The rezoning of the Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District is underway, and the City is throwing a party to celebrate. A block party will be held this month for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the Innovation District and offer feedback to city planners on what they would like to see the area become.

The 1,200-acre Innovation District surrounds the Arapaho Center DART Station and has long served as a job center for Richardson. The vision for the area to become a tech hub that will support innovation and a range of businesses, while encouraging the creation of an inviting, green, lively, walkable and bikeable space was created following a nine-month study and a series of open houses and community meetings held last year.

The block party, scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 13 and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 14, will be held at 1302 E. Collins Blvd. and include live music and food trucks, plus a chance for attendees to share input on new park and trail ideas, as well as new uses for spaces inside the District. The block party is a come-and-go event, but the full presentation about the District will only be held at 7 p.m. June 13.

Registration is not required but is requested so City staff can have an idea of how many people will be attending. If inclement weather causes any schedule changes, an e-mail will be sent out to those who have registered.

Visit www.cor.net/collinsarapaho to register or learn more about the Innovation District. You can also follow the project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/richardsonredevelopment.