March 10, 2024

Streets Identified as Uniquely Garland in Sign Replacement Program

Street signs have a life expectancy and need to be changed every 20 to 25 years. Like anywhere else, Garland residents and visitors need to know what intersection or street they’re at in order to get to their destination. But in a recently launched campaign to install 730 street signs at traffic signal intersections, the City is also installing a sense of pride.

“Garland Texas” and the City’s wireframe black logo is prominently featured on all the new street signs. The first phases of the project are being rolled out along intersections of Belt Line Road, including Belt Line’s iterations as First Street and Broadway Boulevard. Learn more.

Expect Construction and Traffic Changes as Work Begins at Miller and Glenbrook

Starting Monday, March 11, there will be road construction and a traffic pattern change in the eastbound lanes of Miller Road stretching from Saturn Road to Edgefield Drive.

The work will address water, wastewater, drainage and paving improvements. During construction, Miller Road will be converted into a two-way, single-lane thoroughfare from Saturn Road to Edgefield Drive.

During this period, access to Glenbrook Drive south of Miller Road will be closed in both the northbound and southbound directions at the Miller Road intersection. This traffic pattern is expected to be in place until mid-July, weather permitting. Expect potential inconveniences and traffic delays, and please plan accordingly. For more details, visit GarlandTX.gov.

Shumard Red Oak Tree Gets New Home on the Downtown Square

There is a new large Shumard red oak tree in the Square!

The original Shumard red oak that died and was removed before the grand opening of the Square has been replaced. This tree will bring much-needed shade during the summer. The tree is currently approximately 25-feet tall and at maturity in this environment will grow to 40 to 50 feet.

Garland Police to Increase DWI Patrols Over Spring Break Holiday

Garland Police will step up DWI patrols through Sunday, March 24, as part of a Texas Department of Transportation grant program. The patrols will be active in the nighttime hours by utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.

Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay fines, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve 180 days in jail. Costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.

In 2022, nearly 1,200 fatality crashes involving DUIs were reported to TxDOT. Let’s help #EndTheStreak.

Garland Fire Earns 10th Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award, Celebrates Yearly Achievements

For the 10th year in a row, the Garland Fire Department has received a Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Award from the American Heart Association. This award is for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks.  

For its continued mastery of performance standards, the department was recognized with the Gold Award for 2023.

The department also recently hosted its annual awards banquet. Congratulations to:

• Firefighter of the Year: Driver Engineer Michael Stribling
• Paramedic of the Year: Driver Engineer Jordan Garcia
• Officer of the Year: Battalion Chief Casey Lindsay
• Rookie of the Year: Firefighter Dakota Malena
• Staff Person of the Year: Firefighter Lance Fulmer
• Friend of the Fire Department: Laura Hendershot, City of Garland Financial Services Department

Learn more.

STEAM Labs at Central Library Express March 12-15

Looking for fun spring break activities for children ages 6 to 12? Kids can enjoy fun STEAM challenges while learning problem-solving skills at the Central Library Express, 713 Austin St.

STEAM Labs will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily from Tuesday, March 12, to Friday, March 15. This drop-in program is free and no registration is required. If you have questions, call 972-205-2517.

Masterclass on the Square Wednesday, March 13

Bring a lunch to the Square at noon Wednesday, March 13, and learn a new skill from local experts!

In the first session of this bimonthly series, learn the basics of gardening with Vanessa McCool and Shana Carter from Roach Feed & Seed.

All participants will take home a seasonal seedling and some seeds for their gardens. Register today!

Rain Barrel Sale Now Open

The City of Garland Water Utilities Department is offering an opportunity to purchase rain barrels at a discounted price.

Through a cooperative purchase, the classic black, 50-gallon Ivy Rain Barrel is being offered for $78 each (normal retail price is $129).

All orders must be picked up by customers. There will be no home drop-offs. Bring a vehicle large enough to carry your order on pickup days: 3 to 7 p.m. April 30 and May 1 at 2343 Forest Lane. Order yours today!

Garland Symphony Orchestra Presents Oboist Kristin Perry Friday, March 15

The Garland Symphony Orchestra will feature oboist Kristin Perry at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St.

The program will include Mozart's Symphony No. 1 in Eb Major; Bach's Symphony in E Major, Op. 18, No. 5; Handel's Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G Minor; and Haydn's Symphony No. 104 in D Major (“London”).

To purchase tickets, call 972-205-2790, visit GarlandArts.com or buy your tickets in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office. 

Internship and Seasonal Job Fair Saturday, March 16

Are you looking for an internship or seasonal opportunity that will help you make a difference professionally and within your community?

Join us for a come-and-go Internship and Seasonal Job Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 16, at Garland City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. Learn more.

Weekly Workouts on the Downtown Square

Each week, fitness leaders from 3Q Fitness, Into the Well Collective and WHoly Formed Yoga Studio lead different types of workouts for free on the lawn of the Downtown Square.

Join the fun at 11 a.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. Fridays. No experience or equipment necessary. Just bring your A game and a bottle of water!

Call 811 Before You Dig

Remember to call 811 at least two working days before starting any yard project that involves digging. This is for your safety and is required by Texas law.

811 is a free service that connects you to professional line locators who will mark the locations of all buried utility lines. Whether installing a fence or sprinkler system, laying a patio or planting a tree, always call 811 before you dig.

Visit Texas811.org for more information.

Garland in the News

On Feb. 24, Garland’s Spring Creek Forest Preserve became Dallas County’s first and Texas’ second inductee into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. The City's Public & Media Relations Department was on-site to capture this honor, which recognizes America’s oldest protected and publicly accessible forests. Watch highlights from the ceremony and the annual Trout Lily Walk on the City’s Facebook page.

Boards & Commissions Meetings

March 11

The Garland Plan Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. 

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.

District 3 Town Hall

March 21

Join District 3 Council Member Ed Moore for a State of the District Town Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the South Garland Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. City staff will be available to address questions. Learn more.