May 31, 2026

Garland’s Coolest Summer Ever! Surf & Swim Is Back!

Surf & Swim, 440 W. Oates Road, is back and better than ever!

The May 23 grand reopening, and reimagining, of the City’s top water attraction was more than two summers in the making. Check out the photos and watch the video!

This next iteration of Surf & Swim was approved in the 2019 Build Garland bond program and is the largest aquatics project in Garland Parks & Recreation history. Surf & Swim features include:

• A winding lazy river with vortex sitting area
• A tranquil leisure pool with sun deck
• Three new water slides for all thrill-seeking levels
• An aquatics play structure with slides and splash features for the little ones
• A Murphy Wave Simulator 

Pool season at Surf & Swim, Bradfield Pool and Holford Aquatic Center runs through Aug. 9. Surf & Swim will also open weekends Aug. 15 through Sept. 7. Learn more.

New Fifth & State Episode Available Tomorrow

Fifth & State is your go-to podcast for real talk about Garland, straight from the top. Join Mayor Dylan Hedrick as he goes off-script to talk about the people, decisions and behind-the-scenes moments that shape our city.

In the new Fifth & State episode dropping June 1, Mayor Hedrick and City Manager Mike Betz sit down with Cultural Arts Director Amy Rosenthal to discuss investing in Garland’s future through arts and culture. Learn about the $25 million Granville Arts Center renovation, its community and economic impact, and how Garland continues to deliver on voter-approved projects.

Listen on Apple, Spotify or YouTube — and catch new episodes the first Monday of every month!

West Miller Road Closed near Shiloh Road for Rail Crossing Project

West Miller Road, west of South Shiloh Road, closed for railroad crossing repair at 7 a.m. Sunday, May 31. It is the first of six rail crossing projects Dallas Garland Northeastern Railroad plans over the next two weeks.

Miller Road is estimated to reopen by 7 p.m. Monday, June 1.

South International Road, south of Forest Lane, will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 2. It is estimated to reopen by 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3. Late next week, the crossing at Marquis Drive will be the third in the series to be addressed.

Look for Kingsley Road to close the morning of Saturday, June 6, and remain closed until Monday evening, June 8. Crossings at Wood Drive and Oakland Street are the final targets for upgrades.

Please note that the construction schedule may vary depending on weather and conditions encountered during reconstruction.

Last Chance! Garland Youth Council Applications Due Tonight

Are you ready to get involved and make your voice heard? If you’re entering grades 9-12 and either live in Garland or attend a Garland ISD school, this is your chance to represent your peers, collaborate with City leaders and spark real change in your community.

Applications for the 2026-27 Garland Youth Council are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Members will be appointed by the Garland City Council in July. 

Applications are available online at GarlandTX.gov. Submit yours today!

America 250: Garland's Perspectives Exhibit Now Open

Step back in time to 1776 and experience the past 250 years in Garland with America 250: Garland's Perspectives.

Celebrating the nation’s momentous 250th anniversary, America 250 displays three exhibits from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Garland Landmark Museum.

Learn how America’s revolution sparked revolutions around the world, how Texas has transformed over the past 250 years and how Garland grew from the Blackland Prairie to the bustling city it is today.

The exhibit will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 1 at Garland City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. Learn more.

Special Summer Performers for Youth and Families at the Library

Starting Monday, June 1, enjoy shows about science, animals, music, magic and more! All events are at 2:30 p.m.

Percussion Things

Monday, June 1, Central Library

Wednesday, June 3, South Garland Library

Mike Williams Magic Show

Tuesday, June 2, North Garland Library

Monday, June 8, Central Library

Thursday, June 11, West Garland Library

Sci-Tech Discovery

Thursday, June 4, West Garland Library

All About Animals

Tuesday, June 9, North Garland Library

Wednesday, June 10, South Garland Library

Monday, June 15, Central Library

Check out the summer issue of Off the Shelf for more information about all activities.

Summer Nutrition Program Begins Tomorrow

Garland’s recreation centers will distribute free meals to children ages 1-18 and young adults with disabilities from Monday, June 1, through July 31. No registration or proof of income is required.

