City of College Station

Veterans Park and Athletic Complex is a jewel in College Station's parks system, attracting more than one million local and out-of-town visitors a year. The city council recently approved a $1.9 million contract for improvements that will make this fantastic complex even more impressive.

With the arrival of October, only one topic could compete with football in the minds of many residents — what will Halloween look like this year? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to create new ways to socialize and enjoy traditions, So the Parks & Recreation Department has devised a plan. A socially distant, candy-filled plan.

Looking for a chance to meet those who recently moved into your neighborhood? Monday is National Good Neighbor Day, and it's an ideal opportunity to welcome the newcomers — the first step in being a good neighbor. As an icebreaker, you can even present them with a free City of College Station welcome bag.

Although we’re all glad football is back, COVID-19 restrictions will make for a completely different atmosphere around Aggie games. One thing hasn’t changed, though. With thousands of fans descending on Kyle Field, finding a place to park nearby will still be daunting challenge, especially in the Southside neighborhood.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Sept. 24. The workshop will start no earlier than 3:30 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

Texas A&M’s football season begins this week and will bring much-needed relief to local businesses, despite the limited number of fans allowed at Kyle Field. The vast majority of our businesses, residents, and students are doing their best to follow COVID-19 guidelines, but there are a few key things to remember to have a fun, safe, and compliant game day experience.

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 3:30 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch.

This week, more than 30 signs will be installed around College Station that label the city as having a hands-free ordinance in effect as it relates to drivers and their wireless communications device of choice. The idea is that fewer distractions will result in fewer crashes, injuries and deaths.

In October, the City of College Station Parks & Recreation Department is conducting American Red Cross training for babysitters 10 years and older. The $75 class provides the knowledge and skills to safely and responsibly care for children and infants.

Park Place will be closed starting Monday from Anderson Street to Aurora Court as part of the first phase of the Southside Safety Improvement Project. The road will be closed until utility and infrastructure work is completed.

Take a look back at some of the positive things that happened in the City of College Station in August. Now that’s something completely positive!

The College Station Parks and Recreation Department’s Start Smart Football in Your Own Backyard program was created to encourage families to spend time together while teaching kids to play the game. The six-week program is specially designed for 3-6-year-olds. Registration closes Sunday, Sept. 27.

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. Here are five items to watch.

Beginning next Thursday, Lick Creek Nature Center offers two programs to encourage children to engage with their environment. Explorers can choose a program based on their age and must register to reserve a spot. A new nature theme will be introduced each week that challenges participants to observe and explore the world around them.

Most City of College Station offices and facilities will be closed Monday for Labor Day. Solid waste and recycling collections will operate on their regular schedule. To report an electrical outage, College Station Utilities customers should call 855.528.4278 and have their CSU account number ready. Payments due to the municipal court must be paid by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

If you rent your home or other property for Aggie game day weekends — or for any other reason — you want to do it the right way. Starting this year, that means registering your short-term rental with the City of College Station. The ordinance goes into effect on Oct. 1.

What adventures await when you press pause on technology? Let the Parks & Recreation Department guide you and your family with College Station RecCreations, a monthly activity box that provides guided at-home recreation. RecCreations offers activities and resources that can keep you unplugged and engaged throughout the month and beyond.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 27. The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and //at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start after 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

With heavy rains from Hurricane Laura possible in our area, it's an excellent time to review necessary safety precautions and take appropriate actions to protect your family and property. It’s also a good idea to sign up to receive emergency notifications from Brazos County.

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch.

Are you looking for a unique birthday experience for your young explorers to celebrate their special day? The Lick Creek Nature Center has the solution. This fall, the Lick Creek Nature Center is offering a variety of B’EARTHday Packages for every young nature enthusiast’s birthday celebration.

Take a look back at some of the positive things that happened in the City of College Station in July: College Station was designated as a Film-Friendly Texas Community, the Police Department named two assistant chiefs, the city partnered with Bryan and Keep Brazos Beautiful for the Summer Community Cleanup series, two of our firefighters received prestigious awards, and a CSPD officer was honored for saving a life. Now that’s something completely positive!

