The Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park is closed through Monday, March 30 as work takes place on the playground’s surface. 

The City Council approved an ordinance Monday that clears the way for another summer of day camps hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. 

Dylan Kirk, RISD Elementary Teacher of the Year 2024-25, and Diana Larsen, RISD Secondary Teacher of the Year 2024-25, were honored at Monday’s City Council meeting with proclamations. Kirk, music teacher at Richland Elementary, and Larsen, 12th grade AVID teacher at Berkner High School, were chosen through a rigorous process conducted by a committee of parents, board members and staff who visit classrooms, conduct interviews and review essays submitted by nominators to identify the most outstanding educators in the District. 

The City Council amended the City’s short-term rental (STR) ordinance Monday, including updates that establish clearer criteria for when and why a registration certificate may be revoked.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Council continued its discussion from its March 9 meeting regarding clarifying the process for filling single vacancies on the Council.

The Senior Center will be closed March 30-31 so a deep cleaning can take place. The work is part of a scheduled effort to conduct comprehensive cleanings at the City’s recreation centers, going beyond routine maintenance and “after-hours” cleaning to focus on areas that experience heavy use or dust buildup. 

Texas will conduct a statewide test of its emergency alert systems on April 2 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. You may receive a test alert on your phone, radio or television depending on your device settings and may hear outdoor warning sirens depending on your location at the time of the test.

Time is running out to register to vote in the May 2 Joint and Special election, which includes the Richardson Bond and Charter elections. Voter registration applications must be postmarked by Thursday, April 2 or brought in person to the county registrar’s office by end of business on that day in order to participate.

Due to Richardson City Council’s longstanding practice of not scheduling meetings on the fifth Monday of the month, there will be no City Council work session or meeting Monday, March 30. The City Council will next meet Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m. 

The April 2026 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. Since April is National Volunteer Month, the issue features a special focus on volunteer opportunities in Richardson, along with Economic Development news, construction updates, and information about the City’s upcoming festivals and events, including the annual Trash Bash set for April 11.