Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 13

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Hello Rowlett! 🚂🌟

Welcome to Issue No. 13 of the Rowlett Roundup! This week, we're taking a moment to appreciate Rowlett’s rich history, from its early days as a railroad town to its transformation into a thriving suburban community.

Rowlett has come a long way from its early days as a quiet rural settlement to the lively community we know today. Once a small town nestled along Rowlett Creek, it flourished with the arrival of the Katy Railroad in 1886, connecting it to new opportunities and growth. Today, while you can still find nods to its past in historic downtown, Rowlett is a city on the move—expanding, innovating, and bringing people together through exciting events, community initiatives, and local developments.

In this issue, we’ve got:
✔ Upcoming city meetings to keep you informed about Rowlett’s growth
✔ Fun events for all ages, from Storytime and STEAM activities to English language socials
✔ A spotlight on our parks & trails—perfect for a weekend adventure!

So grab your coffee ☕, settle in, and let’s dive into this week’s Rowlett happenings! 🎉

❓️ DID YOU KNOW

One interesting historical fact about Rowlett, TX, is its deep connection to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (also known as the "Katy Railroad"). The town was originally settled in the 1850s, but it wasn’t until 1886, when the railroad was built through the area, that Rowlett began to grow significantly. The town's location along the rail line made it an important hub for transporting goods and agricultural products, spurring economic development.

Rowlett was named after Rowlett Creek, which itself was named after Daniel Rowlett, a Kentucky native who played a role in early Texas politics. The city remained a small rural community for much of its history until the completion of Lake Ray Hubbard in the 1970s, which transformed it into a thriving suburban area with a strong community identity.

Today, remnants of Rowlett’s railroad past can still be seen in its historic downtown area, and the city continues to embrace its history while growing as a vibrant and modern suburb of Dallas.

😎 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Community Development Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Community Development, 5702 Rowlett Road, Rowlett, TX 75089

Join the Community Development Meeting to stay informed about upcoming projects, zoning updates, and development initiatives shaping the future of Rowlett. This is a great opportunity to learn about city planning efforts and provide input on community growth and improvements.

Storytime: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Bring your toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0 to 4) to Storytime, a fun and interactive session filled with engaging stories, action rhymes, and book recommendations! This week’s theme, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, will keep little ones entertained while encouraging early literacy skills.

🌟 Upcoming Themes:

  • 5 & 6: Paper! Snow! A Ghost

  • 12 & 13: I Know You Are, But What Am I?

  • 19 & 20: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

  • 26 & 27: Enchanted

📌 Due to limited space, tickets are required and can be collected at the reference desk on the day of the program.

Storytime

📅 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

English Language Social Hour

📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Looking to practice your English-speaking skills in a friendly and welcoming environment? Join the English Language Social Hour to improve vocabulary, share stories, and meet new friends. This session is open to non-native speakers of all ages and provides a comfortable space to build confidence in speaking English.

📌 Library Hours:
🕘 Monday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
🕘 Friday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
⛔ Sunday: Closed

Come connect, learn, and grow at the Rowlett Public Library!

Yak 'n Yarn: Crochet Club 🧶

📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Calling all crochet lovers! 🧶 Join Yak 'n Yarn: Crochet Club, a friendly and inclusive gathering open to all skill levels. Whether you're just learning the basics or an experienced crafter looking to refine your techniques, this is the perfect place to connect, share tips, and get creative with fellow yarn enthusiasts.

Bring your own materials or just stop by to learn, chat, and create in a relaxed and welcoming environment!

Medicare 101: Understanding Your Options

📅 Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Confused about Medicare enrollment, coverage options, and prescription savings? Join Medicare 101, a free educational session led by Rhonda Shirley, an independent Medicare educator.

📌 Topics Covered:
✅ How to sign up for Medicare
✅ Understanding Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
✅ How to submit claims efficiently
✅ Tips for saving on prescription drugs

Whether you're approaching eligibility or assisting a loved one, this session will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions. Don't miss out!

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📑 Download Agenda

Stay informed about Rowlett’s growth and development by attending the Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting. Topics include zoning changes, land use planning, and future development projects in the city. This is a great opportunity to learn about upcoming changes and share your input on Rowlett’s future.

Storytime: Enchanted ✨

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Step into a magical world at Storytime: Enchanted! This special 30-minute session is designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0 to 4) and features captivating stories, interactive action rhymes, and engaging book recommendations to spark young imaginations.

Elementals: Gotta Catch 'Em All! 🎮🧪

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Kids ages 5 to 8 are invited to Elementals, a fun and interactive STEAM-based program that sparks creativity and learning! This week’s theme, Gotta Catch 'Em All, is inspired by the world of Pokémon and will feature exciting activities combining science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

🌟 Upcoming Themes:

  • 5th: Chopstick Challenges

  • 12th: Galaxy Explorers

  • 19th: Whale Tales

  • 26th: Gotta Catch 'Em All

Join us for an afternoon of hands-on fun and innovation at the Rowlett Public Library!

STEAM Squad: Miniature Landscapes 🌿🎨

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📞 Contact: (972) 412-6161
📧 Email: [email protected]
💵 Cost: Free
🔗 Learn More: Rowlett.com/library
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes

Calling all young creators! STEAM Squad is a hands-on program designed for kids ages 9 to 13 to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in fun and creative ways.

