Table of Contents
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Your gateway to discovering everything you need to know
DOWNTOWN TEMPLE
Unveiling the vibrant heart of our city
PARKS & RECREATION
Discover fun and adventure in Temple!
PUBLIC SAFETY: FIRE AND POLICE
Protecting and serving our community
TEMPLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Exploring the treasures of the public library
PUBLIC WORKS
Learn about City
FROM THE Desk of the City Manager
The City Manager's Office handles the general administration of the City of Temple and executes the policies and objectives of the City Council. The City Manager is directly responsible to the Mayor and City Council and oversees the day-to-day operations of the City by coordinating all City departments activities and functions, including the development of the Strategic Plan. The City Manager's Office also leads the financial and budget management process for the City and directs the City's efforts to plan for the future.
Spring Readiness in Temple
Marchisanidealtimetotakecareofthetasks thathelpkeepourhomesandourcommunity runningsmoothly.Manyresidentsusethismonth forspringcleaning,whetherthatmeans organizingstorageareas,donatingunuseditems, orrefreshinglivingspaces
These small efforts go a long way in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment across Temple.
This is also a good moment to check your home safety devices. Testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replacing batteries if needed, is a quick but important step in keeping your household safe.
For those planning outdoor projects or home improvements, I encourage you to take advantage of our Tool Library. The Tool Library offers residents access to tools for lawn care, home repairs, and general improvements through a no-cost membership. Think of it like a traditional library, but instead of borrowing books, you borrow tools. Any Temple resident over the age of 18 with a valid Temple Public Library Card is welcome to use this resource.
As you begin yardwork and leaf cleanup, please remember that leaves placed in plastic or compostable bags must be placed inside your garbage bin, as they cannot be collected with curbside brush pickup. When our brush and bulky crews collect leaves, only those placed in paper bags are taken to BRA for mulching. For residents looking for an environmentally friendly option, paper bags remain the best choice for brush collection. Another great alternative is mowing leaves and leaving the mulch on your lawn, which naturally enriches the soil.
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Development Updates
These are exciting times in the City of Temple! New developmental projects are transforming our urban landscape, promising to bring innovation and vibrancy to our community. With a focus on sustainable design, these projects are set to revitalize our city's core, creating a dynamic hub for residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for a reimagined Temple that seamlessly blends modernity with its rich heritage, making it a place we love to call home!
Prewitt Park Walking Trail
The City of Temple is excited to highlight the addition of the Prewitt Park Walking Trail, a project completed in the spring of last year. This 1,500-foot path brings a fresh recreational feature to Prewitt Park, located at 1720 E. Downs Ave. Designed to offer residents a safe and accessible space to enjoy the outdoors, the trail enhances the park’s natural setting and invites visitors to explore the area at their own pace.
Open to the public year-round, the walking trail welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy a peaceful place for exercise, relaxation, and connection. Whether used for daily walks, casual strolls with family, or a quiet break in nature, the trail serves as a valuable asset to the neighborhood and the broader Temple community. By promoting wellness and offering an inviting outdoor space, the Prewitt Park Walking Trail continues to have a positive impact on the quality of life for everyone who visits
For more information on city parks and upcoming improvements, visit templetx.gov/parks.
City Council February Highlights
Big things are happening in Temple as City Council continues to shape the future of our community. From key infrastructure projects to longterm planning initiatives, this section highlights important actions that impact residents and support a thriving, resilient city. Stay informed on how your local leaders are working to move Temple forward.
To learn more about council meetings, upcoming agendas, and City Council members, visit templetx.gov/citycouncil.
Financial & Organizational Updates
Council approved first-quarter financial results, budget amendments, and updates to city policies and compensation plans to ensure responsible fiscal management and organizational efficiency.
Parks & RecreationImprovements were approved for Lion’s Junction Family Water Park, including new attractions, shade structures, and upgrades designed to enhance the visitor experience for families.
