May 21, 2023

New Council Members Take the Oath of Office

Garland Mayor Scott LeMay started his third term in office and welcomed newcomers Carissa Dutton of District 6 and Chris Ott of District 8 to the City Council on Tuesday, May 16. 

Council Member Dutton was prominent in relief efforts after a tornado hit the City in 2019 and was honored by Mayor LeMay in 2020 with the City's first-ever Make Your Mark Award. Council Member Ott has served on the City of Garland's Plan Commission for 13 years, the last three as vice chairman.

District 3 Council Member Ed Moore and District 7 Council Member Dylan Hedrick also renewed their Oaths of Office after being reelected to two-year terms May 6. 

Robert Vera (District 6) and Robert John Smith (District 8) gave farewell remarks. Both had served the maximum number of terms allowed by the City Charter and were unable to run for reelection.

Downtown Square Reopens Oct. 14 with Day of Festivities, LeAnn Rimes

Garland has announced Saturday, Oct. 14, as the date for its public celebration of the reimagined heart of the city. The reopening of the Downtown Square is a party nearly two years in the making and one worthy of bringing home LeAnn Rimes, one of Garland's most celebrated talents.

The all-day celebration will start at 10 a.m. and culminate that evening with LeAnn Rimes as the headline performer. Food trucks and other vendors, a drone light show, children's activities and a variety of live music are planned. Learn more.

Plaza Movie Classic: "The Right Stuff" Thursday, May 25

The City of Garland Cultural Arts Department presents a free showing of the 1983 film "The Right Stuff" (rated PG) at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.

This adaptation of the nonfiction novel by Tom Wolfe chronicles the first 15 years of America's space program.

Admission is free and open to the public. Free parking for all Plaza Theatre events is available at the Central Library, 625 Austin St.

Interested in more space-themed fun? Visit the free "Garland and Beyond" exhibit through Sept. 2 at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. The exhibit features displays and artifacts on loan from NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Band Together on the Square Concert Friday, May 26

Downtown Garland has a diverse musical experience that will go great with your carefree summer vibe. Join us every Friday evening through July for one of the best concert series of the summer!

Our series continues at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, at 506 Art (506 Main St.), featuring Jimmy Wallace/ Rachel Stacy. Be sure to explore Downtown Garland's fabulous array of eateries and shops before and after the show!

Go to VisitGarlandTX.com for more details and to check the latest updates on bands and locations.

Memorial Day Holiday Hours and Services

In observance of Memorial Day, all City of Garland offices, utility customer service and tax offices, libraries, recreation and senior centers will be closed Monday, May 29. 

The Hinton Landfill and Transfer Station will also be closed. Trash, recycling, and brush and bulky items will be collected on their regular Tuesday-Friday schedules.

All pool information can be found on the Aquatics homepage at GarlandTX.gov. 

Firewheel Golf Park will remain open and operate its usual hours.

Looking for summer fun? It's right here in Garland!

2023 Swim Season Begins Saturday, May 27

Bradfield Pool will be open from Saturday, May 27, through Sunday, Aug. 6. View the operating hours and prices at GarlandTX.gov.

Swim lessons will be offered at Bradfield Pool starting Monday, June 12. Registration will begin the Monday before each session. Session dates are June 12 to 22, June 26 to July 6, July 10 to 20 and July 24 to Aug. 3. 

Surf & Swim and Holford Pool are closed for the 2023 swim season due to facility updates. For more information, visit BuildGarland.com.

Summer Reading Program Kicks Off Friday, June 2

Join us on a brand new Summer Reading Adventure! Set your own reading goals and turn in completed goal sheets for a chance to win a grand prize.

Children from infants through sixth grade can pick a free book for every completed goal sheet. Adults, and teens in seventh through 12th grade, can turn in completed goal sheets for entries into grand prize drawings.

Visit Library.GarlandTX.gov for prize details and a full list of kickoff activities and events.

Find the Flamingos Downtown

Grab your magnifying glass and find the seven flamingos hidden within the painted drawings across Downtown. Find them all and your detective skills will earn you a prize! Stop by the Visit Garland office, 211 N. Fifth St., with photo proof of your findings and get a free Downtown Garland tumbler and key chain!

Or, if you find the flamingos during a Band Together concert at 506 Art, find a staff member there to redeem your prize. Learn more.

GP&L EnergySaver Program

Summer is just around the corner, and Garland Power & Light’s EnergySaver Program could help you save money and energy during those hot months.

EnergySaver offers bill credits for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades including:

• Central A/C, heat pump or window A/C unit
• Ceiling insulation
• Window solar screens or film
• ENERGY STAR® windows and doors

For the complete program requirements, visit gpltexas.org/energysaver. If you have questions, email energyadvisor@gpltexas.org or call 972-205-2929.

Plan Commission

May 22

The Garland Plan Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 22, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. You can watch the meetings online. 

Boards & Commissions Meetings

All upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

Graduation Traffic Delays

Through June 4

High school and college graduations will take place at the Curtis Culwell Center through Sunday, June 4. The area around North Garland Avenue and the Bush Turnpike will experience congestion during the graduations, so expect traffic delays. A complete list of dates and times for the graduations can be found at CurtisCulwellCenter.com.