City of Richardson, TX

03/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/20/2026 16:07

Week in Review, March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

This is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.

Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:

City Council | City Plan Commission


Youth Citizen Police Academy Registration Now Open
 Applications are now being accepted for the Richardson Youth Citizen Police Academy, an annual, one-week program to be held June 8-12. The program provides youth ages 13-17 firsthand information about how the Richardson Police Department (RPD) functions, law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and promotes understanding between youth and police.

Topics include hands-on instruction in the following areas:

  • operations overview of RPD
  • K-9 unit
  • SWAT
  • drone (UAS) program
  • patrol tactics
  • dispatch (communications)
  • crime scene investigations (CSI)
  • criminal investigations
  • drunk and distracted driving
  • crash investigations

Classes will be held Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-noon. Class size is limited; register online through June 1. The Academy will be held at Richardson Police Headquarters, 200 N. Greenville Ave.

Contact: 972-744-4955 or reach out to your School Resource Officer if you attend an RISD school for more information.

Summer Safety Camp Registration Opens Monday
 Registration opens Monday for the Richardson Police Department's annual Summer Safety Camp, open to children who have completed kindergarten and have not yet started 4th grade. Eight weekly camp sessions will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday at Dartmouth Elementary School, 417 Dartmouth Ln. (children may attend only one session).

Campers will learn about:

  • 9-1-1
  • bike safety
  • stranger safety
  • internet safety
  • animal safety
  • poison safety
  • water safety
  • and much more!

Sessions begin June 1 and end the week of July 27. Cost is $20 per child, per week (includes camp T-shirt). Register in person at Huffhines Recreation Center during regular hours. Note: RISD students or children of Richardson residents, who have not attended Safety Camp in the past, will be given first priority during registration.

Fix-a-Leak Week Continues; Free Leak Detection Kits Available through Sunday
This week, Richardson has been observing Fix-a-Leak Week, an EPA WaterSense program, to bring attention to household water waste in the home and encourage residents to check their homes for leaks and drips. Through Sunday, March 22, free toilet leak detection tablet packs are being distributed at several city facilities during normal business hours (while supplies last).

A leaking toilet is one of the most common sources of water waste in a home and can lose more than 200 gallons of water per day. While some leaks are easy to hear, others can occur silently.

Residents can pick up the leak detection tablets through March 22 at the following locations:

  • Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
  • Huffhines Recreation Center, 200 N. Plano Rd.
  • Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.

The tablets require no special tools and include instructions that help homeowners determine whether a toilet flapper is leaking.

More information: Website

Pedestrian Beacons Installed on Spring Valley Road Near Coit Road
Richardson is improving safety and comfort for trail users and pedestrians by installing Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) and Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFBs) at select street crossings on Spring Valley Road near Coit Road. The beacons will become active on Tuesday, March 24. These devices, when deployed at unprotected crosswalks, have been proven to improve safety for people walking, biking or using mobility devices by alerting motorists/drivers to stop and yield to the crosswalk users.

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is a signal that stops road traffic so pedestrians and trail users can safely cross a busy street. The beacon is activated only when someone presses the pushbutton to cross. A Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon is a pedestrian-activated warning device installed at crosswalk signs. When activated, bright yellow lights flash in a distinctive pattern to alert drivers that someone is crossing and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

The project is funded through DART as part of their Public Transportation Infrastructure Program.

More information: Website

City Hosts "Bunny Tail Trail" Event March 28
Save the date: Parks and Recreation is launching a new family event March 28 called the Bunny Tail Trail, a new twist on the City's annual egg hunt. This year, children ages 3-12 are invited to bring a basket and "hop on down" a specially decorated trail at Breckinridge Park, stopping at booths along the way to collect eggs and enjoy other spring activities.

Details:
"Bunny Tail Trail"
Breckinridge Park
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, March 28
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

More information: e-mail [email protected]

Applications Due Sunday for WF! Budding Talent, Battle of the Bands Competitions
The deadline is fast approaching to enter the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival's annual Budding Talent Vocal Competition and "Battle of the Bands"- the application period for both ends at midnight Sunday, March 22. Both events provide finalists the opportunity to showcase their talents live on stage at the 2026 Wildflower! festival, to be held May 15-17.

The Budding Talent Vocal Competition is open to vocalists in grades K-12. Contestants may compete as a solo act or as part of a group of up to four students within the same age category; a limited number of contestants are chosen in each age category.

The Battle of the Bands, presented by Oak Highlands Brewery and The Zoo, is open to bands comprised of at least three members, and all band members must be age 21 or younger.

More information/application:

Huffhines Recreation Center Closed Next Wednesday and Thursday
Huffhines Recreation Center will be closed next Wednesday and Thursday, March 25-26, as a deep cleaning takes place. The work is part of a scheduled effort to conduct comprehensive cleanings at the City's recreation centers, going beyond routine maintenance and "after-hours" cleaning to focus on areas that experience heavy use or dust buildup.