Roads & Infrastructure
Council approved continued progress on major infrastructure projects, including Outer Loop North Phase III and new traffic signal installation at Loop 363 and FM 438 to improve safety and mobility.
Public Safety & Community Support
Investments were made in police technology and facilities, including new in-car camera systems, training equipment, and grant-funded safety initiatives to better serve the community.
Celebrate spring at Petals & Pints in Temple, the Wildflower Capital of Texas! Enjoy local craft beers, gourmet food, a car show, local artisan booths, and live music. Explore activities for all ages, learn about Texas wildflowers and pollinators, and snap photos in beautiful bloom settings.
Community Happenings
Our community plays a vital role in the fabric of the City of Temple, such as sustaining its growth and prosperity. Through active engagement and collaboration, community members contribute to the overall well-being of the city, whether it's through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or participating in civic initiatives. By nurturing a strong sense of solidarity and shared responsibility, the community becomes the driving force behind positive change, shaping the city's identity and ensuring its continued success.
City of Temple Hiring Event
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
MARCH 3 & 11 • 9AM-12PM & 1-3 PM
The City of Temple is hosting it’s annual Hiring Events this March at the Texas Workforce Commission, offering job seekers the opportunity to apply for a variety of part-time and full-time positions across select city departments. Attendees may receive a conditional job offer on the spot.
Part-time positions will be featured on Tuesday, March 3, and full-time positions on Wednesday, March 11, with sessions available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The events will take place at the Workforce of Central Texas, 201 W Avenue A, Temple, TX.
To view our open positions in advance, visit templetx.gov/careers.
Downtown Temple
Downtown Temple stands as a dynamic hub, contributing to the community's enrichment in variety of ways. Its array of restaurants draws both locals and visitors, while the district hosts a plethora of events, from festivals to parades, throughout the year. Offering a blend of local boutiques and specialty stores, downtown Temple provides residents with diverse retail options, playing a crucial role in elevating Temple life and fostering community spirit through enjoyable dining experiences, festive celebrations, and retail therapy.
First Friday Downtown Temple
Join us for First Friday in Downtown Temple on March 6! Enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and exclusive specials as downtown comes alive with fun and excitement. Don’t miss out—explore the full list of happenings here!
Annual Temple Community Treasures Visual Arts Contest
Don't miss your last chance to enter the Annual Temple Community Treasures Photography and Painting Contests, presented by the Temple Historic Preservation Board as part of Temple's observance of National Preservation Month in May. This annual contest invites artists and photographers to showcase their talent by capturing the stunning, historical beauty of Temple while highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving the city's historic buildings. Submissions are open for both photos and paintings, with framed entries due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4.
Visit Discover Temple to learn more.
Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
Geek Out Family Day
Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
We’re celebrating all those weird and wonderful things we love whether it’s outer space, trains, fast cars, or magic, we all geek out for something! Come to the museum and show off your fandom.
Don’t forget to wear your costume! Handson activities include:
Create a St. Patrick’s Day chain
Make your own Pac-Man
Craft superhero bracelets
Design Mickey or Minnie headbands
It’s a day of creativity, costumes, and geeky fun for all ages
Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy
Exhibit available from March 20–July 10
Explore the deep roots of cowboy culture through photographs by distinguished Texas photographer and writer Bill Wittliff. The exhibition highlights the enduring traditions of vaqueros Mexican horsemen whose skills, tools, and working methods shaped ranching life in Texas and the American West. Through documentary-style images and bilingual interpretation, visitors gain insight into daily ranch work, horsemanship, and the cultural exchange that gave rise to an enduring symbol of the region.
Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy is curated by The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University and presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities Right: Photograph by Bill Wittliff, 1971.
Spring Break Discovery Day
Wednesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy a hands-on day of discovery during our Spring Break event at the Santa Fe Depot. This free program features a science-fair-style setup where kids can rotate through three interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and creativity. From mixing and customizing slime in the Slime Lab to experimenting with simple circuits at the Electricity Station, each activity offers a fun way to explore basic scientific concepts.
