress on the DNT Phase 4A project, construction crews will soon implement targeted lane closures to support key project activities. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of topsoil, conduct mass haul operations, perform area cleanup, and set structural beams. It is important to note that full closure of the left lanes is not anticipated. Efforts will be made to ensure that lane closures are coordinated to prevent conflicts within overlapping work zones.
Monday, October 20, through Saturday, October 25:
• The northbound and southbound left lane of Dallas Pkwy from First St to FM 428 will be closed daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 22, through Saturday, October 25:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Frontier Pkwy between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Thursday, October 23, through Friday, October 24:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Light Farms Way between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy
Ryan Castro Streets Maintenance Worker
Julian Garcia Streets Maintenance Worker
will be closed daily from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 29, through Saturday, November 1:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Frontier Pkwy between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
ROAD CLOSURES RESIDENT MAP
The City ‘s Road Closures Resident Map serves as a crucial tool for residents to remain informed about ongoing projects and associated road closures within the city. This comprehensive resource empowers individuals to plan their travel routes effectively, minimizing disruptions caused by construction activities. By clicking on the map or accessing the link above, residents gain access to the full interactive map, ensuring easy navigation and timely updates on the evolving infrastructure projects throughout Celina.
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ROAD CLOSURES MAP ]
