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Klyde Warren Park Brings Battings Cages Ahead of All-Star Week
With just one month until Major League Baseball All-Star Week takes over North Texas, baseball players of all ages are invited to practice their swing inside an All-Star-themed batting cage in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The batting cage will be set up in Klyde Warren Park with former Texas Rangers pitchers Jeff Russell and Shawn Tolleson. The Texas Rangers' mascot Captain, will be on hand to greet fans as they try to knock it out of the Park. Fans can experience a multitude of activities like this at Capital One All-Star Village’s PLAY BALL PARK during All-Star Week. Batting cages, pitching tunnels, interactive and virtual reality games and player appearances are among the attractions that fans will enjoy at MLB’s marquee fan festival, Capital One All-Star Village, which will be open to the public Saturday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 16 in Arlington. Tickets are available at AllStarGame.com. Regular admission is $35, but fans can purchase tickets for just $10 with the code ASVD until June 17. The 2024 MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard, takes place on Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field. Baseball’s 94th Midsummer Classic will culminate five days of All-Star events. Klyde Warren Park is located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas. Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
Construction Begins On All-Ability Playground In Celina, Texas
Construction on a brand-new all-inclusive playground began this week in Celina, Texas. According to Celina Parks and Recreation, the city issued a notice to proceed to Dean Construction to begin construction at the Old Celina Park at 12670 FM 428, on June 10, 2024. Construction is scheduled to be completed by October 2025, weather permitting. Throughout this period, the current playground zone will be inaccessible. The current playground apparatus will be dismantled and moved to a new specified location within the park. Residents will receive notification once the relocation is completed. Renderings of the park show a farm theme with a barn play...
Dumont Creamery And Cafe Plans Expansion To Plano, Texas
Indian ice cream shop, Dumont Creamery and Cafe, is expected to expand its presence in North Texas, with plans to open a second location in Plano. According to a June 4 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (via WFAA), a new store is planned at 8400 Preston Road, Suite #150, in Plano. Construction could commence as early as mid-July, with completion anticipated around mid-October. The 1,640-square-foot space was previously occupied by the dessert spot Dolly Llama, which closed in December 2023 after only a few months of operation. Dolly Llama, known for its sweet waffles with unique toppings, still...
Plano To Use $600,000 Rainy Day Fund For Storm Cleanup Efforts
Just over two weeks after severe storms passed through North Texas, Plano City Council approved the use of surplus funds for additional debris cleanup. Efforts are currently underway and are expected to be completed in four to six weeks. According to City Manager Mark Israelson, the city will enter a $600,000 contract with a pre-contracted vendor, Ceres Environmental. An initial $500,000 is allocated for cleanup efforts in parks, medians and trails, while an additional $100,000 is designated for supporting debris cleanup by the public works department. “When so many trees have fallen or had their limbs ripped off in our 72 square...
North Texas Disability Chamber Names First President & CEO
The North Texas Disability Chamber (NTXDC) recently announced the appointment of Dylan M. Rafaty as its first President & CEO. The NTXDC is a community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to education, advocacy and convening efforts across 28 counties in the greater North Texas region. Its mission is to lead the way in promoting accessibility, equity and disability inclusion in North Texas. “The board is honored to welcome Dylan as the organization’s first President & CEO,” said Board Vice Chair Kellie Best. “Dylan’s ability to be accessible, easy to communicate with and has a clear vision and commitment to represent the entire disability community.“ Rafaty,...
Frisco Rail District Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches $68 Million Revitalization
On June 7, 2024, city officials, staff and downtown business owners gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of the long-awaited redevelopment project for the Frisco Rail District. With an investment exceeding $68 million, the city of Frisco aims to breathe new life into its downtown area, transforming it into a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike. In a video shared by the city, Mayor Jeff Cheney, speaking at the event, highlighted the significance of revitalizing the downtown core. "Every world-class city has a great downtown," said Cheney. He emphasized the project's commitment to preserving the historical essence of...
ERCOT Predicts 16% Chance Of Grid Emergency In August 2024
A recent report by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), predicts a 16% likelihood of an electrical grid emergency and a 12% chance of rolling blackouts in August. According to ERCOT, in August, Texas might see the energy demand soar to 78,000 megawatts, while the state anticipates a supply of 83,000 megawatts for what is typically the hottest month of the year. The Texas grid is projected to meet the anticipated surge in power demand this summer, though it may come close to its capacity. A rolling blackout may be initiated to prevent statewide grid failure if the state's operational energy...
2024 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl Set for December 17 at Toyota Stadium
The college bowl season is set to return to Frisco, Texas, with the 2024 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET at Toyota Stadium. This much-anticipated event will be broadcast live on ESPN. This year's game will feature teams selected from the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference or Sun Belt Conference. ESPN Events manages the Frisco Bowl, one of the 17 college football bowl games under its ownership. The Frisco Bowl originated in Miami as the Miami Beach Bowl before moving to Frisco in 2017 establishing a reputation for...
Cyber-Scammer Alert Issued By Plano Police
In a recent Facebook post, the Plano Police Department warned about cyber-scammers exploiting search engine algorithms. According to the department's post, cybercriminals are utilizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics to place fraudulent websites at the top of search results. "Scammers purchase ads to position fraudulent websites at the TOP of search results, disguising them to mimic trustworthy sites," the Plano Police Department stated in the Facebook post. These fraudulent websites often mimic legitimate company logos and websites dealing with payments, transfers or purchases, such as PayPal or Lowe’s. The scammers then create a near-identical fake website and offer a link in the...
