Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Frisco Athletic Center Run Club@

Get ready for the upcoming race season by joining the new Frisco Athletic Center Run Club! This specialized club for men and women of all ages will teach participants the proper techniques of distance running. The club is lead by Coach Kevin Helm, who utilizes the techniques he has learned and mastered through years of coaching and running marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Join us for workouts on Wednesdays from 6 a.m. - 7 a.m. and Thursday
nights from 6 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday workouts will consist of tempo
running (2-6 miles) and Thursdays will focus on speed drills utilizing a soft pebble track. A variety of drills and techniques will be used each week. Fees are $64 per month.

Workouts are designed for all fitness levels. Whether you are a serious runner or would just like to enjoy the company of others who love to run, this new club is for you!

For more information about the Run Club, please contact Michelle Zelrick at MZelrick@FriscoTexas.gov. Registration is now available online at FriscoFun.org or in person at the Frisco Athletic Center.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Mayor's Corner now Live - Proposed FY 2010 Budget Focus

Latest Edition of the Mayor's Corner Focuses on Proposed FY 2010 Budget

Watch the latest version of the Mayor's Corner online, on demand now at FriscoTexas.gov/video. Mayor Maher Maso discusses the proposed FY 2010 City of Frisco budget with City Manager George Purefoy and Assistant City Manager Nell Lange.

The Mayor's Corner also airs on the Frisco Television Network (FTVN) - Grande cable channel 12 and Time Warner cable channel 16, at 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and on Tuesday at
2 p.m. and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. FTVN is also available online 24 hours a day at FriscoTexas.gov/video.

City Hall 101 Registration

REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR CITY HALL 101; WEEKLY CLASSES START MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

(August 24, 2009) Do you know what it takes to keep the city services you use running smoothly? City Hall 101 is a free program designed to increase your local government IQ with a behind the scenes look at how the City of Frisco operates. From planning parks to repairing roads, patrolling the streets to fighting fires, it takes hundreds of skilled employees keep Frisco's government on track with its tremendous growth.

City Hall 101 classes begin Monday, September 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and continue Monday nights this fall through December 7. The classes focus on a different city department or program each week. City leaders and staff present the information in an informal setting and encourage questions and discussion.

The initial session will be held at City Hall inside the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.; however, the locations of Monday night classes will change as the department topics change. The locations and topics will be posted online and given at the previous Monday night class. There will not be a class on November 23, the week of Thanksgiving.

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited to 25 participants and fills up fast. The program is open to those 18 and older.
Go online to friscotexas.gov to download a registration form. On the home page, click on the 'Projects/Programs' tab and then choose 'City Hall 101'.
For more information, email Deputy City Manager Henry Hill at hhill@friscotexas.gov.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

NTTA Press Release - Speed Limit Increases

NTTA Board Votes to Adjust Speed Limits


Plano, Texas – Today, the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) Board of Directors voted to adjust speed limits on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) and President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) based on the results of a speed study. The speed limits go into effect as soon as new signs are installed. Signage installation will begin tomorrow, Aug. 20, and will continue through Sept. 1. The recommended speed limits could not be implemented until environmental speed limit designations were removed on certain portions of the roadway.


“The speed study results indicate that recommended speed limits are more consistent with the actual flow of traffic,” said Rick Herrington, NTTA deputy executive director.

Adjustments to speed limits on the DNT and PGBT are as follows:


· DNT between Ivan Street and Oak Lawn Avenue – speed limit would decrease from 55 to 50 mph

· DNT between Oak Lawn Avenue and just South of Trinity Mills Road (Dallas/Collin county line) – speed limit would increase from 55 to 65 mph

· DNT between just south of Trinity Mills Road in Dallas and County Road 26 in Frisco – speed limit would increase from 60 or 65 to 70 mph

· DNT between County Road 26 in Frisco and U.S. 380 – speed limits would remain 55 mph

· PGBT between Beltline Road in Irving and west of SH 78 in Garland – speed limit would increase from 60 to 70 mph.

· PGBT between just .2 miles west of SH 78 and SH 78 – speed limit would increase from 50 to 55

The NTTA initiated a speed study to determine appropriate speed limits in conjunction with the implementation of all-electronic toll collection (all-ETC) at the main lane plazas on the DNT and PGBT. The speed study identified the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles travel during free flow conditions on the roadways, also known as the “85th percentile speed. The NTTA also evaluated characteristics unique to each roadway such as vertical and horizontal curvature, crash records and environmental impacts along the corridors.

