Week in Review, Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

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

"Culture in The CORE" Tomorrow Celebrates the Tastes, Sounds, Spirit of Richardson
To celebrate the variety of global cultures that call Richardson home, the City of Richardson will host the fourth annual Culture in The CORE event Saturday, Nov. 8 in Downtown Richardson at Main Street Plaza, 105 S. Interurban St., from noon-4 p.m. The free, family-friendly event brings together Richardson's diverse communities to have fun, to learn and to experience the music, dance, foods and arts of different cultures. The community gathering will feature vendors selling treasures from around the globe, a world-spanning assortment of food and drink vendors, and a variety of culturally diverse art, music and dance presented by local groups.

Details:
Culture in The CORE
Saturday, Nov. 8
Main Street Plaza, 105 S. Interurban St.
Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking will be available at most public lots around Main Street Plaza, with overflow parking available on most nearby streets.

More information: click here

Sherrill Park Head Pro Ronny Glanton Inducted into PGA Hall of Fame
Longtime Sherrill Park Head Professional Ronny Glanton was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame Wednesday night during the 109th PGA Annual Meeting in Frisco. The highest honor given by the PGA of America, it recognizes individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the Association in its mission to grow the game of golf. In addition to Glanton, the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes PGA of America Past President Jim Richerson; PGA Members Jim McLean and JD Turner; LPGA Tour legend Nancy Lopez; and PGA of America Honorary Member and adaptive trick-shot artist Dennis Walters.

Photo courtesy of the PGA

Glanton's career began at Sherrill Park Golf Course in 1981, and he has spent the past 40 years as head professional at the course, which is ranked among Texas' top municipal golf facilities. Glanton was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2022 and named the PGA of America's Golf Professional of the Year in 2020.

More information: click here

City Announces Crescent Systems Expansion in The IQ®
The City's Economic Development Department announced this week that Crescent Systems, Inc., a longtime member of the Richardson business community, will expand its operations within the Richardson Innovation Quarter (The IQ®). The project includes new office and manufacturing space, a major capital investment and the creation of additional high-wage jobs.

The company is committing to long-term leases for approximately 70,000 square feet across facilities at 1155 E. Collins Blvd. and 1680 Prospect Dr., including an additional 14,000 square feet at the Prospect Drive site to accommodate continued growth.

Crescent Systems provides hardware and software solutions designed for harsh environments, including routers, audio/video processors and communication servers. Its core customers include defense, government and mission-critical operations where communication and maintenance efficiency are vital.

Full press release: click here

City Council Discusses Richardson's Unhoused Initiatives
The City Council got an update at Monday's City Council work session on the City's unhoused initiatives, part of the Council's 2025-27 Goal Tactics. City staff outlined the City's ongoing local and regional involvement in addressing homelessness, including:

Staff also reviewed the criminal trespass affidavit process and discussed unhoused issues/plans associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Monday's presentation: Video

Possible Transportation/Mobility Projects Considered for 2026 Bond Program
At Monday's City Council work session, City staff provided the Council with an overview of the City's traffic operations and infrastructure, the status of traffic signal improvement projects funded by the 2021 Bond Program and discussed traffic and transportation needs for inclusion in a possible 2026 bond election.

Candidate projects identified include:

Council has until February next year to decide on calling a bond election for voters to consider in May.

Monday's presentation: Video

2021 Bond Program Progress Continues with Foxboro Park Playground Ribbon Cutting
City Council members gathered last Saturday with City staff to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the Foxboro Park playground, 2600 N. Plano Rd., one of eight park playground replacement projects approved by Richardson voters as part of the 2021 Bond Program.

The improvements were funded through Proposition E, which focuses on updating neighborhood parks and recreation spaces across the city. Although the new playground was originally scheduled to open earlier this year, storm damage in the spring delayed final completion.

The reopening of the Foxboro Park playground represents continued progress in implementing projects from the 2021 Bond Program, which also includes improvements to streets, public buildings, sidewalks and drainage systems.