The Future Of Dallas Sports According To Executive Director Monica Paul
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and sports are no exception. With successful seasons from multiple Dallas teams, the future of sports in North Texas is promising. As the executive director of the Dallas Sports Commission, Monica Paul is pivotal in developing and executing bid strategies and marketing programs that boost Dallas' success in securing sports competitions and events. Her efforts span Olympic, professional, collegiate and amateur sports. Paul collaborates closely with professional leagues, the NCAA, Olympic National Governing Bodies and amateur sports federations, positioning Dallas as a premier destination for events, conventions and meetings. And her work has paid off. In the last...
Allen Police Partner With Toys For Texans For Summer Donation Drive
From June 5 to July 5, 2024, the Allen Police Department will collaborate with the nonprofit organization Toys for Texans to conduct a toy and book drive aimed at benefiting underprivileged children throughout Texas. The drive welcomes donations of new, unwrapped toys and books, which can be delivered to Allen Police Headquarters at 205 W McDermott Drive. The specific items requested for donation include toys for children under age 6, beginning reader books, toys for special needs children and general toys and books for ages 1-16. Donations collected during this period will be directed primarily towards special needs children and those...
North Texas Apartments Are Getting Larger
A recent study by Rent Cafe determined that larger living spaces are making a comeback. In 2023, the average size of new apartments in the U.S. grew significantly, reaching 916 square feet after a sharp decline the previous year. New apartments in Dallas are larger than they were a decade ago, and the units currently under construction are expected to be even more spacious. While Dallas may not boast the largest apartments in Texas, it certainly offers more room than the more confined living spaces found in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. New apartments built between 2014 and 2023...
Plano ISD Votes To Close Four Schools
The Plano ISD board voted unanimously to close four campuses on June 10, 2024. Foreman Elementary, Armstrong Middle, Davis Elementary and Carpenter Middle will permanently close at the end of the 2025 school year. Specialized programs at the closing schools, such as the elementary regional day school program for the Deaf (RDSPD) at Davis, are being relocated. Plano ISD also said that no staff members will lose their jobs due to the closures. Students at the schools will be rezoned and transportation routes will need to be redrawn. During the public comment section, with a provided sign language interpreter, many Davis Elementary parents...
Opal Lee's Juneteenth Walk In Dallas Celebrates Freedom
On Wednesday, June 19, Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk at the African American Museum of Dallas, commemorating the 2.5 years it took for the news of freedom to reach enslaved people in Texas. This event marks Juneteenth, now a national holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery across the United States. Unity Unlimited and Lee continue this tradition to educate the nation on the importance of universal freedom. Participants can register to walk virtually with Lee from any location or join Opal's Walk Live events in various cities. The walk begins at 9 a.m. at the African American Museum in...
Collin County Then And Now
Imagine America’s most famous cities in a scrapbook. If you flipped back one century, you’d still be able to accurately identify each one. New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago — compared to now, the bones of their streets and the silhouettes of their landscapes haven’t changed to an unrecognizable degree. Enter Collin County and its cities, which are rapidly climbing the ranks to become our nation’s most noteworthy hubs. It’s easy to imagine a city like Frisco being discussed around the globe, but its evolution has been drastic, even over the last ten years. Many county residents still remember a time...
Dallas Among Most Dog-Friendly Cities In U.S.
As the percentage of households with dogs rapidly increases in the U.S., it's more important than ever to identify the most dog-friendly cities. Among the top 50, Dallas ranked the 24th most dog-friendly city. With an estimated 65 million households owning at least one dog, pet owners want their furry friends to feel welcome in their communities. To find the best places for dogs, Sniffspot turned to its community of dog experts for their insights. With over 6,000 detailed responses from Sniffspot users, the company compiled a list of the 50 most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. According to Sniffspot, Dallas is...
Plano Police Highlight Men's Mental Health With New Program
With June being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Plano Police Department is emphasizing the importance of mental health wellness for male officers. According to Plano police, the goal is to bring awareness to men’s mental health challenges and support their well-being. “At the Plano Police Department, we have initiated a comprehensive wellness program addressing repeated stress exposure, which affects overall health, performance and relationships,” the department shared in a Facebook post. In 2024, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is "Take the Moment." This theme highlights the importance of fostering open conversations, showing empathy and providing resources to support individuals...
Two Flower Mound Parks Close After Severe Storms
After multiple severe storms throughout North Texas, cleanup efforts are still underway. But two parks in Flower Mound, Texas are closed indefinitely. According to the Flower Mound Police Department, both Murrell Park (880 Simmons Rd) and Twin Coves Park (5001 Wichita Trail) are closed until further notice. “Please do not park on the side of Simmons Road and Wichita Trail and make entry to the park.” police also said in the announcement. “Parking in this manner is hazardous and we have already been called to one accident in the area. We will be forced to take enforcement action...and we aren't looking to...
Best Splash Pads In Plano, Texas
It’s summer in Texas! And that means some of the hottest days of the year are upon us. Thankfully, cities such as Plano, Texas are home to many ways to cool down and spend some quality time with friends and family. Here are some of the best splash pads in Plano: Windhaven Meadows Park Where: 5400 Windhaven Parkway, Plano Cost: Free With multiple playgrounds and a splash park, Windhaven Meadows is the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon. The large splash pad area includes a stream, jets and a play table with dams. The entire area is also surrounded by large boulders which gives...
Top 15 Things To Do This Week In Dallas & Collin County
Looking for the best ways to spend your week? We've got you covered. From cultural experiences to outdoor concerts, networking symposiums and exhilarating performances, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on these exciting opportunities to have fun and connect with your community! Be sure to also check out our Juneteenth, Pride and Father’s Day guide for more events happening this week. Here’s what’s happening from June 10 to 13: Tour of Greece Wine Dinner When: June 10, 2024 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Urban Crust, 1006 E 15th St Plano More info Guests will indulge in a meticulously crafted four-course meal, each course paired with a...
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