In this episode of “Actually…,” City traffic Engineer Troy Rother says people often often mistake the purpose of the cameras mounted on top of traffic signal mast arms. The cameras simply detect vehicles at the intersection and give them a green light so they don’t have to wait as long.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 13. The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and //at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start after 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

In March, our entire world was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Just six months later, many activities have returned, but COVID-19 remains a severe threat. As we approach the fall, the Parks & Recreation Department is faced with tough decisions as we make plans to reopen our facilities and programs. Our fall programming looks a little different, but we’ll continue to serve the public with resilience and flexibility.

The City Council of the City of College Station will hold a public hearing on its proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 annual budget at its regular council meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.,

Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the City of College Station, having completed the multi-step training and certification process, has been designated a Film Friendly Texas community by the Texas Film Commission,

The College Station Parks & Recreation Department and Brazos Valley Marine Corps League have rescued 1,120 Parks Pals that need a home. That’s 272 dogs, 291 cats, 290 rabbits, and 267 unicorns, to be exact. You know you’ve always wanted one. Here’s your chance -- and they're free.

As parents return to work this fall, the Lincoln Recreation Center’s after-school programs will continue to offer essential support services for families in these uncertain times. Registration for the fall semester starts Monday.

Greens Prairie Road will be closed between Amberley Place and Donnington Drive starting Monday as a pipeline is placed under the roadway. The closure will be in place until Aug. 10.

The city’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget —presented to the city council Thursday night — takes a strategic approach to address our community’s short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs in these uncertain times. The council takes a more in-depth look at the numbers beginning with Monday’s first budget workshop, followed by additional sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, July 23. The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop meeting will start no earlier than 4 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

Beginning Aug. 1, the City of College Station will welcome several familiar faces to its new tourism operation. Director of Economic Development Natalie Ruiz announced Wednesday that the team she is building to generate overnight stays and spending via sports tourism, meetings and conventions, and leisure travel will include current Experience Bryan College Station and Bryan College Station Sports + Events staff members.

The College Station City Council meets by teleconference on Thursday for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19.

In this episode of “Actually…,” Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations says that College Station’s water is quite safe. Only a handful of naturally occurring contaminants have been detected, and the city adds another (chlorine) to disinfect the water and kill germs.

Take a look back at some of the positive things that happened in the City of College Station in June: We honored a hero police officer, another officer hosted a peace party at his church, new Police Chief Billy Couch had a constructive meeting with community leaders, we received strong new bond ratings, we worked with a local church to help a single mom battling cancer, and the city saved more than $800,000 by re-funding general obligation bonds.

College Station Parks & Recreation Director David Schmitz will retire July 31, bringing an end to a professional career spanning nearly 40 years.

Road crews will be doing routine maintenance work on Munson Avenue between Harvey Road and Dominik Drive starting Wednesday. Traffic delays and temporary road closures are expected. The work is scheduled from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each weekday, with no weekend activity. The project is scheduled to be finished by Thursday, July 23.

In this episode of “Actually…,” Drainage Division Manager Marshall Wallace says thanks to new technology, city employees don’t have to use skateboards anymore to enter the pipes and inspect or repair our vital drainage infrastructure.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, July 9. The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start after 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

The College Station City Council meets by teleconference for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19.

As part of the City of College Station’s 10-year review of its Comprehensive Plan, we’ve created a virtual workshop to gather your input on our community’s future. The online Community Choices Workshop will be live from July 13 through Aug. 3.

The services and programs provided by municipal parks and recreation departments have always been indispensable to a community’s well-being and overall quality of life. If that wasn’t clear before the COVID-19 pandemic, it certainly is now.

Most of us build our traditional Independence Day celebrations around food, family, and friends, not to mention plenty of bright and colorful fireworks. Unfortunately, fireworks can also cause injuries and damage property, even when properly used. As you prepare for your Fourth of July celebration, here are 10 essential things to keep in mind.

City of College Station offices and facilities will be closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day weekend. Sanitation and recycling collections will operate on the regular schedule.

Operation Restart is now providing face masks to ensure that participating businesses and their customers have every tool possible to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, June 25. The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start no earlier than 4 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

The City of College Station and the Bryan Business Council partnered with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments in April to create a Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses that have seen a substantial reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Small businesses need short-term working capital to cover essential expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities.