More information: https://www.cor.net/2021bond

Santa's Village Taking Shape
Setup has begun at Huffhines Park for Santa's Village, the City's miniature holiday town, in order to be ready in time for December visitors. It takes the Parks and Recreation Department about two weeks, weather permitting, to get the 14 Village buildings assembled and in place at the park and another month to decorate.

Santa's Village has been held in Richardson for more than 30 years and includes children's activities inside each tiny structure, live entertainment on a central stage and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus. This year's event takes place from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Dec. 12-14, and Dec. 19-21, with the Village open to the general public each of those nights. On days when the buildings aren't open, the Village will be open for people to stroll through and take photos Dec. 8-11 and 15-18 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Website: https://www.cor.net/santasvillage

City Partners with FIFA for Breckinridge Park Tree Planting
Volunteers helped plant more than 100 trees at Breckinridge Park this week in celebration of Texas Arbor Day (Nov. 7), making a positive impact on the environment and our City's largest park. The event was presented by the City of Richardson along with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee; the trees were donated by local nonprofit One Earth One Chance and the Suresh family in the memory of their son Rajiv Suresh.

Types of trees planted included Cedar Elm, Bald Cypress and Red Oak.

Wildflower Seeding Underway
The annual wildflower planting program in Richardson is underway at numerous locations around the community including City of Richardson parks and medians. Parks and Recreation staff are planting two different mixes of wildflower seeds-one that includes corn flower, rocket larkspur and red corn poppy, and a second "native mix" that includes flowers such as Texas paintbrushes, wine cups, plains coreopsis and standing cypress.

About 50 acres are being sown this year with about 2,100 pounds of wildflower seeds. Some of the best places to see the flowers next spring will be Breckinridge Park, Huffhines Park and CityLine Park.

The wildflower planting program began in the early 1990s and has been beautifying Richardson ever since, landing the City on annual "Best DFW Cities for Viewing Wildflowers" lists. In addition to the annual fall plantings, residents, HOAs and other community groups can request and help fund wildflower planting in specific areas through the City's Operation Bloom Town program.

See below under Environmental for information on how you can plant wildflowers in your own garden this fall.

More information: https://www.cor.net/wildflowerplanting

Website: https://www.cor.net/epi, click on Richardson Plants

Richardson Municipal Facilities, Services Open on Veteran's Day; Activities Planned at Senior Center to Honor Veterans
Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov.11, is a day to celebrate military veterans who have served their country honorably during war or peacetime. As it is a federal holiday (and a state holiday in Texas), all non-essential federal government offices will be closed including post offices; most banks will be closed as well as they fall under the Federal Reserve. State of Texas offices will be closed; municipalities vary. In Richardson, all offices and services will operate on a regular schedule.

The Richardson Senior Center will host two events next week related to Veteran's Day including a lecture and a jazz concert.

Details:
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: Free, no registration required

Monday, Nov. 10
1:30 p.m.
Patriotic Concert with the Upswing Jazz Orchestra including the National Anthem, Armed Forces Medley and more.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
10-11 a.m.
Lecture presented by The Traveling Professor focusing on three extraordinary Medal of Honor recipients and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion. Sponsored by the Richardson Public Library.

The City of Richardson also recognizes veterans through its year-round Veterans Partnership Initiative (VPI), a page on the City's website that offers links to information about opportunities in various areas including education, employment, health and housing as well as information about programs and events geared toward veterans.

VPI web address: https://www.cor.net/vpi

Local Rotary Clubs Honor Assistant Fire Chief Gene Senter
The Richardson East and Richardson Rotary Clubs have given their 2025 Service Above Self Award to Richardson Assistant Fire Chief Gene Senter. The award is Rotary's highest honor and recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization's core value of putting service above self. Richardson City Manager Don Magner was on hand for the award presentation and said that the award was well-deserved, noting Senter's unwavering commitment to the community, leadership in the fire services profession and genuine care for others.

Senter began with the Richardson Fire Department as a probationary firefighter in 1994, rising through the ranks to his current position of Assistant Fire Chief of Operations.

