Rowlett Roundup-Issue No. 16

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Hello Rowlett! 🌿✨

As spring continues to bloom, we're taking a moment to look back at Rowlett’s past while celebrating everything happening right now in our community! From the lost town of Liberty Grove to exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, community events, and educational workshops, this week's issue is packed with ways to connect, learn, and have fun.

Whether you're testing your engineering skills at STEAM Squad, diving into a good book at the library, or enjoying a movie during Spring Break, there’s something for everyone in Rowlett this week. Let’s dive in! 🚀

❓️ DID YOU KNOW

The Lost Town of Liberty Grove: A Forgotten Piece of Rowlett

Long before Rowlett became the thriving community we know today, a small but ambitious settlement called Liberty Grove stood as a beacon of early Texas resilience. Located just north of modern-day Rowlett, Liberty Grove was a farming community established in the mid-1800s. It was a place where settlers worked the land, raised livestock, and built a close-knit community centered around agriculture and family values.

For years, Liberty Grove had its own school, church, and businesses, but as Rowlett grew and expanded, the once-prominent settlement gradually faded into history. By the late 20th century, much of Liberty Grove had been annexed or absorbed into Rowlett, leaving behind little more than a name—one that still exists today as Liberty Grove Road and a few scattered historical references.

Though Liberty Grove may no longer be a standalone town, its spirit lives on in Rowlett’s deep-rooted sense of community. As we continue to grow and build for the future, it’s worth remembering the small, pioneering towns like Liberty Grove that helped shape the Rowlett we know and love today.

😎 WHAT’S HAPPENING

📚 Library Advisory Board Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
📑 Download Agenda

The Library Advisory Board is dedicated to enhancing library services, programs, and resources for the Rowlett community. This meeting is open to the public, providing an opportunity to discuss upcoming initiatives, community needs, and ways to improve the library experience.

If you're passionate about literacy, education, and community engagement, come join the conversation and help shape the future of the Rowlett Public Library!

📖 Storytime: Do Re Mi – Music & Fun! 🎵

📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 11:00 - 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

Get ready to sing, dance, and explore the joy of music at this week's Storytime: Do Re Mi! 🎼 Designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0 to 4), this interactive session will introduce children to rhythm, melody, and movement through engaging stories, action rhymes, and book recommendations.

📌 Upcoming Storytime Themes:
🎨 5 & 6: Meet the Doodles (Drawing & Art)
🎶 12 & 13: Do Re Mi (Music)
🚫 19 & 20: No Storytime
🐴 26 & 27: Hold Your Horses (Patience & Waiting)

🎟️ Limited space available—tickets are required and can be picked up at the reference desk on the day of the program. Join us for a fun-filled morning of music and movement! 🎤✨

🏎️ STEAM Squad: Speed Racers 🚗💨

📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 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

Get ready to rev your engines at STEAM Squad: Speed Racers! 🏁 Kids ages 9 to 13 will team up to design and build miniature race cars using recycled materials. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore aerodynamics, friction, and engineering concepts to create the fastest car on the track!

📌 Upcoming STEAM Squad Themes:
🎮 6: Pixel Perfect – Create your own retro arcade game
🏎️ 13: Speed Racers – Engineer race cars from recycled materials
🚫 20: No STEAM Squad
🔵 27: Marble Mania – Build and test amazing marble runs

🚀 Join us for an evening of creativity, problem-solving, and fun competition! Who will build the fastest racer? Find out at this exciting STEAM event!

🗣️ English Language Social Hour

📅 Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 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 supportive environment? Join English Language Social Hour to improve vocabulary, build confidence, and meet new friends. This session is open to non-native speakers of all ages and provides a comfortable space for conversation, storytelling, and cultural exchange.

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

🍀 St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Go Green on the Green! 🎶

📅 Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Rowlett Green, 4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088
🔗 More Details: Rowlett St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style at Go Green on the Green, a family-friendly festival filled with fun, food, and festivities! Enjoy live music, crafts, activities, and delicious food from local vendors as we bring the spirit of Ireland to Downtown Rowlett!

🌍 Part of the "Cultural Roulette in Rowlett" Series

This event is part of our new 2025 cultural series, designed to bring global traditions to Rowlett. From Lunar New Year to Hispanic Heritage, each event will offer interactive entertainment, food, and cultural experiences, connecting our community through celebration.

📢 Don’t miss this evening of Irish fun—grab your green and join us for an unforgettable night! 🍀

🚀 JobStart: On the Job Success Guide

📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 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

Starting a new job or looking to excel in your current workplace? JobStart: On the Job Success Guide will help you develop essential workplace skills to thrive in any professional setting.

📌 Topics Covered:
✅ Understanding employer expectations
✅ Building strong team relationships
✅ Mastering professional etiquette

Set yourself up for career success—join us and gain valuable workplace insights! 💼✨

🎬 Spring Break Movie & Activity Series 🍿🎨

📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 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

Kick off Spring Break with a fun-filled movie and creative activity at the Rowlett Public Library! Each day, enjoy a family-friendly film followed by a hands-on project inspired by the movie.

