Holiday Cat Adoption Special

Stop by the shelter for an adoption special on cats and kittens.

Ring in the holiday season with a new forever friend! From now until Monday, December 23, all cats and kittens have an adoption fee of just $20. 

Keep in mind that all animals at our shelter are:

• Up-to-date on vaccines 
• Microchipped&nbs...

Watch Out for Holiday Pet Hazards

While you are busy making your festive plans for the holidays, don't forget to include your pets.

A little precaution and prevention makes the holidays a happy time for everyone. Some common holiday pet hazards include:

• Bones: The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don't feed them to your pet. Beware of steak bones too...

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 ...

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...

Holiday Food Safety Tips

Holidays are for gathering family and friends for home cooked feasts! Prevent food poisoning and foodborne illness this season by following these simple steps:

• Cook food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to ensure your food has been cooked to a safe inter...

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...

Calling All Innovators at Wonder Café with Toyota

Get a close-up look at Toyota’s new Lexus LC500 and GR Supra at Parr Library this Saturday. Wonder Café features Toyota representatives presenting at 2pm on innovations in safety, design and technology.

These vehicles will be on display in the parking lot from 1 – 3:30pm.

Learn about Toyota’s JKK quality engineering process. Creative thinking produces tomorrow’s mobility.

Directions

2020 Spring Programs and Classes at the Library

This spring Haggard Library is hosting the Thinking Money for Kids exhibit to teach elementary age kids and adults about financial literacy.

In tandem with the exhibit, the Library has additional financial literacy programs for kids, teens and families. Adults can gain financial literacy skills at our Money Smart Classes.

• Our partners from Social Security Administration, Area Agency on Aging of...

Winter Break at Plano Public Library

Check out the programs we have for kids, tweens, teens, and families at the Library during winter break.

Memory Keepers

Share memories through guided prompts in a relaxing space. For people who are experiencing early stage dementia and a family member or care partner. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association. Please call 800-272-3900 to register

Haggard Library    Wednesday     December 11     10-11:30am

Directions

Enter Our Bookmark Contest

Gather your drawing tools and create a bookmark! Entry forms are available online and at the Plano Libraries for our annual bookmark contest. The contest is open to all ages and there are winners in five categories.

Adulting 101

Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re supposed to already know how to do? The four sessions will cover finances, job and career, how to be healthy and personal safety.

Schimelpfenig Library        Tuesday    7pm

Dec 17        Personal Safety with Plano Police Department

Directions

Play Mah Jong

Meet new friends and play Mah Jong on Sunday afternoons. Both American and Chinese sets are provided.

You are welcome to bring your own set to share. No scoring or gambling 

Haggard Library    Sundays    1-4:30pm

Directions

English as a Second Language Classes

Learn to speak, read, and write in English. Classes are free. Online curriculum and resources are provided.

For more information and to register call 469-925-0610 or email lumbrerasg@grayson.edu

A Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) funded and approved program managed by Collin County Adult Education and Literacy

Harrington Library - Mondays & Wednesdays &nb...

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 Winter Holidays

All libraries and book drops will close at 5pm Monday, December 23 for Winter Holidays. All libraries and book drops will be closed December 24 and 25 for Winter Holidays. Online resources and eLibrary will be available.

Achieve the Dream: Become a First-Time Home Buyer

The City of Plano’s First-Time Home Buyer Program creates homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income families by providing assistance with down payments and closing costs, up to a maximum of $55,000.

Eligible applicants must be at or ...

Who Can I Call?

Plano City News: Need an Escape from Winter Break?

Reduce cabin fever with Library and Parks & Recreation activities, set yourself up for success with It's Time Texas, escort your best girl to the Little Sweetheart Dance and more in Plano City News.

Plano City News is distributed every Tuesday to 37,600 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!

Customer Utility Services Closed for 2 Hours

Customer Utility Services department will be closed on Thursday, December 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Online payments will be available during this time.

Customer Utility Services department will be closed on Thursday, December 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Online payments will be available during this time.

Holiday Happenings from Plano Parks and Recreation

Whether you want to create memories that last a lifetime with loved ones or find unique ways to challenge yourself as we ring in the New Year, we’ve got you covered!

Check out these upcoming activities for kids/family, continuing education, fitness and adults 50+. You can register for all of these activities through our Recreation Online portal. Happy holidays Plano!

Kids/Family

Jingle Bell Hike (ages 3 and older)Get in...

Watch Out for Holiday Pet Hazards

While you are busy making your festive plans for the holidays, don't forget to include your pets.

A little precaution and prevention makes the holidays a happy time for everyone. Some common holiday pet hazards include:

• Bones: The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don't feed them to your pet. Beware of steak bones too...

Restroom and Drinking Fountain Closures

Due to the early onset of cold temperatures we will begin closing some of our restrooms and drinking fountains a few weeks early this year.

Many of our restrooms and drinking fountains are freeze-resistant, and will remain open. However, those that are not will be closed this week. The attached map shows the locations of freeze-resistant fountains and restrooms that remain open year round. Pl...

Winter Watering runs through March 31

Dial back on landscape watering and save on your water bill. Lawns and outdoor plants require much less watering as we roll into colder temperatures.

Whether you are a resident or a business, please shift to the winter watering schedule on Friday, Nov. 1. Limit sprinkler use to once-a-week. If the last digit of your address is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), your water day is Tuesday. If the digit is even (0, 2, ...

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

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 ...

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...

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.

Holiday Happenings from Plano Parks and Recreation

Whether you want to create memories that last a lifetime with loved ones or find unique ways to challenge yourself as we ring in the New Year, we’ve got you covered!

Check out these upcoming activities for kids/family, continuing education, fitness and adults 50+. You can register for all of these activities through our Recreation Online portal. Happy holidays Plano!

Kids/Family

Jingle Bell Hike (ages 3 and older)Get in...

Restroom and Drinking Fountain Closures

Due to the early onset of cold temperatures we will begin closing some of our restrooms and drinking fountains a few weeks early this year.

Many of our restrooms and drinking fountains are freeze-resistant, and will remain open. However, those that are not will be closed this week. The attached map shows the locations of freeze-resistant fountains and restrooms that remain open year round. Pl...

Ask An Urban Forester

Q. Why are there new trees being planted at Bob Woodruff Park South?

A. Good question! In an effort to re-tree parts of Bob Woodruff Park South, Plano Parks and Recreation’s second phase of its reforestation project is underway. This project is a partnership between the City of Plano and the Texas Trees Foundation, and fun...

Plano Parks and Recreation earns regional recognition at Texas Recreation and Parks Society

The Plano Parks and Recreation Department took home three awards this month at the Texas Recreation and Parks Society’s regional awards conference in Frisco.

The society’s awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations that have rendered significant services to the Society and have made outstanding contributions to the field of parks and recreation. “The awards are an incredible h...

High Point Tennis Center Renovations

The long awaited renovations to High Point Tennis Center have begun. The center will remain open during construction.

The renovations will begin with the building of a new parking lot along Spring Creek Parkway and the construction of a new two-story pro shop. Once the new pro shop is completed, demolition of the old facility will take place and a new center court will b...

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...

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...

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.

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. ...