🌿 This Week’s Theme: Miniature Landscapes
Unleash your creativity as you design and build stunning miniature landscapes using flowers, foliage, and natural materials. Learn about the principles of design and composition while crafting your own unique masterpiece!

Join us for an evening of art, nature, and STEAM exploration!

SPORTS

🏆 Sports Schedule

📅 For a full list of GISD sports events happening from February 20th to February 27th, check out the schedule here by adding dates: GISD Athletics Calendar 

🏆⚽🏀 📢 Don't miss these exciting games and support your Rowlett athletes!

Healthy & Active Kids: Building Strong Minds & Bodies 🌟

Helping kids stay active and engaged from an early age is essential for both their physical health and mental well-being. Movement fuels energy, confidence, and social skills, while interactive activities promote creativity, learning, and emotional growth. Rowlett offers a variety of fun and enriching programs designed to keep kids moving, thinking, and connecting with others.

📌 Explore activities that set the foundation for a lifetime of wellness! Register here!

Senior Fitness 🏋️‍♂️

  • Aerobic Drumming – Monday/Wednesday | 8:00 AM

  • Yoga Stretch – Monday/Friday | 9:30 AM

  • Tap Dance – Monday | 12:00 PM

  • PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) – Wednesday/Friday | 9:30 AM

  • Fitness Fun – Tuesday/Thursday | 9:30 AM

  • SAIL (Stay Active In Life) – Monday/Wednesday/Friday | 11:00 AM

  • Weekday Walking Club (Meet at the Trail at Pecan Grove Park behind RCC) – Monday – Friday | 7:30 AM

Weekly Senior Programs 🎲

  • Bingo – Tuesday | 8:45 AM

  • Texas Hold ‘Em – Wednesday/Friday | 11:00 AM

  • Table Games – Monday/Wednesday/Friday | 11:00 AM

  • Chair Volleyball – Tuesday & Thursday | 11:00 AM

  • Bridge – Thursday | 10:00 AM

  • Knit-Witz Knitting & Crochet – Monday | 6:00 PM

Monthly Senior Programs 🗓️

  • Senior Health Check – 4th Thursday | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

  • Birthday Luncheon – 1st Wednesday | 12:00 PM

  • Out to Lunch Bunch (Meet at Lunch Site) – 4th Tuesday | 12:00 PM

  • Lake Ray Hubbard Wood Carvers – Last Saturday | 9:00 AM

  • Artists ‘Round Texas – 3rd Sunday | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • BUNCO – 3rd Wednesday | 1:00 PM

  • Bowling Bunch (Meet at Bowlarama) – 3rd Thursday | 12:00 PM

  • Breakfast Bunch – 4th Thursday | 9:00 AM

  • Canasta – 2nd & 4th Thursday | 6:00 PM

  • Savvy Seniors – 3rd Friday | 11:00 AM

Join the fun, meet new friends, and stay active with Rowlett's vibrant senior community!

Explore Rowlett’s Parks & Trails 🌳🚶‍♂️

The City of Rowlett is home to over 600 acres of parkland, offering something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a scenic trail, a fun playground, or a place to enjoy sports and recreation, Rowlett’s parks are your go-to destination for outdoor fun.

🏞️ Rowlett’s Developed Parks

Enjoy a variety of activities including:
✔️ Walking & Biking Trails 🚶‍♀️🚴
✔️ Fishing & Boating Access 🎣🚤
✔️ Picnic Areas & Playgrounds 🧺🎠
✔️ Tennis, Disc Golf, & In-Line Hockey 🎾🥏🏒
✔️ Sports Fields & Open Spaces ⚽🏀🏈

🌳 Highlighted Parks:
📍 Rowlett Community Park – Sports fields, trails, and open spaces (8700 St. Andrews Ln)
📍 Pecan Grove Park – Beautiful green space & walking paths (5300 Main St)
📍 Herfurth Park – Historic park with playgrounds and open areas (4601 Centennial Dr)
📍 Springfield Park – Ideal for nature lovers & joggers (5501 Antioch Dr)
📍 Veterans Memorial Park – Dedicated space to honor veterans (3850 Main St)

Download the Rowlett Park Locations Map to find a park near you!

Enjoy Rowlett’s beautiful outdoor spaces and make the most of what our parks and trails have to offer! 🌲🌞

Be Part of the Solution: Get Involved in Rowlett! 🚀

We can all complain about issues in Rowlett—or we can step up and be part of the solution. This is your town, and your voice matters! Whether it’s attending city meetings, supporting local businesses, volunteering, or simply staying engaged with community events, your involvement helps shape the future of Rowlett.

📢 Ways to Make a Difference:
✅ Attend City Meetings – Stay informed and share your input
✅ Support Local Initiatives – Volunteer for community projects
✅ Shop & Dine Local – Help Rowlett businesses thrive
✅ Join a Neighborhood Group – Strengthen connections and address concerns together

📩 Email: [email protected]
📲 Facebook: Rowlett Roundup Facebook Page

💙 Let’s build a stronger, more connected Rowlett—one subscriber at a time!

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