Finding Rover Facial Recognition is Here

The City of Plano today joined the ranks of shelters using facial recognition technology to identify lost dogs and cats.

Our shelter now offers the community an additional tool to help lost and adoptable dogs and cats find their forever home, Finding Rover.

Now every dog and cat that enters the Plano Animal Shelter becomes registered on Finding Rover. Users of Finding Rover ...

Keep Your Pet Safe This Halloween!

Help your furry family member stay safe and comfortable this Halloween with these tips.

Check out all these tips at plano.gov/halloweenpetsafety. 

1. No tricks, no treats. Candy is for trick-or-treaters, not your pet. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cat...

Low Cost Vaccinations and Sterilizations

Are you looking for low cost vaccination and sterilization services?

Check out the options for local low cost vaccination and sterilization services:

• Humane Society of North Texas
  • Website: http://www.hsnt.org/
  • Phone: (817) 332-4768
• Spay Neuter Network
  • Website: https://spayneuternet.org/
  • Phone: (972) 472-3500
• Spay Neuter Your Pet
  • W...

All About Adoption from the Plano Animal Shelter

Are you interested in adopting a pet from the Plano Animal Shelter?

Keep in mind that all animals at our shelter are:

• Up-to-date on vaccines 
• Microchipped 
• Sterilized 
• Receive heartworm testing and treatment if needed 
• Given a collar and tags
• Loved by staff and volunteers 

Our standar...

Severe Weather Preparedness Poster Contest Winner

The Plano Department of Emergency Management held it's annual severe weather preparedness poster contest in April. The contest encouraged Plano children of all ages to get creative and submit artwork encompassing severe weather preparedness.This year's wi...

4 Reasons Why the Outdoor Warning System Could be Activated

Outdoor Warning Sirens are designed to alert people who are outside to seek shelter inside. In hazardous conditions, Plano's sirens will sound for 3 minutes. During monthly tests, Plano's sirens sound for 1 minute, followed by a voice saying "test.&q...

Preparation and Sale of Homemade Foods

Have you ever wondered what you might be able to make at home and sell? The City of Plano Environmental Health Division has received several inquiries recently and would like to clarify the rules around homemade foods. The Texas Cottage Food Law does allo...

Plano Fire-Rescue's 2019-2023 Strategic Plan

Plano Fire-Rescue has just released the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.

Any successful agency must continually track progress towards achieving its stated short-term goals and objectives.  Periodically, it is important for an organization to stop and perform a more detailed assessment of its environment, its stakehol...

Plano Fire-Rescue Welcomes New Truck 8 Into Service

Fire Station #8 welcomed a new truck into service with a Wetdown and Push-In Ceremony.

The time-honored tradition was enjoyed by Plano Fire-Rescue staff and community members on May 10.  This station, 4621 Hedgcoxe Road, primarily serves northern Plano neighborhoods.

Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif and the department are quite proud of t...

2020 Heritage Tax Exemption Program

Yearly site assessments are conducted to verify the property is being properly maintained. Learn more about the program, tax exemption structure and the yearly site assessments at http://www.plano.gov/2737/Tax-Exemption-Program .

Participants are required ...

Check Out the Approved FY 2019-20 Grants

The projects and programs funded by the grant program must promote tourism in Plano and support Plano's hospitality industry.

Congratulations to the following grant recipients for the 2019-2020 year:

Learn more about the program at http://www.plano.gov/2736...

Schimelpfenig Library Renovations

Schimelpfenig Library is getting new carpet and furniture. The main part of the library and bookdrops will be closed November 4–16. Items may be returned at any of the other Plano libraries. Programs will still be hosted in the lobby program room.

We invite you to come enjoy the new look when Schimelpfenig Library reopens November 17 at 1:00 pm.

The following programs are CANCELLED at Schimelpfenig

• Babes in Arms Storytime – November 4
• Preschool Storytime – November 4
• Toddler Time St...

Check Out a Wonder Book

Kids will love these read-along multisensory audiobooks books, now available for checkout. The books are geared for ages 3-10 years. Search wonderbook in the library catalog.

Job Search Seminar

Get tips on creating your resume and preparing for a successful interview. Learn about our online Job Center that will help you research businesses, find a job online, improve your e-skills and more.

Davis Library   Sat       Nov 2   10am-12pm

Directions

SNAP Science Explorers

Children with special needs in grades K-2 can participate in hands-on science activities. The science activities are geared toward children with special needs, such as autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration challenges or short attention spans.

Registration required. Registration opens August 21. More information and registration available in person at Davis or by email (sensorystorytime@plano.gov)

Haggard Library    Saturdays   1pm

October 26  /  Novem...