The College Station City Council meets Thursday at by teleconference for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. Public comments are allowed through Zoom.

The national discussion about race relations and policing has touched every corner of our country, including College Station. Open and transparent conversations are the foundation of how trust is established. In this blog, Police Chief Bill Couch addresses questions about the CSPD's policies and procedures regarding unbiased policing, body-worn cameras, professional standards, the use of force, and more.

The College Station Fire Department offers these tips to help you keep your kids safe around the pool this summer.

With Friday commemorating the sesquicentennial of Juneteenth, it’s fitting that we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of College Station’s Lincoln Recreation Center. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, and it started in Texas. As part of that celebration, let’s look back at the proud history of what began as Lincoln High School.

The College Station Parks and Recreation Department recently received a $2,500 Facility Recovery Grant from the United States Tennis Association to help defray the costs associated with the eventual reopening of our tennis facilities. We hope to see you at our future tennis classes when regular programming returns.

This is Waste and Recycling Workers Week! We offer our sincere thanks to the hard-working men and women who keep our neighborhoods and streets safe and clean. Your dedication and tireless work are valued and appreciated!

Francis Drive will be closed to westbound traffic from Munson Avenue to Walton Drive beginning Thursday. One-way traffic will continue to flow eastbound from Walton toward Munson. The closure will be in place for about nine months.

In this episode of "And now for something completely positive," we take a look at some of the positive things that happened in the City of College Station in May. We got a new police chief, completed the new police station underbudget, unveiled more COVID-19 relief programs, and began taking a fresh look at how we promote local tourism.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, June 11. The workshop will start no earlier than 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

The College Station City Council meets Thursday at city hall for its workshop (no sooner than 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. The meeting will be closed to the public, but comments will be allowed through Zoom.

In this episode of "Actually...," Judge Ed Spillane talks about how the College Station Municipal Court goes to great lengths to make sure citizens aren’t prosecuted due to their economic status.

What does a sports event or tournament look like in the era of COVID-19? As participants, coaches, and spectators, we’ll soon find out. The City of College Station will host its first tournament June 19-21 with more than 100 girls’ softball teams from around the state.

The College Station Fire Department has seen a significant decrease in calls for emergency medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. When heart attacks, strokes, and other medical emergencies happen, time is of the essence. Our EMS and fire personnel follow all the recommended CDC guidelines and precautions. If you need emergency medical attention, please don’t hesitate to call 911 and get the help you need.

The first phase of our new online payment portal is live! This means you can now make one-time utility payments with a credit/debit card as well as

Bryan Texas Utilities and College Station Utilities are encouraging customers who delayed making payments during the health and economic crisis caused by the coronavirus to set up payment arrangements soon.

Cross Street will be closed between College Main and Tauber Street for nearby construction starting Tuesday. The work is scheduled to be finished by June 19.

The College Station City Council will gather Monday by teleconference for a special meeting (6:30 p.m.) to consider one item: Adoption of an ordinance calling for an Aug. 18 special runoff election to fill Place-4 on the council.

The City of College Station will make about $1.8 million in federal funds available for two grant programs aimed at helping College Station’s low-to-moderate income residents pay their rent and their employers keep them on the payroll.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, May 28. The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at //cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start no earlier than 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

Beginning Aug. 1, the City of College Station will incorporate tourism into its overall economic development and local recovery strategies by launching a new operation that will focus specifically on the hospitality industry.

The former home of the College Station Police Department will be used to temporarily accommodate the growth experienced by International Leadership of Texas, a public charter school that serves kindergarten through ninth-grade students.

As Water Safety Month comes to a close, the City of College Station’s Aquatics Division reminds you to be careful around swimming pools, ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Here are a few resources to help keep your family safe this season.

The College Station City Council meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (no sooner than 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch.

During this weekend’s sales tax holiday, you can purchase certain water- and energy-efficient products through Memorial Day. Tax-exempt items are things you can use to help conserve or retain groundwater (where College Station’s water comes from), recharge water tables, or decrease ambient air temperature to reduce evaporation.

As Gov. Greg Abbott continues his plans to open Texas, the Parks and Recreation Department has been making plans for reopening spaces, facilities, and programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a look at our current situation, including some answers to your most frequent questions.

