It’s summer, the perfect time of year when school is out and families are able to spend time together. As we enjoy the warm weather and all the fun it brings, please be sure to slow down when driving through neighborhoods and be on the lookout for children darting between cars and riding their bikes. When we think about drivers speeding, we often associate it with major roadways, but we need to be aware of our speed when driving in neighborhoods as well.
With the increased activity in our neighborhoods, the Flower Mound Police Department is launching several summer safety initiatives this month. Officers will be enforcing speed limits and issuing driver inattention violations in neighborhoods to strengthen efforts to keep children safe, especially near parks and trails. The Flower Mound Police Bicycle Patrol Program is also returning as part of the summer safety initiatives. Police bicycle patrols will help build positive community relationships, address criminal activity in areas inaccessible to a police vehicle, and will host bicycle safety events. Additionally, the Police will start the “Get the Scoop” program this month, where officers will distribute free ice cream vouchers to children who are wearing their helmets while riding a bike, skateboarding, roller blading, or other similar activities. You can see a list of local restaurants participating “Get the Scoop” and learn more about the FMPD summer safety initiatives at www.flower-mound.com in the news section.
We have two new restaurants to look forward to in Flower Mound. The first is Salata, which is known as the next generation of salad bars, and has many healthy menu options including many gluten-free choices. Salata (salata.com) will be located within the Robertson’s Creek development (southwest corner of FM 2499 and Dixon) and is scheduled to open this month. The second upcoming restaurant is Prime Farm to Table (primefarmtotable.com), which will be located in the Arbor Crossing development at the southeast corner of FM 2499 and Dixon and is expected to open in August. For a complete list of businesses coming to Flower Mound, please visit www.flower-mound.com/newbusinesses.
If you’re looking for fun family activities this summer, look no further than our Community Activity Center (CAC). The outdoor waterpark at the CAC is always a popular destination, with two large water slides, a lazy river, concession stand, and much more. The CAC also has plenty of indoor activities as well, such as sports camps, music and art classes, and a variety of LEGO programs. For more information, go to www.flower-mound.com/cac. There’s truly something for everyone.
Families will also enjoy our annual Independence Fest on July Fourth. Start off the day by participating in the Children’s Parade, followed by the free Kid’s Zone at the LISD Administration Building, which will include refreshments, face painting, a rock climbing wall, bounce houses, and a variety of games. That evening, I hope you’ll join us at Bakersfield Park to see our headliner, KANSAS, perform in addition to Back in Black (an AC/DC tribute band), and Breaking Southwest. There will also be a car show, plenty of refreshments, and many other things to do and see. As always, the fireworks will end the evening. The whole event, even parking, is free! Be sure to visit www.flower-mound.com/festival to learn more about all our July Fourth Independence Fest activities.
As you travel throughout Town, I’m sure you’ve noticed the various construction projects taking place. One of the developments I’m most excited about is our new Senior Center, located at the corner of FM 2499 and West Windsor. Now you can watch the progress live through the Town’s new project camera system at the Flower Mound Senior Center construction site at www.oxblue.com/open/FlowerMound/SeniorCenter. One of the cool features of this website allows users to click on a “Play” option, which provides several snapshots of recent activity as a time lapse feature.
Another helpful website for residents, particularly our commuter population, is the DFW Connector page at www.dfwconnector.com. This website provides the latest lane closure information, project timeline, and a place to sign-up for SMS or email alerts. If you’d like to see information about other construction projects happening in our community, please visit the Town’s Road Construction and Lane Closure page at www.flower-mound.com/townconstruction.
Let’s all stay safe as we live, work, and play in our great community. I hope you and your family have a great summer!
Jean Levenick sits on Place 5 of the Flower Mound Town Council.
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