Irving facilities have resumed regular operations with a few exceptions. Face masks are no longer required to use city facilities; however, guests should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Recreation Centers, Summer Camp and several aquatic opportunities await Irving residents looking for fun this summer! Aquatic facilities and spray parks are open with reduced hours due to the limited number of lifeguards on staff as a result of the pandemic. Due to COVID-19 budget reductions the three inground neighborhood pools at Lee, Lively and Senter will not reopen for the summer.
For complete details on reopened Parks and Recreation services and facilities, visit CityofIrving.org/COVID-Parks
Irving Municipal Court will resume limited, in-person court proceedings beginning June 1. Contact the court directly for more information or to request an in-person hearing. Virtual hearing options will continue to be available and online requests for a pretrial may now be made by visiting CityofIrving.org/330 n
SEEKING RESIDENT INPUT ON FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 BUDGET
Planning for the city’s Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget is underway, and residents have the opportunity to provide input on the budget during public hearings, as well as online. Resident comments can be made to the City Council on any aspect of the budget including tax rates, fees, programs and services.
AT&T, and at ICTN.tv Channel 2. n
May 2021 City of Irving Official Election Results
Two additional public hearings will be held on the proposed budget following the budget retreat in August. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 16 and the city’s budget year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493 to confirm public hearing dates.
Check out ICTN's 'Irving's Budget Adoption Process' video to learn more about the city's annual budget process at YouTube.com/ watch?v=OBhR3LFqrjA. Scan this code with a smartphone to view the video.
Ask the Budget Fiscal Friends (BFFs) Let the budget team and City Council know what the city should focus on for the upcoming annual budget or ask a question about any aspect of the FY 2021-22 budget by emailing askthebffs@ cityofirving.org or visiting CityofIrving.org/ AsktheBFFs n
Shop Local This Summer, Support Irving Small Businesses
Irving is home to a wide array of small businesses, updated online list of restaurants and dining options, from food establishments that sell homemade tacos such as dine-in, open patio and curbside availability. and home-cooked dinners to vintage store fronts and View the list at IrvingTexas.com local shops. Supporting local businesses not only helps maintain a healthy, thriving economy, but also reinvests Visitors also can learn more about Irving food by sales tax dollars back into the community. following the Visit Irving Blog at IrvingTexas.com/Blog
Why Shop Local?
Small businesses make up 80% of Irving’s business
Whether looking for vintage goodies, summer flower community. Supporting Irving small businesses fosters arrangements or gifts, residents can shop at a local community connections, helps establish local jobs and business for almost any need. supports the economy. For every $1 spent at an Irving small business, 67 cents stays in the local economy, Last month, the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of according to a national average. Commerce announced its 2021 Best in Irving Award winners. Residents voted for their favorite businesses in Dine 42 categories, including Best Florist, Best Jeweler and Irving’s restaurant options reflect the city’s diverse Best Spa. population. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy home cooking at a 1950s soda fountain on Main Street or a The list of winners is available at IrvingChamber.com/ newly opened vegan restaurant. Diners can taste world news/1531 cuisine across the city, from Nepalese and Latin food to Mediterranean-style meals. For good food and fun events across Irving, follow @VisitIrvingTx on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau has an Business news is available at IrvingChamber.com n SAVE MONEY AND WATER: REGISTER FOR ONLINE UTILITY PORTAL
ZOOM ART CAMPS (AGES 6-12) and supervision, noon to 1 p.m. Lunch not provided.
Class A (M-F, 10 a.m. to noon); Class B (M-F, 1 to 3 p.m.)
Enrollment Fees: $65 per class (art supplies included)
● June 14-18 | To Infinity and Beyond!: Intergalactic
● June 14-18 | The Art of Upcycling
Class A: Environmental Art: Focus on the Air and Sea
Class B: Making Art that Blossoms: Reuse and Art Adventures Recycle Flower Designs
Class A: Paint the Planet and Solar System Creations ● June 21-25 | Back to Basics: Drawing and Painting
Class B: Outer Space Art Explorations: Pastel Galaxies
Class A: Wild Things: Painting like Henri Rousseau and Splatter Stars
Class B: Altered Portrait Projects
● June 21-25 | World Travels: Passport to Art ● June 28-July 2 | 3-D Art Explorations: Adventures Sculpture and Ceramics
Class A: Latin American Masks
Class B: Art Adventure Travel Journals and Mini-
Class A: Cute as a Bug Clay Creations
Class B: Super-Sized Papier Mâché Crayon Sculptures Museums
● June 28-July 2 | Welcome to the Jungle
Class A: The Painted Garden: Art Inspired by Nature
Class B: Animal Art Adventures
IN-PERSON TEEN SCENE CAMPS (AGES 13-16)
Class A (M-F, 10 a.m. to noon);
Class B (M-F, 1 to 3 p.m.)
