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Irving City Spectrum, November 2023

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City Holiday/No Trash Collection

In observance of Thanksgiving, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection on Thursday, Nov. 23. Collection will shift to the next day. In addition, the following facilities will be closed Nov. 23-24:

All city offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 27. Visit CityofIrving.org for more information. 

CITY VING

Lee Park Swimming Pool Public Input, Design Contract

More than two dozen Irving residents attended the Oct. 19 Lee Park Pool Public Input Meeting to share their thoughts on a conceptual design for the future Lee Park Pool. The new pool will feature a beach-style entry, lap lanes, interactive features, a play zone and shaded seating. Demolition of the 60-year-old existing pool and construction of the new pool is anticipated to begin in summer 2024.

Check out the QR code for ICTN Coverage of the Meeting

SCAN for ICTN VIDEO

During the Sept. 14 City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve The Fain Group, Inc. as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), as well as a design services contract with Dunaway Associates Inc.

The design contract includes the design of a new familyoriented neighborhood pool at Lee Park. The CMAR is a project delivery method in which a construction manager is hired to oversee a project through completion. Using the CMAR method helps shorten the overall project time to construct the new Lee Park Swimming Pool, as well as streamline the process to provide the highest overall project quality for the most economical cost to the city.

Stay updated on Lee Park Pool and the other exciting projects at CityofIrving.org/PlayIrving 

Irving Legislative Insider Pulls Back Curtain on State Legislation Impacting the Community

Protecting Irving Resident Interests from State Attacks on Local Authority

and community services has been hindered by state legislation that takes a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hostility toward local governments came into full view in 2019, after legislators attempted to pass a bill that would keep cities and counties from advocating for themselves in the legislature. The sitting Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen was recorded in a meeting with State Representative Dustin Burrows saying they “hate” cities and counties and promising the next session would be even worse than the last.

Resident awareness and involvement are key to protecting and maintaining the safety, finances and quality of life of each individual who lives in Irving. Irving Legislative Insider is a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the negative impacts some state legislation has on communities across Texas.

Visit CityofIrving.org/Legislative-Insider for more information and to subscribe to email updates. 

SCAN ME
Conceptual design of new Lee Park Pool shown at Oct. 19 Public Input Meeting.

Neighborhoods Receive Grants for Programs

The City of Irving has awarded 30 neighborhood and homeowner associations with $50,000 in funding for organization projects through the Neighborhood Grant Program.

Administered by the Communications Department, the grant funds are used to provide seed money to assist organized neighborhoods with their projects. The matching grants allow associations to leverage the organization’s existing capital and/or the time and talents of their members with grant funds received from the city in an effort to improve their communities. The money can be used for beautification efforts, communication initiatives and neighborhood events.

Associations receiving funding through the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Neighborhood Grant Program are: Barton

Estates, Beacon Hill, Cardinal Village, Enclave at Windsor Ridge, Espanita, Graff Farms, Grand Treviso, Hidden Oaks, Historic Hospital District, Hospital District South, Hunter Valley, Irving Hospital District, Lakeside Landing, LaVillita Townhomes, MacArthur Commons, Mandalay Place, Nichols Park, Northwest Place, Parkside, Sherwood Forest, Stone Hill, The Club Townhomes, Turtle Lake Estates, University Hills, University Park, Valencia Estates, Valley Vistas, Villas at the Studios, Villas of Cottonwood Creek and Waterside.

For more information or details on registering a neighborhood association with the city, contact the Communications Department at (972) 721-7600 or visit CityofIrving.org/Neighborhood-Services 

Concerts, Conversations and Con Artists Take Starring Roles at Irving Arts Center

Symphonies and concerts, an evening of conversation with Ruth Paine and a play about two dirty, rotten swindlers highlight this month’s arts offerings.

UPCOMING NOVEMBER PERFORMANCES

Nov. 3-18 | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Presented by MainStage Times Vary | $27-$34

Two con men … One heiress … The opportunity of a lifetime ... Lawrence Jameson makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money while Freddy Benson more humbly swindles women by fabricating stories about his grandmother’s failing health. But the French Riviera isn’t big enough for both of them. The two agree on a winner-take-all wager: the first person to successfully steal $50,000 from the young heiress, Christine Colgate, will get to stay in town, while the loser has to leave. Based on the 1988 film of the same name, this hysterical battle of cons will have you in stitches!

