Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 14

February 27, 2025

Hello Rowlett! 🚂🌟

Welcome to Issue No. 14. As February rolls on, we’re embracing community, culture, and connection—from celebrating Mardi Gras to fostering mental wellness and keeping our city moving.

In this issue, we’re spotlighting Rowlett’s historic pecan tree, sharing exciting upcoming events, and giving you ways to get involved and stay engaged. Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, learning about building permits, or cheering on local athletes, there’s something for everyone in this week’s edition.

Let’s dive in and make the most of what Rowlett has to offer! 🚀

❓️ DID YOU KNOW

Rowlett is home to one of the largest pecan trees in Texas! Located in Pecan Grove Park, this massive tree has stood for over a century, witnessing the city's transformation from rural farmland to the thriving community it is today.

Pecans have a deep-rooted history in Texas, as the official state tree, and were a valuable food source for early settlers and indigenous peoples. In Rowlett, pecan trees have lined creeks and open spaces for generations, making them a beloved part of the local landscape.

Next time you visit Pecan Grove Park, take a moment to look up and appreciate this living piece of Rowlett’s history! 🌳🥜

😎 WHAT’S HAPPENING

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

Let creativity bloom at STEAM Squad! 🌱 Kids ages 9 to 13 will explore design and composition while crafting stunning miniature landscapes using flowers, foliage, and natural materials. This hands-on activity encourages artistic expression, problem-solving, and an appreciation for nature—all while having fun!

Join us for an exciting evening of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in action! 🚀

📖 Storytime: Enchanted

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 11:00 AM- 11:30AM
📍 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! ✨ Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0 to 4), this 30-minute session is filled with interactive storytelling, action rhymes, and fun book recommendations to spark curiosity and creativity.

📌 Upcoming Storytime 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

🎟️ Limited space available—tickets are required and can be picked up at the reference desk on the day of the program. Bring your little ones and let their imaginations soar! 🚀📚

Let creativity take root at STEAM Squad! 🌱 Kids ages 9 to 13 will dive into the principles of design and composition while crafting their own miniature landscapes using flowers, foliage, and natural materials. This hands-on project blends art, science, and creativity, encouraging problem-solving and appreciation for nature in a fun, interactive way.

Join us for an evening of learning, exploration, and imagination! 🚀

English Language Social Hour 🗣️📚

📅 Date: Friday, February 28, 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 welcoming and relaxed environment? Join English Language Social Hour to improve vocabulary, build confidence, and meet new friends. Open to non-native speakers of all ages, this friendly group encourages conversation and cultural exchange in a judgment-free setting.

📌 No registration required—just drop in and start chatting! 💬

🎭 Mardi Gras Cajun Celebration: Let the Good Times Roll! 🎶

Mardi Gras—or "Fat Tuesday"—is a centuries-old celebration with roots tracing back to Medieval Europe, later making its way to New Orleans in the 18th century. Traditionally marking the last day of feasting before Lent, Mardi Gras has evolved into a vibrant festival filled with parades, music, masquerade balls, and Cajun culture. Now, Rowlett is bringing the spirit of New Orleans right to our community!

📅 Event Details

📆 Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Community Centre, 5300 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Join us for a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration featuring lively music, delicious Cajun cuisine, crafts, and entertainment! Don your masks and beads, and experience the magic of New Orleans right here in Rowlett!

🍽️ Crawfish Pre-Order – Reserve Yours Now!

Spicytails will be serving up 2lb crawfish plates with corn and potatoes for $20 (pre-order). A limited number of plates will be available on-site for $25, so secure yours before February 27 at midnight!
👉 Pre-Order Here

🎭 Event Schedule

🎨 All Night: Photo booth & craft stations (mask-making & bead necklaces)
📖 6:00 – 6:30 PM: Mardi Gras Tales – Library Storytime
🍰 6:30 – 7:00 PM: Cake Walk – Win a sweet treat!
👑 7:00 – 7:30 PM: "Royalty March" Costume Raffle
🎶 7:30 – 9:00 PM: Live Music by Jean-Pierre & the Zydeco Angels

🎭 Dress to Impress – Join the Royalty March! 👑

Come dressed in your best Mardi Gras attire—think feathers, beads, and dazzling masks! Participate in our "Krewe de Rowlett" Royalty March for a chance to win prizes in our costume contest raffle.