Visitors can also stop by the Mechanical Makerspace, where young builders can design and test small rolling vehicles using everyday materials. All stations include make-and-take elements, giving children a chance to bring home their creations and continue learning long after the event. Spring Break Discovery Day is a great opportunity for families to learn, play, and explore together in a welcoming museum environment.
Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in fostering vibrant and thriving communities. By providing accessible and well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, and programs, they create spaces for individuals of all ages to engage in physical activity, socialize, and connect with nature. As well as organizing community events, sports leagues, and cultural activities, promoting a sense of unity and belonging among residents.
Sammons Indoor Pool Swim Lessons
Swim lessons are back at the Sammons Indoor Pool, offering families a convenient way to build confidence and strengthen swim skills in a heated, indoor setting. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit lessons into busy routines, with options available on Monday and Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings.
Each session costs $50, and scholarships are available through the Centennial Campaign Scholarship, reducing the cost to $10 for city residents or $20 for non-residents for approved applicants. Space is limited, and registration is available at templeparks.com/swimlessons.
Summit Spring Break Tennis Camp
Serve, swing, and have a blast this Spring Break at the Summit Recreation Center’s Tennis Camp from March 16–20.
With sessions for Tiny Tots, Middle School, and High School players, kids of all ages can build skills, stay active, and enjoy fun games throughout the week. Drop in for a single day or join the full camp flexible options make it easy to participate. Register now at templeparks.com/tenniscamp.
City of Temple
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Friday, March 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Make a splash this spring at our Underwater Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 27 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Families can enjoy an on-deck egg hunt, swim-with-the-eggs fun, and festive holiday games throughout the evening
With only 50 spots available, early registration is encouraged.
Sign up now at templeparks.com/egghunt
Parents Night Out
Friday, March 27
Enjoy an evening out while your children take part in a safe, fun-filled Parents’ Night Out at Wilson Park Recreation Center.
Participants will experience games, arts and crafts, dinner, and tournaments under supervised care, giving parents time to relax, reconnect, or celebrate the evening.
Sign up at templeparks.com/wilson.
Rising Stars Youth Basketball Clinic
Girls ages 4-12 are invited to join the Rising Stars Youth Basketball Clinic this spring. The clinic runs on Sunday afternoons from April 12 through May 3 at Clarence Martin Gym. Sessions are grouped by age:
Ages 4-6: 2–2:50 p.m.
Ages 7-10: 3–3:50 p.m.
Ages 11-12: 4–4:50 p.m.
The registration fee is $25 per child, and the deadline to sign up is March 27.
Don’t miss this chance to build skills, make friends, and have fun on the court. register at templeparks.com/athletics.
City of Temple Spring Co-Ed Kickball League
Kick off spring with the Co-Ed Kickball League at AJ Mercer Complex.
The season runs March 31 through May 5, featuring an 8-game schedule Tuesday evenings. Team registration is $255, and the deadline to sign up is March 20.
Get your friends together and join the fun! Register at templeparks.com/athletics.
Spring Co-Ed For Fun Softball League
Join the Spring Co-Ed For Fun Softball League for a relaxed, Sunday afternoon season at AJ Mercer Complex. The season runs March 29 through June 7 and includes a single-elimination preseason tournament and an 8-game schedule.
Team registration is $255, and the deadline to sign up is March 20. Gather your friends and enjoy some friendly competition this spring.
Register at templeparks.com/athletics.
Spring Men's
Softball League
Get your team together for the Spring Men's Softball League, running March 30 through June 3 at AJ Mercer Complex. The season includes a doubleelimination preseason tournament and a 10-game schedule. Games are played Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.
Team registration is $429, and the deadline to sign up is March 20 Grab your spot and hit the field this spring. register at templeparks.com/athletics.
Spring Break Camp
Spring Break is almost here, and Temple Parks & Recreation has plenty of ways for kids to stay active, get creative, and make new friends at our Spring Break Camps.