Nov. 4 | Harsh Gujral Stand-Up Comedy

Presented by OHO Productions

7 p.m. | $35-$75

OHO Productions presents stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral with support from Jo Bolta and Wahi Hota.

Nov. 8 | Minor Masterpieces

Presented by Lone Star Youth Orchestra

7 p.m. | $7.50-$14.50

The Lone Star Youth Orchestra opens its 25th season.

Nov. 11 | An American Salute

Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $38-$49

A Veterans Day concert featuring Russ Hewitt (guitar) and Eduardo Rojas (piano). The program honors our American heroes for their service with musical selections by Rodgers, Kirkland, Gershwin and Gould.

Nov. 17 | The Tejas Brothers

Presented by Entertainment Series of Irving

7:30 p.m. | $32.50

The Tejas Brothers are an original Tex-Mex Honky Tonk band from Fort Worth. Founded in 2006, the band has been recognized as one of the best live acts in Texas. The group blends Americana, Country, Rock, Blues and TexMex, producing a one-of-a-kind sound that makes them a true Texas original.

Nov. 18 | London is Calling Season Concert #2

Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. | $17-$50

EPA RULE PROGRESS MOVES FORWARD

In 2021, the City of Irving’s Water Utilities Department, to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, rolled out a plan to examine approximately 50,000 public and private water service lines to ensure Irving’s drinking water is lead-free. The team has completed 60% of the inspections and has found no lead in the distribution system.

Additionally, staff continues reviewing service line records and so far, has not found lead content in Irving. Water Utilities hopes to examine every water line by October 2024, at which time, residents can review the findings through an online database.

The EPA updated the Lead and Copper Rule requiring water providers to review construction records or examine water service lines to ensure no lead service lines exist in distribution systems. More updates to the rule are expected next year.

For more information, visit CityofIrving.org/ Water-Utilities 

IRVING ARTS CENTER IN THE GALLERIES

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday and second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m.

Marking Space/Holding Time

Through Nov. 11 | Main Gallery

An exhibition featuring women artists who work in Texas and/or have deep Texas roots. Artists include Anne Allen, Jill Bedgood, Daniela Maria Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas, Lilian Garcia-Roig, Mayuko Ono Gray, Annette Lawrence, Mihee Nahm, Philana Oliphant, Kim Cadmus Owens, Sherry Owens, Beverly Penn, Tanya Synar and Ellen Frances Tuchman.

Over, Beyond, Between: Landscape and the Transcendent (Paintings by Dawn Waters Baker) Through Nov. 25 | Focus Gallery

The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra’s second concert will feature a special guest violinist.

Nov. 20 | An Evening of Conversation: Ruth Paine and Thomas Mallon

Presented by The Department of Arts & Culture

7 p.m. | $37.50-$62.50

Connected to the difficult days of November 1963, Ruth Paine will talk with author Thomas Mallon about her life before and after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, as well as her relationship with Lee Harvey and Marina Oswald. Ticket proceeds support the preservation of Irving’s Ruth Paine House Museum.

Nov. 24-26 | The Nutcracker

Presented by Momentum Dance Company

7 p.m. | Nov. 24 and 25 | $38-$49

2 p.m. | Nov. 26 | $20.50-$27.50 Momentum Dance Company presents its annual performances of The Nutcracker.

PROGRAMS AND CLASSES

Nov. 2 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Giving Thanks!

10 a.m. | Free It’s all about gratitude. Celebrate theseason with stories and arts and crafts inspired by family and friendship.

Painting & Drawing Workshops with Tuncay Topcu

In collaboration with the Contemporary Islamic Art Forum, Irving Arts Center will host painting and drawing workshops led by renowned Turkish artist Tuncay Topcu whose exhibition "Close to Me, Far from Me" is on view in the Carpenter Gallery beginning Nov 4.

● Nov. 5 | Youth Workshop | Ages 8-15

1 to 3 p.m. | $25, all supplies included

● Nov. 5 | Adult Workshop | Ages 16+

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. | $35, all supplies included

Nov. 12 | Second Sunday Funday: Sculpt It! + Teen

Open Studio

1 to 4 p.m. | Free | All ages

Enjoy an awesome exploration of the third dimension by making a sculptural creation with clay, cardboard and other materials. Drop-in for this free and fun event.