Environmental speed limit designations on the DNT and PGBT were removed by the North Central Texas Council of Government with the approval of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency because many of the NTTA’s recent initiatives, such as the transition to all-ETC, offset any increase of emissions due to speed limit adjustments.

Volunteers Needed for "Green" initiative

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP 'GREEN' THE 'YELLOW & BLUE'; MULCH MADE FROM STORM TREE DEBRIS USED TO 'KEEP FRISCO BEAUTIFUL'

(August 18, 2009) In Frisco, 'yellow and blue' gets greener this Saturday, August 22. Volunteers are still needed to help the City of Frisco staff spread 225 tons of mulch around landscaping at IKEA, 7171 IKEA Drive.
The mulch is made from tree debris collected following a June storm.

Mulch will be placed around landscaping in the parking lots, as well as
the area underneath the 'Welcome to Frisco' sign. Volunteers, of all
ages, are welcome to help the Environmental Services and Parks divisions, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Volunteers will stage in the southwest parking lot.

Staff encourages volunteers to bring their own gloves, rakes and shovels;
however, staff will have gardening tools on site, as well. To volunteer,
contact Kris Daniel, volunteer coordinator, 972-292-5078 or kdaniel@friscotexas.gov

Wildlife Seminar in Frisco

CITY OF FRISCO ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS TO HOST WILDLIFE SEMINAR AUGUST 19 (August 18, 2009) As Frisco homes and businesses develop where there were once wide open spaces, it is not unusual for residents to have a close encounter with wildlife. On Wednesday, August 19, the City of Frisco's Animal Control Division is hosting a seminar to educate residents about urban wildlife. The seminar is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. inside the City Council Chambers at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, located at 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.

The discussion will focus on how to respond if you come face to face with coyotes, bobcats and other non-domesticated animals that call Frisco home.
The featured speakers for the seminar are:

Brett Johnson, a Texas Parks and Wildlife State Biologist
Prudence Koeninger with DFW Wildlife Coalition
Tammy Welch with the Living Materials Center/Holifield Science Learning Center
Valeri Marler with the Wildlife Center at Crosstimbers Ranch

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer period, so residents are encouraged to voice any concerns they have about urban wildlife.

School Zones - Speed Limits and Cell Phone Ban

Frisco Police Remind Motorists of School Zone Speed Limits and New State Law Banning the Use of Hand Held Cell Phones in School Zones


FRISCO, TX - The Frisco Police Department would like to remind citizens
that with Frisco schools starting back next week, the 20 mph school zone
speed limits will return. In addition, beginning September 1st officers
will also enforce a new state law that prohibits the use of hand held cell
phones in all school zones throughout the city.

The new law prohibiting the use of cell phones in school zones was passed
into law during the last legislative session and goes into effect
September 1. The law prohibits drivers from using hand held cell phones
in school zones except during emergencies when calls for police, fire, or
medical assistance are required. Motorists are allowed to make calls and
use cell phones when stopped in the school zone or while using a
hands-free device.

Signs will be posted throughout The City of Frisco at the entrances to all
school zones reminding citizens of the new law. The use of a hand held
cell phone in a school zone is a Class C Misdemeanor and is punishable by
a fine of up to $200.

Frisco police are dedicated to ensuring safe driving in all school zones
and hope that motorists do their part to make this school year a safe one
for the students.

Friday, August 14, 2009

New Spray Park Open

Don't hang up those swim suits for the summer just yet. The newest addition to summer fun in Frisco is now open! A new spray ground has opened at Bi Centennial Park, next to the popular Frisco Commons Park.

It is recommended that those visiting the new spray ground use the parking lot available at Frisco Commons Park (8000 McKinney Road).

Phase I of this spray ground includes multiple aquatic elements for children to enjoy while cooling off from the summer heat, landscaping and
benches for seating. Phase II additions which will take place in 2010 include: pavilions/shelters, restrooms and additional parking.

Bi Centennial becomes the third park in Frisco to have a spray ground feature located within the park. Other parks featuring spray grounds include JR Newman Park, located at 8211 Twin Falls Drive and Shepherds
Glen, located at 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive.

The spray parks are all free to the public and are open every day from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For more information about our spray grounds, visit our website at FriscoFun.org or call 972-292-6500.

Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Frisco is a Treasure Hunt for Fun

FRISCO IS A TREASURE HUNT FOR FUN: NOW THROUGH AUGUST 23

(August 12, 2009) Hunt for fun and discover 'Frisco IS a Treasure!' Pick up a treasure map at any one of 10 locations to begin your 'hunt for fun'
and become eligible for a grand prize drawing to win a treasure chest
filled with prizes! The 'hunt' continues now through Sunday, August 23
at noon. No purchase is required to play! To qualify to win, get your map stamped at six of the following 10 locations. Find addresses online at www.friscoisatreasure.com

Dr Pepper Ballpark, home of the Frisco RoughRiders Dr Pepper Arena Texas Tornado headquarters, located inside the Dr Pepper StarCenter Frisco Athletic Center Frisco Fire Safety Town Frisco Heritage Museum Frisco Public Library Pizza Hut Park, home of FC Dallas Fieldhouse USA Main Event

Once you collect six stamps, drop your completed map (entry form) into any 'X Marks the Spot' box. Boxes are also located at each of the 10 map locations. Everyone who completes an entry form will receive a coupon for a $10 game card at Main Event-Frisco. The grand prize 'Frisco Family Fun Treasure Chest' is valued at more than $1500 and is filled with prizes, coupons and tickets including:
Four (4) StarsClub luxury pre-season tickets Four (4) RoughRiders baseball tickets Four (4) FC Dallas soccer match tickets Four (4) Premium Texas Tornado hockey tickets Four (4) AMC Movie tickets $250 Gift Card from Main Event $50 Gift Card from Fieldhouse USA Four (4) Schlitterbahn tickets with overnight stay 'Limo' tour of Frisco escorted by the 'Jonas Fan Van'

AM 620 Radio Disney will be at the Frisco Athletic Center (FAC) this Sunday, August 16 from 2 - 4 p.m. The FAC is located at 5828 Nancy Jane Lane, just east of the intersection of Preston and Wade Blvd.

Then, join AM 620 Radio Disney and the City of Frisco team on Sunday, August 23 at the Frisco Public Library, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., from 2 -
4 p.m. Play games and win prizes and stick around for the grand prize drawing and find out who wins the 'Frisco Family Fun Treasure Chest' It could be YOU! But you have to explore all the fun destinations in Frisco.

"We thought this would be a great way to showcase Frisco's quality of life and all the fun, family oriented venues our community offers," said Mayor Maher Maso. "Eight of the venues on the 'map' were made possible either through our innovative public-private partnerships or through the support of our voters, who approved bonds to build 'state of the art' facilities.
This 'hunt' is a way for our residents - newcomers or not - to experience our venues for the first time or rediscover all the incredibly fun, entertainment opportunities we have right here at home. It's also a fun way to introduce Frisco to our neighbors and visitors."

Check out www.friscoisatreasure.com for more information on 'Frisco IS a
Treasure: Hunt for Fun" You'll also find addresses and links to all the venues located on the treasure map at this website. Click on 'Stay and Play' and find out which Frisco hotels are offering a special 'treasure'
discount rate, too. You can also find the 'hunt' on Twitter! Check out http://twitter.com/friscotreasure

Frisco Reach Out this Saturday

PRESS RELEASE
FRISCO REACH OUT
Saturday, August 15, 2009

On Saturday, August 15, 2009, three non-profit organizations will come together for the very first time to conduct a historic reach out in the heart of downtown Frisco, Texas. These organizations, Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic, The Word Center, and KingdomLife International—all based in the city of Frisco—have pooled their resources together to lend a helping hand to the residents who live in the area of downtown Frisco. Among the services that will be provided at the reach out are school supplies for grades one through six, acute medical care to uninsured children and adults (those without insurance, Medicaid or Chips), and immunizations for school age children (children need to bring their immunization records with them). A pancake breakfast will also be served. The Reach Out will take place at the Word Center located at the corner of 6th and Oak Street, and will go from 8:30AM – 12:30PM. For more information about the event, please visit the web at www.friscoreachout.com, or call 972-712-5574.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Eldorado Pkwy at independence lanes open Aug. 10

The new eastbound lanes on Eldorado Parkway between Fragrant Drive and Masters Lane will open to traffic on Monday, August 10, weather permitting. Eastbound and westbound traffic will begin flowing on opposite sides of the median, but will still be restricted to one lane in each direction. These barricades will remain in place for a couple weeks to facilitate work in the median. At intersections and driveways, motorists should pay special attention when turning onto eastbound Eldorado Parkway to be sure that they are on the correct side of the median.

Motorists are urged to use caution in the area as people get used to the new traffic patterns.