Citizenship Classes

US Citizenship classes are offered at Plano Public Library in Partnership with Light of Hope Immigration Law Center. The classes are designed to help legal residents prepare for their naturalization exam.

The classes cover civics, history, government, vocabulary, reading and writing necessary for the exam. English and Spanish speakers are welcome.

Schimelpfenig Library Mondays         6:00-8:30pm    Ongo...

2019 Fall Programs and Classes at the Library

Getting there is half the fun. This fall, explore transportation and how to get there by plane, car, train or sailboat.

• Boeing, DART and Toyota will be facilitating Wonder Café with three transportation themed sessions
• Learn about 3D printing with classes at Davis, Harrington and Parr libraries for families, teens and adults
• Become financially smarter with Money S...

All Libraries Closed for Staff Development

All libraries will be closed Wednesday, November 6 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm for staff development. Libraries will open at 2:00 pm. Online resources and eLibrary will be available. Book drops will be open.

Join the Conversation!

What housing improvements and social services do you want to see in your community? The City of Plano is in the process of developing its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, which will outline how we plan to spend approximately $10 million in funds from the U.S....

Network with Plano, Garland and Rowlett Neighborhoods!

Why should I attend?

• To learn from subject experts and peers from neighboring cities how to strengthen your community, engage with your neighbors, communicate effectively and plan for the future. 
• To be inspired with great ideas to implement in you...

Who Can I Call?

Plano City News: Intersections Close Temporarily for Refresh

Avoid temporary lane closures at 10 Plano intersections, clean up Plano creeks and streams, visit the model train exhibit at Davis Library, find affordable event rentals and more in Plano City News.

Plano City News is distributed every Tuesday to 37,800 subscribers by the City of Plano Communications and Community Outreach department. To receive a copy directly in your inbox, please subscribe. Thank you for your readership!

Plano Town Hall: Trash and Recycling | November 7

The next scheduled Plano Town Hall will be held Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Join in during the scheduled Plano Town Hall meetings in-person, by phone or through social media. at the council chambers located at Plano Municipal Center. The topic of this town hall will be recycling and environmental waste services. Knowledgeable Cit...

We Need Your Input

What housing improvements and social services do you want in Plano? We are gathering input for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The plan guides how we spend $10 million in federal funds over the next five years.

These funds serve low-to-moderate income residents - including our seniors, people with disabilities, people facing homelessness and victims of domestic violence. You can help in two ways:

1. Attend a workshop: 

• Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. at Schi...

Intersection Closures Scheduled Oct. 21 - Nov. 1

Ten Plano intersections will be closed from Oct. 21-Nov. 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The closures are the result of routine work to refresh pavement markings including stop lines, crosswalks and turn markers. Each job is expected to take 6 hours. The contractor will have two lanes closed per direction at these intersections. If it rains o...

Visit Liberty Recreation Center at the Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Be among the first to tour and use the new-and-improved Liberty Recreation Center. Join Plano Parks and Recreation for the Grand Re-Opening.

Check out the expanded workout areas, aesthetic improvements and more. Enjoy free snacks, commemorative freebies and visit with local dignitaries. Purchase a recreation center membership or just ask us questions about the center’s fall and winte...

Plano Parks and Recreation marks 25 years of national accreditation

On Sept. 27, 2019, at the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Congress in Baltimore, Maryland, Plano Parks and Recreation was officially reaccredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

Accreditation is based on an agency’s compliance with 151 rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, programs, resources, safety and services.  Plano Parks and Recreation was found to have met all 151.

Pl...

Drop-off Recycling Moves to One Location Oct. 1

For several years, the City has offered free drop-off recycling for small businesses and apartment residents who don’t have onsite recycling. The Plano Public Library has hosted these large outdoor drop-off recycling containers.

Misuse of the containers and a high contamination rate have eliminated the benefits of the drop-off sites.

Effective Tuesday, Oct. 1, the only free recycling drop-off location is:Republic Services of Plano4200 E. 14th St.(photo ID required)

Monday-Friday 8 ...

Network with Plano, Garland and Rowlett Neighborhoods!

Join us at Collin College for the Neighborhood Summit on November 9, 8:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “ Building Neighborhood Leadership”

Why should I attend?

• To learn from subject experts and peers from neighboring cities how to strengthen your community, engage with your neighbors, communicate effectively and plan for the future. 
• To be inspired with great ideas to implement in you...

Lead the Pledge at a City Council Meeting

Scout groups and youth organizations are a big part of each City Council meeting. Help start our regular sessions in a positive way.

Would your troop or group like to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge at an upcoming Plano City Council meeting? Contact Alice Snyder in the City Secretary's Office at alices@plano.gov to secure a place on the schedule.