Programs are offered at both the Summit Recreation Center and Wilson Recreation Center, giving families flexible options for a full week of supervised fun. Each camp features a mix of games, recreation, crafts, hands-on projects, and group activities designed to keep kids engaged and social throughout the break.
Spots fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. View camp details and sign up at templeparks.com/springbreak
Public Safety
Our police and fire departments are crucial to our community’s well-being, ensuring the protection and security of community members. From patrolling neighborhoods and investigating crimes, conducting safety awareness programs, offering emergency medical assistance and community outreach, public safety professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the community while instilling peace of mind and fostering a sense of security among community members. Our first responders are at the forefront of protecting our neighborhoods, providing essential aid during crises, and promoting a sense of safety and reassurance among our community members.
templetx.gov/police |
Disaster Preparedness & Survival Course
Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18
Temple Fire & Rescue is hosting a free Disaster Preparedness & Survival Course designed to help individuals and families prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This hands-on class covers practical skills like deciding when to evacuate or shelter in place, selfrescue, helping others safely, and planning for recovery. Classes are Friday, April 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This course is FEMA-funded and taught by TEEX instructors, making it a great opportunity for families, community members, and anyone wanting to be better prepared before the next emergency happens.
Space is limited, and classes are open to ages 12+. Learn more and register today at templetx.gov/teexcourse.
Temple Public Library
The public library serves as a hub of knowledge, learning, and community engagement within a community. Its role extends far beyond providing access to books. The public library acts as a valuable resource and a catalyst for personal growth, education, and community development. Come join us at Temple Public Library as we eagerly anticipate bringing the community together and stimulating intellectual growth.
at Temple TALE,
Meet authors, explore local books, and dive into storytelling
Temple’s new festival for readers, writers, and dreamers of all ages.
The Temple Public Library is hosting a new festival celebrating local authors, independent storytelling, and Central Texas’ creative literary community. Readers of all ages are invited to spend the afternoon meeting authors, browsing independent titles, and learning more about the writing and publishing process.
The event also offers hands-on activities for young creators. Aspiring authors ages 8 and up can participate in a guided workshop covering the full book-making process, while teens can explore zine-making and other creative projects
The festival will take place Saturday, March 7, from 1–5 p m For a full look at the event schedule visit templelibrary.us/templetale
Temple Poetry Project: Your Voice, Your Verse
A yearlong experience that invites the community to explore the power of poetry. Each month features a new poetry style along with a guided writing prompt to help participants discover and develop their creative voice.
To participate, stop by the library anytime during regular business hours and visit the activity stations located on the first and second floors. Throughout the year, participants can engage with poetry in a variety of hands-on ways.
Mad Science
We are excited for Spring Break at the Temple Public Library this March, with two high-energy shows from Mad Science happening during the week. Marvels of Motion will bring the science of speed, force, and movement to life through interactive demonstrations (recommended for ages 5 to 10), followed by Fire and Ice, a crowdfavorite show featuring dry ice storms, gravity-defying experiments, and a bubbly grand finale. Both programs will take place Monday, March 16, and Friday, March 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. No registration required.
Cooking Well with Friends
Cooking Well with Friends is a four-week workshop designed to help busy adults make healthy eating easier through meal prepping and freezing Participants will learn safe freezing methods, how to use appliances like slow cookers and multifunction cookers, ways to modify recipes for healthier meals, and how to create balanced dishes at home. The program meets Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, March 14 through April 4. Please register at exploretpl.com/events Ages 18+.
Altered Art Deck
The Altered Art Deck is a year-long creative program that invites participants to transform an ordinary deck of playing cards into a oneof-a-kind mixed-media artwork. Each monthly session introduces a new theme or technique with a short demonstration, followed by open studio time for exploration, conversation, and creative support. All basic materials are provided, making this program accessible for artists of all skill levels. Please register at exploretpl.com/events. Ages 18+.