Enrollment Fees: $60 per class (art supplies included)
ZOOM TEEN SCENE CAMPS (AGES 13-16) Optional Lunch: $25. Cost covers additional activities
Class A (M-F, 10 a.m. to noon); Class B (M-F, 1 to 3 p.m.) and supervision, noon to 1 p.m. Lunch not provided.
Enrollment Fees: $65 per class (art supplies included)
● June 21-25 | Building a Better Tomorrow:
● June 21-25 | Myths, Monsters and Magic Art for the Future
Class A: Fantastic Creatures, Heroes and Demigods
Class A: Designing the Future: Exploring Ideas through Class B: Creation Stories: Beliefs, Traditions and Art Symbolism
IN-PERSON SUMMER ART CAMPS
IN-PERSON ART CAMPS (AGES 6-12)
Class B: What Can Architecture Do? Study the Past/Find the Future
Choose your own adventure with a summer art camp by
Class A (M-F, 10 a.m. to noon); Class B (M-F, 1 to 3 p.m.) registering today at IrvingArtsCenter.com
Enrollment Fees: $65 per class (art supplies included)
COMING SOON: MINI-CAMPS AND THEATRE CAMPS
MINI-CAMPS (Ages 4-5)
THEATRE CAMPS (Ages 6-14)
Animal Art Safari All the World's a Stage
Virtual: July 12-16 | 10 to 11 a.m.
In-person: Aug. 2 - 6
In-person: July 12-16 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. Class A: 10 a.m. to noon | Class B: 1 to 3 p.m.
Enrollment Fees: $60 per class
Enrollment Fees: $60 per class Art supplies are included. Optional lunch hour: $25
Irving Arts Center In the Galleries
Open noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Free admission; reservations are recommended. In-person guided tours are offered the first Saturday of each month at 2:30 p.m. with advance reservation. To make a reservation, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com. For virtual tours of the galleries, visit IACOnlineArt.com.
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
Capturing the visual imagery of the original miniseries 36th Annual Texas and Neighbors Five State “Lonesome Dove” (inspired by Larry McMurtry’s novel)
Competition the exhibition presents classic images taken during Through July 10 | Main Gallery filming by Bill Wittliff, renowned photographer, writer
An annual collaboration between the Irving Art and executive producer of "Lonesome Dove." Association and Irving Arts Center. For 36 years, artists from Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Sol Hill: Signal from Noise Oklahoma have participated in this juried exhibition. Through July 24 | Carpenter Lobby California artist Sol Hill explores the medium of digital
Amy Werntz: Portraits imaging and the intersection of art, science and spirit. Through July 10 | Focus Gallery
Amy Werntz meticulously crafts highly realistic portraits, NEW EXHIBITION figures and faces which seek to capture the seemingly Robert Batson: New Works insignificant moments of everyday life. June 12-Sept. 25 | Courtyard Gallery
Robert Batson is an artist and retired architect with a Lonesome Dove: Photographs by Bill Wittliff degree in architecture from Texas Tech University and a Through July 10 | Dupree Lobby masters degree in art from the University of Dallas.
Irving utility billing customers are encouraged to sign up at MyIrvingBill.org
The portal allows customers to streamline the billing and payment process and provides access to several other features, such as:
● Water consumption: View real-time data to monitor usage, catch costly leaks and prevent over-irrigation.
● Billing history: Review transactions and payments, sign up for paperless billing and enroll in auto-pay.
● Analyze and download usage: Better manage consumption and practice conservation.
● Submit work orders.
The portal is accessible from a computer, smartphone or tablet. To sign up, residents need their most recent bill.
For more information, visit MyIrvingBill.org n
REGISTER FOR SUMMER ART ADVENTURE CAMPS
Registration for Irving Arts Center’s Summer Art Camps, offered in both virtual and in-person formats, now is open. Fun, thoughtfully-curated educational art experiences for kids and teens, ages 4-16, will be offered June 14-Aug. 6. These hands-on classes, taught by professional art educators and teaching artists, will be offered in virtual and in-person formats.
Participants will learn about a variety of art disciplines, engaging in projects and activities that develop skill sets, self-confidence and an appreciation for lifelong learning. Choose your own adventure with a summer art camp by registering today at IrvingArtsCenter.com n
JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS
AND PROGRAMS
June 2 | Celtic Throne
Presented
Irving Black Arts Council (IBAC)
soul music with music for the soul.