Richardson Recreation Center memberships are valid at both Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers, so Heights will remain available for members to use while Huffhines is closed.

North Glenville Drive Reopens as Road Improvements Near Completion
Construction is nearly complete on North Glenville Drive and the road fully reopened earlier today. The project, which was funded largely through the 2015 and 2021 Bond Programs, reduced Glenville from four lanes to two lanes in the heart of the Richardson Innovation Quarter between Arapaho Road and Campbell Road, and included pavement reconstruction, improvements to public utilities, traffic signals, lighting, pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes.

Lane, Entrance Ramp Closures Expected on Bush Turnpike Near Jupiter this Weekend
Beginning today (Friday, March 20) at 9 p.m. through Sunday, March 22 at 6 p.m., two westbound right lanes of the Bush Turnpike at Jupiter Road will be closed continuously, as well as the westbound entrance ramp from Jupiter Road, as the North Texas Tollway Authority conducts maintenance.

Message boards will be placed nearby to alert drivers of the closure. All closures are subject to weather conditions and will be postponed, if necessary.

More information: NTTA

Renner Road Pavement Work Near Routh Creek Parkway Postponed to March 30
In two phases, the right and center lanes of eastbound Renner Road between Routh Creek Parkway and Plano Road may be closed to traffic alternately at all times beginning March 30, as pavement repair takes place. (Note: This work was originally scheduled to begin March 23, as noted on nearby electronic boards.) Only one lane will remain closed overnight. The second lane may be closed as needed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The work is expected to be finished by late April.

Richardson Projects: https://www.cor.net/projects.

Free Somatic Movement Workshop Tomorrow at The Core Theatre
The Core Theatre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste. 115
Admission: Free (must book a spot by calling 818-391-7297; limited spots available)
Saturday, March 21
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Balance your body as the seasons shift-experience a one-day somatic immersion to reset your nervous system. Presented by acting alumna from The Core Theatre.

Business Networking Breakfast Next Wednesday
Richardson Chamber of Commerce, 411 Belle Grove Dr.
Admission: Free for members, $15 nonmembers (Registration Link)
Wednesday, March 25
7:15-8:30 a.m.

The Richardson Chamber's Richardson Business Network Breakfast fosters connections among local professionals. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or looking to expand your network, this weekly event provides a platform for sharing insights and exploring collaborations. Next Wednesday, experience BizNet Fusion, the Chamber's take on speed networking.

C-TECH: Learn, Create, Connect Tomorrow
 Youth Services Storytime Room and Youth Services Area
Cost: Free
Saturday, March 21
3-4:30 p.m.

Experience technology the fun way during this come-and-go C-TECH afternoon featuring Colby the Code & Go Robot Mouse, digital handheld microscopes, Ozobots, Sphero robots and more! For all ages.

"Tales for Tails" Sunday
Youth Services Storytime Room
Cost: Free
Sunday, March 22
3-4 p.m.

Children in grades K-4 work on reading skills while reading to loveable therapy dogs. Kids attend independently for 10-minute sessions with a dog. All ages welcome to meet the dogs around 3:50 p.m.

For a full list of library events, visit https://www.cor.net/calendar.

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

  • FMG Dallas Pro Am Saturday Night
    Bank of America Theatre
    Tickets: $80 General Admission (Tickets)
    Saturday, March 21
    5 p.m.

    Amateur and professional FMG (Fitness Muscle Glamour) athletes from across the world, both male and female, compete at this show that highlights beauty, fitness and strength. Audience members can expect an evening filled with high energy and a supportive community atmosphere celebrating personal achievement as the athletes vie for titles, pro status and the opportunity to advance within the FMG organization. The show will feature prejudging followed by a short intermission and an exciting finals presentation. Presented by Macco Productions.

  • Family Show: Sonia De Los Santos Sunday Afternoon
     Bank of America Theatre
    Tickets: $28-$38.50 (buy one, get one free with code SMILE) (Tickets)
    Sunday, March 22 (rescheduled from Jan. 24 due to weather)
    2 p.m.

    Nominated for a Latin Grammy and hailed by Billboard as "one of the Latin Children's music artists you should know," Sonia De Los Santos makes all ages smile as she shares some of her favorite things through song-migrating birds, friendship, chocolate and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and moving to New York. Her songs are inspired by various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa and festejo, as well as the North American folk traditions from the United States. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 season.

  • Richardson Community Band Celebrates the Trombone Sunday Afternoon
    Hill Performance Hall
    Tickets: Free (must reserve a free ticket here)
    Sunday, March 22
    3 p.m.

    Prepare for an all-out trombone party as the Richardson Community Band (RCB) features one of its own, Jacob Muzquiz, who will inspire and enthrall you with his remarkably artistic trombone playing. The RCB will also perform some extra trombone-friendly pieces, like "Lassus Trombone" and of course "76 Trombones." Be ready for some newer trombone gems as well!

  • The Ravi Shankar Ensemble Tuesday
    Hill Performance Hall
    Tickets: $54.50-$84.50 (Tickets)
    Tuesday, March 24
    7:30 p.m.

    Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the enduring legacy of legendary musician Ravi Shankar. On this debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from the Ravi Shankar archives, alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar's soul-stirring music. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 season.

At UT Dallas:

  • "Shattered Lands" Bestselling Author to Appear at Two Events This Week
    UT Dallas' Bass School of Arts, Humanities and Technology, in partnership with the MENARAH Initiative, invites the community and campus to the following events featuring bestselling author, historian and filmmaker Sam Dalrymple:

    "Shattered Lands: A Book Talk"
     Jonsson Performance Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
    Admission: Free
    Monday, March 23
    6-8 p.m.

    Dalrymple explores how the breakup of the British Indian Empire into 12 nations reshaped South Asia and the enduring political and human consequences of decolonization. Parking/more information: Event Link

    "A Conversation on Historic Architecture in India"
    University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd.
    Admission: Free
    Tuesday, March 24
    4-6 p.m.

    Blending storytelling with on-the-ground research, the talk explores how documenting the past helps us better understand place, memory and change in the present. Parking/more information: Event Link

Chamber Music International presents "An Evening of String Sextets" Tomorrow
 St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Belt Line Rd.
Tickets: $40-$45 (Tickets)
Saturday, March 21
7:30 p.m.

The sextet of Nai-Yuan Hu and Andrés Cárdenes on violin, Susan Dubois and Daphne Gerling on viola; and Anthony Elliott and Ko Iwasaki on cello, present works by Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

Free Sprinkler System Evaluations Still Available to Richardson Residents
 The City of Richardson and the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) are continuing to provide free sprinkler system evaluations, part of conservation efforts to protect our future water supply through more efficient water usage.

Who Can Participate:
Utility account holders with residential systems that have one controller and no more than 12 zones. Evaluations may be requested once every 12 months by homeowners or tenants.

How it works:
Richardson residents submit online requests for an evaluation and are then contacted by DFW-area company M&M Irrigation and Illumination for appointment scheduling. After the evaluation, a report is generated that will provide suggested irrigation system repairs (if needed); suggested controller settings; and estimated weekly gallons of water saved if you implement all listed recommendations (the inspector will not make repairs to your system; you may hire a licensed irrigator for any repairs needed).

Note that if the online request form does not allow you to enter information, all appointments for the month are taken. The request form is unlocked at 8 a.m. on the 20th of each month for future appointments.

More information/request form: Click here

https://www.cor.net/EPI

Fleet Technician II ($48,218 - $67,689 Salary)
The Facilities and Fleet Department is looking for an individual who can perform general repairs on City vehicles/equipment, including (but not limited to): electrical repairs; brake repairs; general engine repairs; install accessories or other components as requested, general welding repairs and modifications on City vehicles/equipment. Make emergency repairs on City vehicles/equipment in the field. Assist other Fleet Technicians as requested. High School Diploma or G.E.D required. Texas Class A Commercial Operator's License (CDL) required. Texas Class C Drivers License acceptable if applicant has also passed the written portion of Class A CDL test. Must obtain Texas Class A CDL within six months of assignment to position. Must have three current A.S.E. certifications. Any Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification can be substituted for any one ASE certification. May substitute AWS Welding Certification for one ASE or EVT certification. Certifications must be kept current, and renewed in a timely manner.

Fire Administrative Specialist ($47,534 - $55,000 Salary)
The Fire Department is looking for an individual who can perform clerical and technical functions requiring considerable discretion and specialized knowledge of Fire Department operations. Maintain confidentiality, when applicable, and adhere to all rules and regulations of the department and the City. Communicate courteously with other City employees, officials, and the public in English verbally and in writing. High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is required. Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Notary Public certification required within six (6) months of appointment and must be maintained. Must hold a Texas Class C Driver's License.

Lifeguard PT ($14.00/hr - $15.00/hr)
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an individual who is a minimum of 16 years of age. Must have ability to make quick and effective decisions. Must have: good verbal and written language skills; ability to cope effectively with large crowds and high noise levels. Must be able to perform skill tests administered by the Parks and Recreation Department, including a rescue test, basic swim strokes (breaststroke, crawl stroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke), and must demonstrate effective CPR knowledge. Must be able to implement cash-handling policies. Must hold current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, CPRPR certification, and First Aid certification. American Red Cross Waterpark Lifeguard Certification preferred.

https://www.cor.net/Jobs

Pet of the Week
 Meet Golda, a 9-year-old senior pitbull with a heart full of love. Known for her sweet and friendly demeanor, Golda enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like leisurely walks and cozy naps. She has a gentle soul and seeks companionship, making her an excellent friend for those who enjoy peaceful days. Golda is looking for a forever home where she can share her boundless affection and experience the comfort of a loving family.

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's web page here.

City Council Links

Council Members
Meeting Agendas and Documents
Videos

To read previous Week in Reviews,

visit https://www.cor.net/WIR.

City of Richardson, TX published this content on March 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 20, 2026 at 22:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]