For more information, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com

Dawn Waters Baker was born and raised in the Philippines, moving to Dallas at 19 to attend Dallas Baptist University. Through her art, Baker captures the emotional and spiritual landscape, translating our shared human story through the metaphor of nature. Baker’s art conveys not what is literally there, but rather what is felt through water, earth, atmosphere and sky.

Close to Me, Far from Me: Paintings by Tuncay Topcu Nov. 4-Feb. 24 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery

Opening Reception: Nov. 4 | 2 to 4 p.m.

This exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Contemporary Islamic Art Forum features the work of Tuncay Topcu. Topcu is an important representative of the Abstract Expressionist approach in contemporary Turkish painting, whose works can be found in prestigious institutions and private collections around the world. His abstract paintings are notable for their expressive paint strokes, as well as organic and amorphous areas which are defined by the presence of a bold black line.

Matthew Cordell’s Neighborhood Nov. 11-Feb. 4 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

The exhibition features the works of author and illustrator Matthew Cordell and is organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas. Cordell, the winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal, has illustrated many works of poetry, children’s books and other novels. He has also released writings of his own, including “Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers” an authorized picture book biography of Mister Rogers. Cordell’s artistic style combines realistic and cartoon-like techniques in his illustrations.

SCAN for ICTN VIDEO
Untitled Acrylic on Linen Painting by Tuncay Topcu (2022)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, presented by MainStage, debuts Nov. 3 with performances through Nov. 18. On Nov. 20, Ruth Paine in conversation at Irving Arts Center.
SCAN ME
Hospital District South Neighborhood Association hosts its 23rd Annual Block Party.
Nichols Park Neighborhood Association participated in the Great Flag Caper.

TIME & PLACE

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION MAP

GUÍA Y MAPA MAPA DE RECOLECCIÓN DE SERVICIOS

La recogida de basura dos veces por semana comienza el 4 de diciembre

estandarizar las pautas de recolección

La recolección de basura volverá a ser dos veces por semana, y el reciclaje, la maleza y los artículos voluminosos continuarán recogiéndose una vez por semana, a partir del 4 de diciembre. Tenga en cuenta el recordatorio del calendario de recolección del Día de Acción de Gracias para los residentes que actualmente tienen recolección los jueves.

En la reunión del 12 de octubre, el Concejo Municipal aprobó varias enmiendas al Capítulo 33 –Desperdicios, basura y malezas, que es la ordenanza que rige las pautas de recolección de desechos sólidos en Irving. Esos cambios se describen en las pautas a continuación y ayudan a estandarizar las prácticas de recolección de desechos sólidos en Irving. Las enmiendas a la ordenanza entrarán en vigor el 4 de diciembre, junto con las pautas y el mapa revisados.

GUÍA DE RECOLECCIÓN

HORA Y LUGAR

 Colocar la basura al borde de la acera antes de las 7 a.m. el día de la recolección de la basura y/o la noche anterior, después de las 6 p.m.

 Colocar la basura en un área libre de obstrucción (líneas eléctricas, buzones, vehículos estacionados, etc.).

 Separar los montículos de basura con espacios 2-3 pies, sin obstáculos.

 Guardar la basura que exceda el límite semanal fuera de la vista del público hasta el próximo día de la recolección de basura.

 Colocar la basura en la dirección registrada en la cuenta de utilidades.

TAMAÑO Y PESO

 Las bolsas no pueden pesar más de 50 libras

 Utilice bolsas de 13-a 30-galones de tamaño

 Las bolsas deben estar amarradas/cerradas

 Estar en contenedores con ruedas de alquiler para cantidades grandes de arbustos, objetos de construcción y desperdicios de demolición

BASURA

Límite de 8-bolsas por día de recolección

RECICLAJE

Cantidad ilimitada

 Utilice las bolsas azules para reciclaje transparentes (Disponibles para la compra en la alcaldía y en los Centros de Recreación de Irving)

CAJAS DE CARTÓN

 Coloque dentro de bolsas de basura o bolsas de reciclaje azul

 Aplane y colóquelas debajo de la bolsa de reciclaje azul

 Las cajas grandes (accesorios del hogar, muebles, etc.) no tienen que estar aplanadas, pero deben estar vacías

DESECHOS DE ARBUSTOS

Cantidad ilimitada

 Cantidad ilimitada de bolsas de hojas y desperdicios de césped

 Podaduras de arbustos a un máximo de 50 libras y 4 pies de largo

 Palos/troncos de madera no más grandes de 2 pies de diámetro

 Colocar en montículos ordenados al borde de la acera con las puntas cortadas hacia la calle

MAPA DE RECOLECCIÓN DE SERVICIOS SÓLIDOS

No se recogerán residuos sólidos los días festivos de la ciudad. Si el día de recolección de basura cae en un feriado de la ciudad, entonces la basura solo será recolectada una vez esa semana. Si el día festivo es un día de recolección de reciclaje, desechos de malezas o artículos voluminosos, esos artículos serán recolectados la semana siguiente.