IBAC presents Soul Sisters Soul Music on June 12
Parks and Recreation Summer Camps, Activities
Cimarron Park Rec Center
201 Red River Trail | (972) 721-2501
● June 12 | Father’s Day Kite Flying
10 a.m. to noon | Free
Create a kite with dad, or bring one from home. Participation is limited; registration deadline is June 11.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St. | (972) 721-2496
● June 18 | Father’s Day Cookout
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | $3 per person
Celebrate Father’s Day with hot dogs and all of the fixin’s on the patio. Do not miss fun with friends and music. Register by 5 p.m. June 11. Heritage Senior Center membership required.
● June 21 | Summer Kickoff Celebration
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free
Celebrate the start of summer with free ice cream and cornhole for members. Register by June 14.
Lee Park Recreation Center
3000 Pamela Drive | (972) 721-2508
● June 1 – July 22 | Basic Football Camp
10 a.m. to noon | Tuesday and Thursday | Ages 6-12 | Free
Learn the basic skills needed to play football. Beginners are welcome to attend.
● June 2 – July 23 | Exploration Camp
10 a.m. to noon | Wednesday and Friday | Ages 3-6 | $5 per person
Engage children in all things big and small in this world with crafts and activities.
● June 2 – July 23 | Real-World Life Skills
5 to 6 p.m. | Wednesday and Friday |
Ages 13-17 | Free
This class will get teens on the right track to manage any situation that may occur.
● June 5 – July 24 | Creative Crafts Camp
10 a.m. to noon | Saturday | Ages 7 – 12 | $8
This hands-on class will keep children busy with craft projects all summer long.
● June 4 – July 30 | Parents Night Out
6 to 8 p.m. | Friday | Grades K-5 | $10 week
Parents can take a break while the kids are busy with a variety of activities. Reservations are required each Friday by 1 p.m.
● June 5 – July 24 | Family Game Room
2 to 4 p.m. | Saturday | Ages 6 and older | Free Playing together and learning new things will help build strong family relationships.
Lively Pointe Youth Center
909 N. O’Connor Road | (972) 721-8090
● June 3 – July 23 | Field Trip Series
Ages 11-17 | Thursday | $10 per person
Irving middle school and high school students can join in the fun, weekly excursions around the DFW area. Scheduled activities include paintball, gokarts, whirlyball, movies and more. Trip fee includes transportation and admission. For specific trip details and to register, visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec
Mustang Park Rec Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway | (972) 556-1334
● June 18 | Father’s Day Volleyball BBQ Bash
5:30 to 8 p.m. | Free
Celebrate dad with a cookout, music and sand volleyball. Registration required and space is limited.
Northwest Park Rec Center
2800 Cheyenne St. | (972) 721-2529
● June 4-July 30 | Parents Night Out
6 to 8 p.m. | Friday | Grades K-5 | $10 week
Parents can take a break while the kids are busy with a variety of activities. Reservations are required by 1 p.m. Friday, each week.
● June 12 | Family Lunch and Hike
9 a.m. to noon | Free
Bring the family and lunch for a 1- or 2-mile roundtrip hike along the Campion Trails at T.W. Richardson Grove park, 333 E. Interstate Highway 635. Hike begins at 9:15 a.m. and will conclude with a family picnic.
● June 29 | Sand Castle Creations Contest
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $5 per person
Create a sand castle! The cost includes the sand castle creation supplies, goodie bag and refreshments.
Reservation deadline is June 22. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent.
Senter Park Rec Center
901 S. Senter Road | (972) 721-2641
● Starting June 7 | Cornhole Mini-Tournament Series
6 to 8 p.m. | Mondays | Ages 18 and older | $5 per person
● Starting in July | Racquetball Mini-Tournament Series
6 to 8 p.m. | Wednesdays | Ages 10 and older | $5 per person
Registration is limited to the first 8 players who will be randomly assigned to teams. Games will be modified to fit into the time allowed. Teams will compete until an overall winner is crowned. Each night is a separate bracket with new teams/players.
A complete summer schedule including classes and activities, is available at CityofIrving.org/Rec-Schedules
Library Activities, Summer Reading Challenge
June 7-Aug. 13 | Summer Meals Return CitySquare is back this summer to provide meals to children and teens ages 1-18. Meals will be served grab-and-go style at South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch Library locations Monday through Friday. Registration is not required. For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/3453
Summer Reading Challenge
The Irving Public Library Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) is here! Babies, children and adults can participate in this year’s program with the theme, Tails and Tales. Teens have a fun summer ahead with Fantastical Tales. It has never been a better time to enjoy reading and engage in learning and community, all while earning prizes between June 1 and July 31.