📅 Spring Break Movie Lineup:
🎥 March 17 – Shrek [PG]
🎥 March 18 – Trolls [PG]
🎥 March 19 – Kung Fu Panda [PG]
🎥 March 20 – How to Train Your Dragon [PG]

✨ No registration required—just drop in, relax, and enjoy a creative Spring Break experience! 🎨🎞️

Senior Advisory Board Meeting

📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

The Senior Advisory Board works to enhance the quality of life for Rowlett’s senior community by addressing key issues, programs, and resources. This meeting is an opportunity to stay informed, share concerns, and contribute ideas that impact seniors in Rowlett.

📢 Have input or suggestions? Attend the meeting and make your voice heard!

🏛️ City Council Work Session

📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

The City Council Work Session provides an opportunity for council members to discuss upcoming city matters, review projects, and plan future initiatives before the regular City Council Meeting. These sessions offer insight into local government decisions and allow residents to stay informed on key city developments.

📢 Community engagement starts here—stay informed and involved!

📚 Friends of the Library Meeting

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 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

Love the Rowlett Public Library and want to be a part of its success? Join the Friends of the Library Meeting to learn about volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to support library programs.

📌 No membership required—just stop by and get involved! 📖✨

🏛️ City Council Meeting

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Location: City Hall, 4000 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Join the Rowlett City Council Meeting to hear discussions and decisions on key city matters, policies, and community initiatives. The Regular Session will take place in the Council Chambers, starting at 7:00 PM.

📢 Your voice matters! Attend the meeting to stay informed and engaged in the future of Rowlett.

Community Spotlight: Support the GHS Booster Club!

GHS’ Booster Club is doing incredible work to support local students and school programs. This month, check out their March Newsletter for updates on fundraisers, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re a parent, local business, or community member, your support makes a difference!

March Newsletter.pdf629.94 KB • PDF File

SPORTS

🏆 Sports Schedule

📅 For a full list of GISD sports events happening from March 13th to March 20th, check out the schedule here by adding dates: GISD Athletics Calendar 

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

📞 Important City of Rowlett Contact Numbers

Need to reach city departments and services? Here’s a quick reference guide to the City of Rowlett’s key phone numbers to help you get in touch with the right office.

🏛️ City Leadership & Administration

📌 City Council: 972-412-6109
📌 City Manager's Office: 972-412-6109
📌 City Secretary's Office: 972-412-6109
📌 Action Center (General Assistance): 972-412-6100

🏗️ Community Development

📌 Administration: 972-412-6125
📌 Animal Services: 972-412-6219
📌 Building Safety: 972-412-6125
📌 24-Hour Inspection Request Line: 972-412-6137
📌 Code Enforcement & Environmental Health: 972-412-6125
📌 Planning & Urban Design: 972-412-6138

📢 Community & Economic Engagement

📌 Community Engagement: 972-412-6192
📌 Economic Development: 972-412-6193

🛠️ Engineering & Public Works

📌 CIP Engineering: 972-463-3979
📌 Development Engineering: 972-412-6286
📌 Public Works: 972-412-6287
📌 Storm Water Management: 972-412-6287
📌 Street/Traffic Division: 972-412-6287
📌 Trash & Recycling: 972-412-6105
📌 Wastewater Utility Division: 972-412-6287
📌 Water Utility Division: 972-412-6287

💰 Finance & Utility Services

📌 Finance Department: 972-412-6285
📌 Purchasing: 972-412-6189
📌 Utility Customer Service: 972-412-6105

🚒 Fire & Emergency Services

📌 Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 972-412-6230
📌 Fire Marshal: 972-412-6230
📌 Police & Fire Dispatch (Emergency Calls): 972-412-6200

🚔 Police Department & Public Safety

📌 Police Department (Non-Emergency): 972-412-6200
📌 Office of the Chief: 972-412-6202
📌 Neighborhood Services Division: 972-412-6272
📌 Detention Services Section: 972-412-6252
📌 Criminal Investigations Division (CID): 972-412-6220
📌 Emergency Communications: 972-412-6200
📌 Patrol Division: 972-412-6200 (Option 1)
📌 Traffic Division: 972-412-6227
📌 Warrant Section: 972-463-3938
📌 Special Operations Division: 972-412-6241
📌 Property & Evidence Section: 972-412-6214
📌 Records Section: 972-412-6298

📚 Library & Municipal Court

📌 Rowlett Public Library: 972-412-6161
📌 Municipal Court: 972-412-6222

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

📌 Parks & Recreation Department: 972-412-6170
📌 Administration: 972-412-6145
📌 Parks Maintenance & Streetscapes: 972-412-6170
📌 Recreation, Seniors & Athletics: 972-412-6170
📌 Rowlett Wet Zone Water Park (May - August Only): 972-412-6266

🏢 Facilities, Fleet, & Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

📌 Facilities Maintenance: 972-463-3926
📌 Fleet Services: 972-463-3915
📌 Geographic Information System (GIS) / Maps: 972-463-3902

📌 Need help but not sure who to call? Contact the Rowlett Action Center at 972-412-6100 for assistance!

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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