No hay recolección en DÍAS FESTIVOS DE LA CIUDAD

Día de Año Nuevo

Día de Martín Luther King Jr.

Día de Conmemoración a los Caídos

Día de la Independencia

Día del Trabajo

Día de Acción de Gracias

Día después de Acción de Gracias

Día de Navidad

OBJETOS QUE NO SE RECOGEN

HUNTER FERRELL

LANDFILL

110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road

La medida a lo largo debe ser no máxima de 4 pies y un peso máximo de 50 libras 4' 4'

OBJETOS GRANDES

Límite de 4 por semana

 Incluya objetos caseros fáciles de mover, como un sofá, silla, mesa, colchón, etc.

 Los inodoros son recogidos siempre y cuando no sean parte de un montículo grande de desechos de construcción y demolición

Los desperdicios producidos por un contratista, paisajista, podadores de árboles, etc.

 Deben ser recogidos por el proveedor de servicios

Llantas

 Puede llevar al vertedero gratis hasta 5 llantas de pasajero por año calendario, pero no se recogerán en la acera

Escombros de construcción y demolición

 Los contenedores rodantes están disponibles para alquiler, o los artículos de construcción y demolición se pueden llevar al vertedero, pero no se recogerán en la acera

 Algunos ejemplos incluyen bañera, lavamanos, mostrador, pisos, gabinetes, puertas, ventanas, paneles de yeso, insolación, material de techos, material de cercas, concreto, ladrillos, arena, sistema de aires acondicionados, partes de albercas y otros materiales de construcción

Lunes-sábado | 7 a.m. a 5:30 p.m.

ENTREGAS GRATIS A DIARIO

Los residentes deben mostrar identificación (i.e.: licencia de conducir) y una factura de servicios de utilidades de Irving con la misma dirección.

 Basura casera menos de 150 libras

 Cantidad ilimitada de reciclaje

 Cantidad ilimitada de arbustos limpios

 Cantidad ilimitada de hojas sueltas y desperdicios de grama

 Cantidad ilimitada de tierra limpia, arena, ladrillo, grava, etc.

CESCOMBROS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Y DEMOLICIÓN

Se cobrará la tarifa estándar del vertedero por cada entrega

 La tarifa es $48 por tonelada y $12 por cada 500 libras (cuarto de tonelada)

Delivering Exceptional Services

Parks and Recreation Activities

After School Program

*New Reduced Rate and Extended Time*

Effective Nov. 6, the After School Program will be a weekly fee of $25. The program will also be extended to 6:30 p.m. Contact a neighborhood recreation for additional information or to enroll.

Nov. 11 | Veterans Day Dedication Video

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | All Ages | Free Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St.

In remembrance of military veterans, Irving residents can submit photos to be a part of a video tribute that will play on the stage video wall. Submit photos by Nov. 7. For more information, call (972) 721-2501.

Nov. 20-22 | Thanksgiving Camp

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grades K-5 | $60

Register today for a Thanksgiving Camp at an Irving recreation center. Elementary students will play games and make arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Snacks will be provided daily. Register in person at a neighborhood recreation center. Space is limited.

Cimarron Park Recreation Center

201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702

● Nov. 17 | Teen Homeschool Field Trip: Movie Matinee

9 a.m. | Ages 11-16 years | $5 Meet new friends while enjoying a movie, popcorn and drinks. Refreshments included in price.

● Nov. 18 | Young Men’s Leadership Conference

Noon to 3 p.m. | Ages 11-17 years | Free

Young men are invited to a day of empowerment, games and life lessons.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center

530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519

● Nov. 18 | Turkey Basket Giveaway

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | All ages | Free S&F Athlete and Head to Toe Fitness are helping to give families a meal to bake together this holiday season. Baskets are limited. RSVP required by Nov. 3.