City of College Station offices and facilities will be closed Monday for Memorial Day. Sanitation and recycling collections will operate on the regular schedule.

This week marks the 60th annual National Public Works Week, which celebrates the thousands of men and women across the United States and Canada who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services known as public works.

3 steps to make sure you’re ready for a flash flood by City of College Station Did you know flash flooding is the No. 1 cause of weather-related damage in Texas? Sadly, our great state often leads the nation in flood-related deaths. As part of Texas Flood Awareness Week, the City of College Station reminds residents to be prepared.

A section of southbound Arrington Road near William D. Fitch Parkway will be closed for several days starting Monday as crews repair a large water line. The work is expected to be completed by Thursday evening.

Cherry Street will be closed between College Main and Tauber Street for nearby construction starting Monday. The work is scheduled to be finished by June 4.

Thank you to all of the heroes who work hard to make College Station a great place to live, work and visit -- especially during tough times.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, May 14. The workshop will start around 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

The College Station City Council meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch.

Stray Mylar balloons entangled in overhead lines in the last week caused two electric outages for hundreds of College Station residents. Such disruptions can cover a large area for two hours or more while we clear the balloons and repair damaged equipment.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of College Station seeks citizen input this week on five potential Substantial Amendments to the city’s 2015-19 Consolidated Plan. A virtual public hearing will be Thursday at 5 p.m. Mailed comments must be postmarked by Friday.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s contractor this week began replacing the bridge rail on Wellborn Road over University Drive near Northgate. The work is expected to be complete by the end of July.

The City of College Station and the Bryan Business Council (BBC) have partnered with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments to create a Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses that have seen a substantial reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Small businesses need short-term working capital to cover essential expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities. Bridge loans help businesses pay those costs until they receive more permanent assistance, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

The City of College Station has selected Catholic Charities of Central Texas and the St. Vincent De Paul Society of B/CS to each receive $15,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to help College Station residents with their rent and utility bills. The funds are estimated to help more than 140 income-eligible households.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, April 23. The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop will start around 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.

The City of College Station’s Economic Assistance Grant Program distributed $282,802 to 16 small businesses, 188 individuals, and 101 families (households of two or more people). It also helped businesses retain 121 full-time equivalent positions.

The College Station City Council meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch.

In 1970, 20 million people mobilized to call for greater protections for our planet. Earth Day has since become the largest secular observance in the world. Since Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we offer these 20 creative and innovative ways to do your part.

As the community transitions from responding to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the cities of Bryan and College Station, Brazos County and the Brazos County Health District have formed the BCS Operation Restart Task Force.

Greens Prairie Trail between Royder Road and Long Creek Lane will be closed for construction starting Monday. The roadway is expected to open in July. Local traffic will be allowed to Creek Meadows Estates by Long Creek Lane and Timber Drive.

College Station City Manager Bryan Woods recently announced that Jennifer Prochazka, director of the city’s Planning & Development Services Department, was selected to fill the organization’s remaining assistant city manager position – a slot that has been vacant since 2018.

More than 227,000 men and women install and maintain the nation’s nine million miles of electric grid that meet our power needs, including the 28 who serve at College Station Utilities. Saturday is National Lineman Appreciation Day (#ThankaLineman) in honor of the hard-working folks who protect public safety and energize our economy by keeping the power on.

The College Station City Council will conduct a special teleconference meeting Thursday to discuss community recovery efforts in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The council will also consider future agenda items and an update to its annual strategic plan. The executive session — which is closed to the public — begins at 5 p.m., followed by the public portion of the meeting. A live audio feed will be available on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online at cstx.gov/cstv19.

With residents sheltered at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, many find welcome relief by walking their dogs and enjoying the spring sunshine. Unfortunately, reports of pet waste left in our streets, roadways, and parks have increased significantly. Be a responsible, courteous, and law-abiding pet owner — always Scoop the Poop.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused many College Station residents to lose their jobs or have their work hours reduced. For some, paying their rent or making mortgage payments may be a problem. Landlords have expenses that must be paid, and the lack of rent revenue severely affects their ability to stay in business. The situation calls for everyone to work together to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, April 9. The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. The workshop starts around 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6.