Richardson Boys & Girls Club Hosts Grand Re-opening
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas at Richardson celebrated its grand re-opening with an open house this week to show the public its upgraded facility. Located at St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Belt Line Rd., the facility is now able to serve up to 200 children and teens-four times its previous capacity. The Club's expansion was made possible by the City of Richardson's reclassification of the facility as a youth-serving organization. Upgrades include redesigned spaces, new furniture, a technology hub with a 3D printer and a dedicated calming room that supports mental health, with staff trained in trauma-informed care.

The Richardson Club is a longtime partner with the City and beneficiary of the annual Gobble Hobble.

More information: https://www.bcgdallas.org

Melrose Closures Continue to US 75
In three phases, the left and right lanes of eastbound and westbound Melrose Drive extended 500 feet west of US 75 may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with one lane kept closed overnight as needed. Installation work is taking place for a six-inch fireline and fire hydrant. The work is expected to be completed by late November.

More Lane Closures Expected North of Renner Road/Custer Parkway Intersection
Various lanes of northbound and southbound Custer Parkway between Greenside Drive and Renner Road may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as utility work takes place. The work is expected to be completed by mid-November.

https://www.cor.net/projects

Holiday Bazaar Continues through Tomorrow
Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free; no membership required
Saturday, Nov. 8
9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Don't miss this annual shopping event that began today (Friday, Nov. 7) and continues tomorrow, featuring a wide variety of local vendors selling handcrafted goods. Food is available for purchase at the Sip 'n Snack Café; free coffee will be provided by Dutch Bros from 9-11 a.m.

"Party at the Park" Tomorrow
Cottonwood Park, 1321 E. Belt Line Rd. (by the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground)
Admission: Free
Saturday, Nov. 8
2-4 p.m.

The Richardson East Rotary Club is hosting its annual "Party at the Park," event, rescheduled from a previous date due to inclement weather. Saturday's event will feature kids' crafts, refreshments and info on the club's Annie's Place pavilion fundraising campaign.

Additional details: RERC Annual Party at the Park

Upcycled Crafting at Creative Community Circle Tomorrow
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free, all supplies provided
Saturday, Nov. 8
2-3:30 p.m. come and go

Create an easy, unique, personalized holiday decoration by stuffing pieces of upcycled materials of your choice into a clear plastic ornament-materials available will include strips of fabric, magazine pages, scrapbook paper, sheet music and book pages; bits of yarn and thread; beads, foil confetti, vase filler and more-the sky's the limit on the creative possibilities. Feel free to bring your own project to work on as well, as we gather around a big table with lots of space to spread out supplies. RSVP preferred but walk-ins are welcome; call 972-744-4355 during regular business hours to sign up. Open to teens and adults.

Story Stroll
Heights Park, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
Cost: Free, no registration required
Monday, Nov. 10
3-3:30 p.m.

Grab your stroller and join Richardson Public Library staff for a storytime at the park pavilion, then enjoy a walk through the park as the group connects to nature with movement, rhymes and fun.

Storytime is intended for ages 6 weeks to 3 years; the program is open to all ages. Children must be attended by at least one adult. Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

https://www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center:

• New Art Exhibit in Green Gallery; "First Friday" Reception Tonight
  Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery, second floor of lobby
  Admission: Free
  Through Nov. 30
  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public events
  Meet the artist at a free reception tonight, Nov. 7, from 6-8 p.m., light bites provided
  
  This month's exhibition is "Guided by Legacy," the work of multidisciplinary artist Gaurii S. Kumaar. Through 2D paintings and 3D sculptures, Kumaar delves into the nature of belonging within India's traditional caste system and inheritance practices, explored through the lens of Eastern narratives, astrology and fate.
  
  More information: click here
  
  
• "The Takeover Comedy Show" Tonight
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $20 (tickets)
  Friday, Nov. 7
  7 p.m.
  
  Presented by HumanAppeal USA, this show is a cultural event that features a diverse group of comedians from various backgrounds, including Said Durrah, Moses the Comic, Yasmin Elhady and Tez Ilyas.
  