New Age Requirements for Plano Parks and Recreation facilities

Change takes effect Sept. 3, 2019.

Plano Parks and Recreation is implementing a new age requirements policy effective Sept. 3, 2019. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian 16 years of age or older at any Plano recreation center or pool. This change in policy c...

Register for Fall Classes Now

Registration for residents started Saturday, Aug. 3 for the Fall Parks and Recreation leisure classes. Get fit, learn a new skill or just meet new people.

Have You Seen a Bobcat?

It's not uncommon to see a bobcat any time during the year. To discourage a visit from a bobcat or coyote to your home the attached tips may help.

Learn a New Language

Summer may be winding down but you still have time to learn a new language. The Plano Public Library has a huge selection of books and resources.

The Plano Public Library has a huge selection of books and resources. If you already know a language but want to brush up on it, hit the Library’s World Language collection. You’ll find books in popular languages: Hindi, Chinese and Sp...

Sign Up for Trash and Recycling Reminders

If you struggle with remembering when to place your recycling cart out for collection, we've got a new tool for you. Get reminders by text or email to your favorite device (or both).

Alerts are sent the night before your collection between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (you pick the time). The reminders adjust with the City's holiday collection schedule. A special thanks to our Kings Ridge HOA residents for helping with testing.

Liberty Recreation Center Celebrates Reopening Oct. 26

Liberty Recreation Center patrons will get an early gift this holiday season when the center reopens after being closed for extensive renovations.

The grand opening celebration will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. Guests will be treated to snacks, commemorative items, tours and a visit from local dignitaries. Staff will also be on site to assist with membership purchases and answer any q...

Plano Parks and Recreation marks 25 years of national accreditation

On Sept. 27, 2019, at the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Congress in Baltimore, Maryland, Plano Parks and Recreation was officially reaccredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

Accreditation is based on an agency’s compliance with 151 rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, programs, resources, safety and services.  Plano Parks and Recreation was found to have met all 151.

Pl...

Splash Pad Water at Windhaven Meadows Park Turned Off

Plano Parks and Recreation is taking action to ensure safety at the splash pad at the new all-abilities playground at Windhaven Meadows Park.

The water at the playground splash pad has been turned off while the department works with the designer of the facility to evaluate ways to improve the surface, parts of which become slippery when the water is turned on. The water will be turned back on o...

Get Rolling for a Healthy, Happy Back!

Did you know 80 percent of the population will have low back pain in their lifetime? Exercise, sleep, work, travel and family time can all be affected negatively by lower back pain.

So how can we combat lower back pain? Get moving! Walking, swimming, yoga, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes daily can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Myofascial release is another technique that focuses on smoothing myofascial tissues—the to...

New Age Requirements for Plano Parks and Recreation facilities

Change takes effect Sept. 3, 2019.

Plano Parks and Recreation is implementing a new age requirements policy effective Sept. 3, 2019. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian 16 years of age or older at any Plano recreation center or pool. This change in policy c...

Plano’s athletic fields ready for fall sports

Fall is right around the corner! And with the start of a new sports season, our Athletics Division is readying for one of the busiest times of the year.

Plano’s athletic fields serve 15-plus sports organizations that provide the community with quality recreational opportunities in soccer, baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, cricket, rugby, kickball, etc. Each year, these outdoor athletics lo...

Stressed out? Downshift into fall with parks and recreation

The world’s longest-living people live in places that encourage natural movement. Unfortunately, new threats and challenges to America’s healthy living status continue to emerge.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages communities to work together to reverse this trend to ensure Americans live longer and healthier lives. Here in Plano, we have five quality recreation centers, a tennis center, two golf cours...

Ask An Urban Forester: How to address Emerald Ash Borer?

Q. I have noticed some trees in the median have recently been marked with green tape. Can you tell us why they have been marked?

A. Thanks for reaching out! The trees that are marked in green flagging are ash species. What we are doing is updating our tree inventory to determine the health of our current ash population and removing any of the trees that are in poor condition.

Last m...

Ask an Urban Forester: What is emerald ash borer and how is it affecting trees in Plano?

Q. I heard emerald ash borer has been found in Fort Worth. What is it and is it affecting our trees in Plano?

A. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a destructive wood‐boring pest of ash trees. Native to Asia, the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB) was unknown in North America until its discovery in southeast Michigan in 2002. Since then, the invasive pest...

VIP Connection Spring 2019

Celebrating Plano's volunteers

Dallas Morning News: Volunteering is secret to happiness

Giving back through volunteering makes Plano happy, according to the Dallas Morning News. 