The library encourages participants to use the online service IrvingLibrary.READsquared.com to register, track reading progress and engage in novel activities, such as book reviews, recommended reads and games. Here’s how to play to qualify for weekly incentives:*
Babies (ages 0-2) – Caregiver and child perform early literacy activities together. *The entire program must be completed to earn a prize pack.
Children (ages 3 and older) – Children reach milestones every five days by reading 20 minutes a day or complete daily missions. Each milestone has an incentive and chances to win weekly drawings starting June 14 and ending with a Grand Prize Basket drawing on Aug. 14.
Teens (Grades 6-12) – Read for at least 30 minutes or complete missions five times each week. The teen logs also earn a prize of their choice and double as an entry for a weekly prize pack and end of summer iPad Mini drawing.
Adults (ages 18 and older) – For every five books read, five activities completed, or five items donated to Irving Cares or Irving Animal Services at a library branch, earn a prize and be entered into a weekly drawing and Grand Prize giveaway.
Pick up a paper log at any library location or sign up at IrvingLibrary.READsquared.com
June SRC Events for Children and Teens These activities take place at the South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch Library locations:
Starting June 1 | SRC Kick-off Tails and Tales
Adoption Event | Ages 3 and older
Sign up for SRC, pick up a reading log and adopt a stuffed summer reading buddy at the library, while supplies last! Just promise to read to the adopted pet at least 20 minutes a day.
June 1 to July 31 | SRC Kids Scavenger Hunt | Ages 3 and older
Pick up a sticker log to fill up with new animals starting each Monday during the Summer Reading Challenge. Collect all 8 stickers. Participation counts as an activity on the reading log too!
Starting June 1 | Fantastical Book Nooks | Grades 6-12 Unicorns and Dragons and Mermaids, Oh My! Find hidden Fantastical Book Nook scenes within each library’s teen collection and claim a sweet treat at each stop.
June Adult SRC Events on Zoom For Zoom credentials, visit CityofIrving.org/3612 and click on the Zoom registration button.
Trackers Biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department discusses the importance of Texas’ natural and urban landscape conservation to migratory birds, why these birds are important to Texas and projects to help monitor native bird populations.
ADULT RECESS, E-GAMING LOCK IN AND JUNETEENTH
June 4 and 11 | Adult Recess
6 to 8 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | Free
Bring a friend and your inner kid to the Irving Parks and Recreation tent at the Texas Lottery Plaza located at 316 W. Las Colinas Blvd on Friday, June 4 and 11 for a new spin on an old favorite. Each week will feature outdoor games such as cornhole, washers and tetherball, as well as equipment free to rent with photo ID.
June 12 | E-Gaming Lock-In Series
Gamers can challenge 6 to 11 p.m. | Ages 11-17 | Free
Participants will have opponents across Irving in this tournament-style lock-in event.
access to a variety of gaming systems to compete against staff and enjoy complimentary refreshments. This event will be held simultaneously at Cimarron Park and Georgia Farrow Recreation Centers. Lock-in events also will be held July 17 at Lee and Senter Park Recreation Centers; and Aug. 21 at Lively Pointe. Register at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec
June 19 | Juneteenth Celebration 3 to 7 p.m. | Free Join Georgia Farrow Recreation Center and the West Irving Improvement Association for this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy a kids' play zone, DJ, live music, free food and museum tours. For more information, call (972) 721-2519. The event will be held at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, 3925 Jackson St.
CRAFT KITS AVAILABLE AT LIBRARIES
Visit the South Irving Library, 601 Schulze Drive, West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle Road or Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, for free kits, while supplies last.
Starting June 7 | DIY Geek Chic: Unicorn Slime Grades 6 -12 | Add some sparkle and
Starting
Starting
FRIENDS SUMMER BOOK SALE, JUNE 4-6
Many items are less than a dollar at the Annual Friends of the Irving Library Book Sale at the Friends Warehouse, 3000 Rock Island Road. Stock up for summer with books, music and videos for all ages. Proceeds support the Irving Public Library. 3 to 7 p.m. June 4 | Members Only Preview. Memberships are
IRVING PUBLISHES INAUGURAL PAFR
The City of Irving has published its first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which is available on the City website or in print at City Hall. The PAFR serves as the city's Annual Report and provides financial data, community information, accomplishments and activities in an easy-toread format.
This edition chronicles Irving’s Fiscal Year 2019-20, highlighting the city’s operations and work throughout the year, as well as future projects, strategic plans and goals.