  
• "Churchill" starring David Payne Tonight thru Sunday
  Bank of America Theatre
  Tickets: $47-$67 (tickets) (use promo code "CH25" for 25 percent off)
  Nov. 7-9
  Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
  
  In this often funny, sometimes touching and always engaging one-man-show, Sir Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary US citizenship by President John F. Kennedy, and The American-Oxford Society has asked the former prime minister to address them and discuss what this honor means to him. Veteran British actor David Payne brings Churchill to life onstage, delighting the audience with thoughts and remembrances of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain's fellow politicians, his special relationship with America and America's presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life-his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth. Part of the Eisemann Center Presents 2025-26 season in collaboration with Emery Entertainment.

At UT Dallas:

• "The Horror Part 2: A Haunting" Art Exhibit Continues through Nov. 22; Artist Talk, Performance Next Tuesday
  SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Dr.
  Admission: Free (and free adjacent parking)
  Now through Nov. 22
  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m.;
  Thursdays-Fridays 1-6 p.m.
  Artist Talk and Performance: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.

  "The Horror Part 2: A Haunting" is the second exhibition in the gallery's ongoing series that explores horror in art. Part 2 features works by eight artists who focus on "the mystical, the unknown, the uneasy, the yearning for more than the mundane and the hope for magic."

  Meet the artists and exhibit curators Tuesday evening along with a multi-dimensional electronic performance by new media artist James Talambas.
  
  Event link: Click here

Sketch Comedy This Weekend at The Core Theatre
518 W. Arapaho Rd. Ste.115
Tickets: $20 (tickets)
Nov. 7-9
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m.

The Folding Chairs Comedy Troupe is back for one weekend only with a brand-new sketch show that asks the question: Is it still legal to be funny? They're pushing boundaries and inviting you to laugh with them as they all get canceled together. No topic is too sacred, no punchline too sharp-everything is fair game!

November Gardening To-Do List
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc. (DCMGA), a division of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has released its Garden Task List for November. The DCMGA's list of tasks includes:

Complete task list: https://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org

Plant Wildflower Seeds ASAP for Spring Blooms
Now is the perfect time to plant wildflower seeds to fill your landscape with blooms in the spring, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts. Planting in September, October or early November gives wildflowers time to establish before winter dormancy.

For blooming success, it's all about choosing the right spot and preparing the soil, specifically:

Scatter the seeds evenly; gently press them into the soil to ensure good contact, but don't bury them entirely. Water newly planted seeds to get them started, but don't overwater.

The experts advise to choose a regional seed mix designed for this area. The City of Richardson plants two types of mixes; see story in News above for more information.

AgriLife Today wildflower article: click here

911 Dispatcher ($54,223 - $75,309 Salary)
The Police Department is looking for an individual operate various telecommunications equipment, dispatch and deploy public safety units, notify other support services and, provide pre-arrival emergency medical instructions. High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate required. CPR certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification (through IAED), TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required, or must be obtained within one year of hire. Texas Driver's License, Class C, required.

Heavy Equipment Operator ($48,661 - $66,830 Salary)
The Public Services Department has multiple job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator for individuals with experience operating heavy motorized equipment. Depending on department, a Class A or Class B Texas Commercial Drivers License will be required or obtained within 6 months.

Fleet Porter PT ($20.56/hr to $28.86/hr)
Fleet Department is looking for an individual who can perform general automotive maintenance and assists Fleet Technicians with general repairs and welding on City vehicles/equipment.

For additional open positions, visit https://www.cor.net/MakeaDifference.

Pet of the Week
Joey is a sweet and energetic 5-year-old Pitbull who loves nothing more than spending time with people. His friendly demeanor makes him a joy to be around, always ready for a game or a cuddle. Despite being treated for heartworms while at the shelter, Joey's spirit remains unbroken, and he's looking for a loving home where he can receive the care he needs. Adopting Joey means bringing a bundle of joy into your life, and giving him the chance to thrive and fill your days with happiness.

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.