A record number of people are volunteering in Plano

NBCDFW reports on VIP's record-setting success! 

VIP Celebrates Record-Setting Success

Annual Report Highlights:

•   35 years of VIP

•   Record-setting number of volunteers 

•   Volunteer awards

•   Corporate & academic partnerships

•   VIP Sup...

VIP Connection Newsletter Winter 2018

Thankful to serve

VIP Connection Newsletter Summer 2018

Committed to serve

VIP Connection - Spring 2018

This spring brought many milestones to the VIP program. Read more.

VPay Employees Volunteer at Plano Animal Shelter

Employees from Plano-based VPay spent two Fridays in March volunteering at Plano Animal Services. Volunteering as a group with Plano Animal Services provides valuable resources for our community and helps those precious pets get one step closer to home. V...

Volunteers Wanted for Plano CARES

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Plano Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service (CARES) connects local volunteers to residents in need of assistance with common property code violations. Project work days are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of ev...

Toyota Teams with VIP for National Public Lands Day

Volunteers in Plano brought Toyota USA and National Environmental Education Foundation to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Plano, Texas! These partnerships are paramount in impacting our community. Thank you to Kym Hughes and the staff of Oak Point ...

ESL Teachers Needed

Harrington Library is looking for volunteer ESL teachers. Training is free and materials are provided. For more information, contact Julie Brown, ESL Program Director at juliebrown@lift-texas.org or call 214-824-2000 ext. 3218

In Memory of Russ Kissick

We are saddened by the passing of Russ Kissick. Russ was one of three Co-Founders and ongoing Co-Director of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., the non-profit organization that has served as manager of the Interurban Railway Museum sin...

Bank of America Volunteers Become Super Sorters

Thank you to the team of 14 Bank of America employees for giving an afternoon of service to Haggard Library. Employees from India and several different states joined together to help sort donations and package items for the annual fundraising books sale. ...

United Healthcare Employees Volunteer at Parr Library

Thank you to United Healthcare employees for lending a hand at Parr Library. Staff enjoyed a morning of service by cleaning and organizing children’s books for the library. Children’s book are frequently checked out and at the end of e...

Bank of America Rolls Up Their Sleeves

On Friday, September 30 six employees from one of Plano's Bank of America locations chose the Plano Animal Shelter for their volunteer day. Employees were excited to lend a hand in the kennels, help with laundry, wash many dog bowls and spend time togethe...Read on...

Hyundai Capital Lends A Hand

On Saturday, September 24th seven employees from Plano's Hyundai Capital office spent their morning volunteering at the Animal Shelter. Creating a team building event around service to the community is a great way to build comradery and motivate staff to ...

Capgemini Serve Plano

On Friday, September 23 staff from Capgemini selected the Plano Community Garden and the Animal Shelter for their service day. Staff members rolled up their sleeves helped provide maintenance of the garden, weeding, turning compost piles, laying mulch and...Read on...

Capital One, A Dog's Best Friend

On Friday, August 19 employees from Capital One spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. Corporate volunteers play a vital role in helping advocate for the shelter after they spend a day in the life of shelter staff. Groups are all smiles a...Read on...

Cambria Hotel & Suites Supports Animal Shelter

On Friday, September 9th staff from Cambria Hotel & Suites Plano rolled up their sleeves and spent the day volunteering at the Plano Animal Shelter. 9 Cambria employees enjoyed a day of service helping the shelter maintain a clean facility, provide se...Read on...

Frisco Roughriders lend a hand at Animal Shelter

On Sunday, August 21 staff from the Frisco Roughriders donated a morning of service to the Plano Animal Shelter. They spent time helping with cleaning and maintenance of the facility which improves the customer experience and provides a safe environment f...Read on...

Bank of America Volunteers Plant Seedlings for Parks Department

A big thank you goes out to the 10 Bank of America volunteers who planted 100 trees in the Russell Creek greenbelt for the Plano Parks Department.

Courtyard Texas Music Series: Zane Williams, November 7

Plain-spoken, down-home honesty has become the calling card for Zane Williams' career, landing him four #1 songs on the Texas radio charts, opening gigs with George Jones and Alan Jackson, and even an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015. I...

Civil Service Exam and Physical Agility Test Workshops - Plano Police Department

The Plano Police Department will be conducting two free specialized workshops to assist those who have applied for the civil service exam. Professional Standards Unit and Police Training Unit staff will be available on Sunday, October 13, 2019 and October...

Exam Weekend:

What to Bring and What to Know the Day of the Exam

Saturday Morning: bring your ID, exam ticket and completed and notarized PHS to the exam.  Wear athletic clothing as those who pass will immediately proceed to the physical agility test. ...