Visit CityofIrving.org/PAFR to access the PAFR online. Print copies are available at Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., free of charge. n
CITY OF IRVING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Irving is currently seeking to fill multiple positions across the organization. Working for the City of Irving is a great opportunity for those seeking a career with competitive pay and benefits that is close to home and serves the community.
Irving employees help make a difference in the lives of residents and positively impact the community.
To apply for a city position or to view other available employment opportunities, visit CityofIrving.org/Employment n
IRVING’S
2020 WATER
QUALITY REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE
In accordance with Congress’ 1996 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, all water utilities, including the City of Irving Water Utilities Department, must provide customers with an annual report on drinking water quality. Each year, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the City of Dallas provide water quality data that is compiled into a report and made available to Irving water
customers by July 1.
Data gathered from ongoing testing confirms Irving’s tap water is safe to drink, and it meets or exceeds all standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
To learn more about the sources of the city’s water supply, as well as detailed information on the substances contained therein, review the City of Irving's 2020 Water Quality Report at CityofIrving.org/Water-Report n
Campion Trail Usage Soars
City Working to Connect Master-Planned Greenbelt with Regional Trail System
Between March 2020 and March 2021, use of the City of Irving’s Campion Trail system increased by more than 300%.
In 2019, the City of Irving began placing counters throughout the Campion Trail system. The counters help monitor usage along the trail system. Resident and visitor use of the outdoor trails surged as many indoor gyms and recreational facilities were closed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
While trail use is subject to weather conditions, much of Campion is available for recreational use. From cycling
to running to roller skating and walking, Campion Trail offers a safe, healthy outdoor workout experience along the Trinity River.
In the future, Campion Trail also will tie into the Fort Worth to Dallas Regional Trail system, an initiative led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Once completed, the 64-mile paved trail will weave through five participating cities: Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving and Dallas.
Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. n
Olympic Day Irving-Las Colinas 2021
The Olympic Rings have made their way to Irving. On June 25 and 26, Irving will hold its first Olympic Day celebration, joining others around the world to commemorate the modern Olympic Games and the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympic Games.
The events will kick off June 25 with a series of presentations, seminars and musical performances, as well as art exhibits highlighting Japanese arts and culture.
The family-fun games and activities are open to the public to participate or watch. The myriad of local Olympic Day activities to take place June 25 and 26 include:
● Olympic Day Run with a family fun run, 5K and 10K.
● Archery, sports field day and cricket demonstration.
● Youth basketball, volleyball and table tennis tournaments.
● Skateboarding exhibition, water polo exhibition and much more.
Summer Pet Care Tips
Spring and summer are natural times for animals to breed, meaning more litters of dogs and cats. As a result, the Irving Animal Care Campus sees a drastic increase in the number of animals brought to the shelter.
An animal with a microchip and a pet identification tag can be returned to its owner without ever setting foot in an animal shelter. Microchips are an easy way to ensure a pet makes its way home and can be implanted for only $10 at the Irving Animal Care Campus.
Do not leave animals locked inside a car for any period of time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can jump dramatically in only a few minutes.
Watch for signs of heatstroke, especially if a pet is very young, very old or overweight. A pet suffering from heatstroke will display several signs, which may include
To view a full list of events and learn more about Olympic Day, visit IrvingOlympicDay.com or follow @IrvingLasColinasOlympics on Facebook.
Residents and participants also can download the event’s app, Irving Day, on Apple or Google Play stores. n
For more information, call (972) 721-2256. n
Annual Supplies for Success Drive Starts June 14
Financial status should not determine a student’s success in the classroom. To help ensure that, the City of Irving, Irving Fire Department, Irving Schools Foundation and several other organizations are teaming up for the annual "Supplies for Success Drive," running June 14 through July 23. For the past 15 years, the drive has collected and distributed school supplies to Irving Independent School District students from low-income families.
New supplies needed include backpacks (no wheels), pencil boxes, headphones, notebook paper, washable markers (eightcount packages), crayons (24 count), small scissors, composition books and glue sticks. A full list of school
supplies can be found at CityofIrving.org/Supplies
Organizers say backpacks are the most requested item, but students need an array of supplies from folders to colored pencils.
Donations can be dropped off at any Irving fire station. Visit CityofIrving.org/Fire to find a station. Financial donations also are accepted. Checks can be made payable to Irving Schools Foundation and mailed to the foundation, P.O. Box 152637, Irving, TX 75015. Donations also can be made online at IrvingSchoolsFoundation.org/Donation Families in need of supplies should contact their school directly. For more information about "Supplies for Success," call (972) 721-4909. n
rapid panting; bright red tongue; red or pale gums; thick, sticky saliva; depression; weakness; dizziness; vomiting (sometimes with blood); diarrhea; shock and coma.