Meals will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations:

• Audubon Recreation Center, 342 W. Oates Road
• Bradfield Recreation Center, 1146 Castle Drive
• Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road
• Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F
• Holford Recreation Center, 2314 Homestead Place
• Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 W. Walnut St.

Lunches will not be served June 19 or July 3. The program is being overseen by the Garland Independent School District. Learn more.

Code Civil Enforcement Education Period Begins Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, the City is launching a 90-day education period as we transition to a civil enforcement program for code compliance.

You may receive a friendly brochure highlighting potential issues we may have observed on your property and connecting you with helpful resources to address them if needed. Please note this is not a citation or a form of punishment.

Beginning tomorrow, you’ll also be able to apply online for the Garland Cares Compliance Assistance Program, which connects residents in need with volunteers and community partners who can help with yard work, minor repairs and maintenance at little to no cost. We’re here to support you. Together, we’re building a better Garland.

Learn more and get answers to frequently asked questions at GarlandTX.gov or watch the video!

Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet Thursday, June 4

Join us for our Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at the Central Library, 625 Austin St.

Hear City updates and learn how other Garland neighborhood leaders are investing in their community.

The event is free and includes dinner, but registration is required. Save your spot now!

Music Made Here Concert Friday, June 5

Join us at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5, for an evening of free live music on the Downtown Garland Square, featuring Frank Hannon of TESLA and Jimmy Wallace!

Best known as the founding member and lead guitarist of the legendary rock band TESLA, Frank Hannon brings decades of experience and musical versatility to the stage. Blending rock roots with influences from blues, country and folk, his performances showcase both his signature guitar work and his passion for exploring new sounds. Joining him is Jimmy Wallace, who will deliver a dynamic blend of blues-rock with his skillful guitar riffs.

Check out the full lineup in the Music Made Here Concert Series at VisitGarlandTX.com.

Tea Cake Contest Entries Due Friday, June 5

Do you have the perfect tea cake recipe? Enter our Tea Cake Competition to showcase your baking skills during Garland’s Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20.

Contestants should be prepared to provide one dozen tea cakes for judging, along with an ingredient list for safety purposes. Tea cakes will be judged on texture, sweetness, presentation and that perfect, satisfying snap.

Applications close Friday, June 5, and winners will be announced during the Juneteenth Celebration event. Apply today!

Garland Animal Services Launches New Medical Deployment Initiative

Garland Animal Services recently began its Medical Deployment Program, consisting of a veterinarian, veterinary technicians and field division staff. The team is focused on going into the community and helping families before situations become overwhelming. The program's goal is to reduce shelter intake by keeping pets healthy, helping owners access resources and supporting the people who are trying their best to care for the animals they love.

As part of this initiative, Garland Animal Services is also working closely with rescue groups to help provide placement options for some of the pets, while also utilizing its own adoption program to help animals find safe, loving homes where they can continue receiving the care and attention they deserve. Learn more.

Volunteer Garland Got the Yuck Out of Duck Creek

On May 2, approximately 132 volunteers flocked to the greenbelt for the fifth annual Duck Creek Litter Cleanup and removed an estimated 2,582 pounds of litter!

Huge thanks to our Parks & Recreation crew, volunteers, team captains, vendors, community partners, City Council Members Carissa Dutton, Margaret Lucht and Christina Segoviano, and Mayor Dylan Hedrick for showing up and showing out.

After the cleanup, volunteers migrated over to Carter Softball Complex for awards, food and fun because every legendary cleanup deserves an afterparty. Watch the video!

Garland in the News

CBS featured Garland's new "The Flats" mosaic mural, which honors the city's first free-standing Black community.

The mural, located outside the Granville Arts Center at the corner of Fifth and Austin streets in Downtown Garland, is 3 feet high, 36 feet long and includes nearly 20,000 hand‑cut tiles.

Read the story and watch the video.

City Council Meetings

June 1, 2 and 6

The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, June 1. The Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, the Garland City Council will meet in special session to hear presentations from staff and hold discussions on the City's budget for fiscal year 2026-27, which starts Oct. 1.

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 7

High school and college graduations will take place at the Curtis Culwell Center through Sunday, June 7. 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. Also, please be aware that major construction continues on Naaman School Road from Brand Road east to State Highway 78.