Heritage Senior Center

200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496

● Nov. 3 & 4 | Heritage Craft Fair

Friday, Nov. 3 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 18 years and older | Free Stop by to shop for unique handmade gifts and more!

● Nov. 17 | Heritage Senior Center Birthday Party

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 50 years and older | Free

To celebrate 20 years in the community, the Heritage Senior Center is throwing a casino-themed birthday party for all members. RSVP required by Nov. 10.

Mustang Park Recreation Center

2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334

● Nov. 29 | Preschool Snow Fest

9:30 to 11 a.m. | Ages 3-6 years | $5

Calling all preschoolers who love snow and sweets! Join the fun by creating winter crafts and enjoying tasty treats.

● Nov. 29 | Homeschool Winter Social

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Grades 1-8 | $5

Homeschoolers can dance and interact with other home-schoolers from the region. The event includes snacks, music, door prizes and pictures by a photographer.

Lively Pointe Reopens for Teens in November

The excitement is building for the reopening of Lively Pointe Youth Center, 909 N. O'Connor Road. The $800,000 renovation project is nearly complete, and the center is scheduled to fully reopen late November.

New Amenities

A new teaching kitchen will make its debut. The area includes cameras to demonstrate cooking techniques. Commercial-grade appliances and an expanded pantry finish the new space for future master chefs. The expansion of the kitchen means staff can serve a bigger audience and large groups.

A sound studio is designed to give Irving teens a place to create recorded works, such as music and podcasts, in

Kitchen & Seating Area

a professional soundproof studio. The studio installation was funded through a federal grant.

Currently, the facility’s front section and gymnasium are open to guests. Visit CityofIrving.org/Parks for updates on Lively Pointe’s reopening. 

Library Novel Writing, Picture Books, MiY Zone

NaNoWriMo

During November’s annual National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), dedicated wordsmiths set out to write a certain number of words each day to complete a 50,000word novel. Throughout the month, South Irving Library at 601 Schulze Dr. will host meetups at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays (with the exception of Nov. 23) for participants to write and to share inspiration. Discussing work is encouraged, but not required.

● Nov. 2 | Kickoff | Adults

● Nov. 9 and 16 | Irving Writers Salon | Adults

● Nov. 30 | Wrap-Up Party | Adults

For more information, visit NaNoWriMo.org

National Picture Book Month

Since 2011, libraries have celebrated National Picture Book Month every November. The picture books at Irving Public Library are now assigned to a variety of color labels to specify the area of interest. Looking for titles about airplanes? Go green. Browsing for books about creative activities, including art and sports? Think dark pink. Visit a library location to find out more.

Changes to Kanopy Service

As of Nov. 1, Irving Public Library's Kanopy service changed to an electronic ticket system. Kanopy is a digital video streaming platform featuring more than 30,000 movies, documentaries, indie titles and foreign films. Users are now allocated 14 tickets per patron per month.

Access to most individual titles requires a specific number of tickets, based on content type and running time, which will provide patrons with more control over their content choices. Visit CityofIrving.org/3141/Kanopy-Movies for additional details, including information about the length of viewing windows.

3D Printing Fees

MiY Zone users are now charged $0.15 per gram for the filament used in their 3D print jobs. This fee was approved by the Irving City Council in September as part of the city’s updated fee schedule.

NOVEMBER SCHEDULE AND PROGRAMS

Each library location offers free activities for all ages and interests. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting CityofIrving.org/Library and social media. Contact (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace age and other requirements.

● Nov. 11 | Chautauqua: Irving Youth Theater

2 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages

This interactive program features skits, games, music and dance.

● Nov. 18 | MiY Zone Edible Education: Friendsgiving

2 p.m. | West Irving Library | Teens ages 13-18

Level up on kitchen skills in time for the holidays.

Space is limited, and registration is required by visiting or calling the library at (972) 721-2691.

● Nov. 18 | Dino-vember: Tea Rex

2:30 p.m. | South Irving Library | Kids

Have a colossally tea-rific time with snacks, games, crafts and more.

● Nov. 21 | MiY K!ds: Coding and Coloring

2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids Robots introduce the basics of coding to children ages preschool through elementary grades.

● Nov. 25 | Book It! Elephant and Piggie

2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library | Kids

Children enjoy activities featuring popular literature.

446-0201 or (469) 435-1626.