Public Works
Public Works plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for community members. Their primary objective is to ensure the maintenance, development, and improvement of public infrastructure and services. From roads and bridges to water supply systems and parks, public works departments are responsible for managing and enhancing these essential elements of a community. Their efforts contribute to the safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life within the community.
Shred Event
Saturday, March 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Temple residents are invited to a free Shred Event on Saturday, March 28, from 9–11 a.m. at the Solid Waste Complex. Safely shred up to five banker boxes of personal documents.
Bring up to five banker boxes of documents and securely shred them on site. All shredded paper will be recycled.
For more information, visit templetx.gov/solidwaste.
SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR A CLEANER,
Greener Temple
Leaf & Yard Waste Disposal
As you begin your spring yardwork, please remember that leaves placed in plastic bags must go inside your garbage bin. They will not be collected with curbside brush pickup. If you have more bagged leaves than will fit in your 95-gallon bin, they may be collected through bulky item collection
For brush collection, leaves must be placed in paper bags. These bags are taken to the BRA for mulching and is a more environmentally friendly option than placing the leaves in a plastic bag to go to the landfill.
Another great way to recycle nutrients naturally is to mow over your leaves and leave the mulch on your lawn. Learn more at templetx.gov/solidwaste.
Irrigation Systems & Backflow
Prevention
With warmer weather approaching, residents are turning irrigation systems back on for the season.
Before doing so, make sure your backflow prevention device is tested and up to date. Regular testing helps protect our public water supply from contamination and ensures your irrigation system is functioning properly
If you’re unsure of your testing status, contact a licensed backflow tester, resources and approved providers can be found at templetx.gov/backflow.
Don’t Flush Wipes, They Clog Pipes
As you freshen up your home this spring, remember that wipes are not flushable, even if labeled as such Unlike toilet paper, wipes do not break down in the wastewater system and can clog household pipes, damage plumbing, and cause costly sewer backups.
To protect both your home and the city’s wastewater infrastructure, please toss all wipes in the trash. For more information, visit templetx.gov/flushingfacts.
Scheduling Your Brush & Bulky Item Pickup Just Got Easier!
Temple residents now have more convenient ways than ever to schedule their Brush & Bulky item collection You can easily request a pickup online at ttxconnect.com, through the TTX
Connect App, by using the online chat at templetx.gov, or by calling 254-298-5000 during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Each residence receives one free brush pickup and one free bulky item pickup per month. Residents can also continue to drop off brush at the Solid Waste Complex during normal hours and bring bulky items to the landfill once per month at no additional cost with a current utility bill. For full guidelines and details, visit templetx.gov/solidwaste.
Monthly Dumpster Drop
We understand how important it is to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe for everyone. That’s why the City of Temple is committed to continuing our Dumpster Drop program. We hope this initiative helps reduce illegal trash and tire dumping, making our community a better place for all of us!
What we provide:
A large container placed monthly in different parts of town
A separate trailer for the disposal of tires
This month will include two drops: March 13 - 16 in the Historic District at 820 W Munroe Ave, and March 27 - 30 in the Ferguson Park District at 1400 E Ave. B.
For more info, please visit templetx.gov/dumpsterdrop to learn more!
Want to contact the City of Temple? TTX Connect is designed to enhance communication and streamline service requests for residents. With a live chat feature, upgraded service request tool, call service, and a mobile app, getting assistance has never been easier!
Residents can chat with customer service agents Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., via ttxconnect.com, submit and track service requests, and access an interactive map of active issues. TTX Connect replaces Track Temple and offers improved tools for reporting concerns like missed garbage collection or broken traffic signals.
For phone assistance, dial 3-1-1 (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) or 254-298-5000 (other providers). Plus, download the TTX Connect app on the App Store or Google Play.
Connect With Us
The City of Temple uses an online auction service, GovDeals, to liquidate equipment, vehicles and other items no longer utilized Auctions are open to the general public, and the City routinely places items on auction throughout the year with each item having a unique start and end date View active listings online at govdeals.com/temple