🌍 Cultural Roulette in Rowlett Series

This event is part of our new 2025 themed series, “Cultural Roulette in Rowlett,” bringing global traditions to our community! From Lunar New Year to Hispanic Heritage, each event will offer interactive experiences, entertainment, and delicious food while fostering partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

🎭 Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of culture and tradition!
📍 More Info: Rowlett Mardi Gras Celebration

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!

Mental Wellness in Rowlett: Take a Break, Take Care 🧠💙

In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook mental health, but taking time for yourself is just as important as staying physically active. Whether it's a walk through Pecan Grove Park, joining a local social group, or simply unplugging for a moment of quiet reflection, small steps can make a big impact on your well-being.

📌 Ways to Boost Mental Wellness in Rowlett:
✅ Get outside – Fresh air and movement can lift your mood
✅ Stay connected – Join a local event or support group
✅ Unplug & unwind – Set aside time to relax without screens
✅ Ask for help – Resources like counseling and community support are available

Your mental health matters—make time to care for it! 💙

Rowlett on the Move: Transportation & Connectivity 🚗🚌

Getting around Rowlett is easier than ever, with multiple transportation options connecting residents to nearby cities and key destinations. Whether you're commuting for work, running errands, or planning a day out, here are some ways to stay on the move in Rowlett.

🚆 DART Light Rail: The Downtown Rowlett Station provides easy access to Dallas and beyond with the DART Blue Line. A great option for commuters looking to skip the traffic!

🚌 DART GoLink: Need a ride within Rowlett? DART GoLink is an on-demand shuttle service that picks you up and takes you where you need to go. Book a ride through the GoPass app or by calling DART.

🚗 Major Roadways: Rowlett is conveniently located near President George Bush Turnpike, I-30, and Highway 66, making travel quick and efficient whether you're heading to Rockwall, Garland, or downtown Dallas.

🚴 Bike & Pedestrian Paths: For a greener way to travel, check out Rowlett’s growing network of walking and biking trails, perfect for short trips and scenic rides.

No matter how you get around, Rowlett is keeping the community connected and moving forward!

Building Safety & Permits: What You Need to Know 🏗️

Planning a home or business project? Before you start, check if you need a permit! Ensuring your project meets safety standards and city codes helps protect your property and the community.

🔍 When Do You Need a Permit?

A permit is required for:
✔️ Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Work
✔️ Irrigation Systems, Swimming Pools, & Hot Tubs
✔️ Driveways, Sidewalks, & Foundation Repair
✔️ Decks, Covered Patios, Carports, & Fences
✔️ Framing Modifications (Removing Sheetrock, Structural Changes)

📌 Not sure if your project requires a permit? Contact the Building Safety Division before starting at 📞 (972) 412-6137.

No Permit Needed For:

✅ Painting, wallpapering, or flooring upgrades
✅ Installing trim or replacing fixtures (if wiring remains unchanged)

📅 How to Schedule an Inspection

All inspections must be requested online via the MyGov Portal or by calling the 24-hour inspection line at 📞 (972) 412-6137. Requests made before 3:00 PM will be scheduled for the next business day.

💻 Online Permitting Made Easy

Rowlett uses MyGov for online permitting & contractor registration. Through MyGov, you can:
🔹 Apply for permits
🔹 View permit status
🔹 Pay permit fees
🔹 Schedule & track inspections

👉 Get started here: MyGov Online Portal

📜 Contractor Registration

All General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Contractors must be registered with the City of Rowlett to obtain permits. Check our list of active contractors before hiring: Registered Contractors List.

Thank You for Your Support! 💙

We appreciate you being a part of the Rowlett community and staying engaged with all the latest news and events. Your support helps keep Rowlett connected, informed, and thriving!

📩 Have questions or suggestions? Contact us anytime!
📧 Email: [email protected]

See you next time, and thanks for being part of Rowlett Roundup! 🎉

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