For the most up-to-date information, visit CityofIrving.org/Aquatics

DISABILITY POSTER CONTEST

The Irving Advisory Committee on Disabilities has recognized 10 students for their artwork as part of National Disability Awareness Month. There were 184 entries. Students were presented the awards during the Oct. 12 City Council meeting.

First Place Winners

Amal Samman-Tahher

Ibrahim Syed

Hana Fathima

Anaya Govan

Athziri Ruvalcaba

Honorable Mention

Alejandro Ortiz

Jason Erumevwa

Genesis Baires Cedillos

Nicole Lomeli

Kaylee Vilanova

The annual poster contest provides fourth grade elementary school students with an opportunity to showcase artistic talents as they express how persons with disabilities can use their abilities to be part of the community. Entries were judged on originality and the content of how it relates to persons with disabilities. Visit CityofIrving.org/ Posters to view the poster images. 

CITY SNAPSHOTS

Keeping Storm Drains in Good Shape

or

from lowest to most immediate repair needs.

Preserving Community Investments

Currently, the MDU division is working on Fritz Park. During phases 2 and 3, crews will remove concrete debris from the area and replace it with a stabilizing embankment.

One of those methods is the use of drainage channel maintenance and litter abatement, part of the Municipal Drainage Utility (MDU) division of the Capital Improvement Program. As the city completes major drainage channel and community projects, such as Upper and Lower Delaware Creek and Jaycee Park, it is important that crews maintain the infrastructure to ensure proper flow of stormwater and runoff.

Proactive Approach

The MDU division is responsible for maintaining and repairing concretelined channels and storm inlets. The team provides de-siltation service of ponds and drainage channels, as well as storm pipe inspections, replacement and repairs.

By the Numbers

The City of Irving manages more than 90 miles of drainage channels. The CIP Department oversees and maintains the following infrastructure:

● More than 27 miles of concrete-lined channels

● 51 miles of drainage maintained by the city

● 39 miles of drainage maintained by flood control districts

● 38 concrete channels totaling 27.3 miles

● More than 355 miles of storm pipes

● 34 siltation ponds

To keep channels and retention ponds functioning properly, MDU dredges sand, dirt and debris that collect because of heavy rainfall and water runoff from highways and thoroughfares throughout the city. By keeping these waterways clear of trash, such as litter or shopping carts, it furthers the life cycle and integrity of the drainage channels and ensures that water continues to drain efficiently without flooding or ponding.

In addition to the traditional methods of debris removal and channel repair, MDU also incorporates new, sustainable ideas and methods into its drainage efforts. The division established its first grow zone in Running Bear Park. The process uses native plants and flowers that use their long root systems to naturally assist with erosion and drainage control. As rainwater flows through the area carrying trash, the grow zones collect the debris and filter pollution and contaminants before it seeps into the groundwater.

The city has grow zones at Cottonwood Creek Park and Veterans Memorial Park. These projects help revitalize parks and further the city’s beautification efforts.

MDU projects are part of the Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow campaign, which promotes the city’s continuous investment and improvement of drainage channels throughout Irving.

Visit CityofIrving.org/IrvingInvests for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiative. 

Ready to spread some holiday cheer? The Irving Animal Care Campus’ (IACC) annual Comfort and Joy Drive is accepting donations from Nov. 28 through Jan. 2. Every Irving Animal Services (IAS) pet’s wish list includes: ● Large blankets ● Toys ● Treats ● Canned food

How to Participate

Donors are encouraged to pick up a “gift tag” from the shelter’s decorated tree in the lobby of the IACC at 4140 Valley View Lane. Tags are also available online to print at home at CityofIrving.org/Comfort-and-Joy-Drive

Participants will then include a gift tag when dropping off their donations at the shelter. Items will be accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shopping on Amazon?

Residents can also select items on the IAS Amazon wish list to donate to the shelter. Items purchased from the wish list will be delivered directly to IACC. To view the wish list, visit CityofIrving.org/Amazon

Bring Home a Lovable Gift

IACC is hosting its Home for the Holidays adoption event from 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 12-16. During that week, all pets 1 year and older are free to adopt, and adoption prices for all puppies and kittens are reduced to $50.

For more information, call (972) 721-2256 or visit CityofIrving.org/Animal-Services 

MDU repairs broken
separated pipes under Irving’s streets, as well as storm inlets. The team prioritizes these projects

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