Did you know that Lewisville is almost 100 years old? It’s true! Back when Lewisville first became a city, there were only about 500 people living here. Today, there are probably that many kids in your school! Lewisville has lots of fun things to see and do, especially for kids. This book is about a boy who moves to Lewisville and discovers many fun and interesting things about his new hometown. A few years ago, the people who live and work in Lewisville started talking about changes they wanted for our city. They put together the Lewisville 2025 vision plan that includes nine Big Moves to make Lewisville an even better place to live, work, and play. Like you, this plan is always growing and changing. As you follow along Marco’s adventures, see if you can identify some of those Big Moves. Parents, at the back of this book are some pages where you and your kids can share thoughts on how the city has grown with the Lewisville 2025 vision plan, and what you want to see in the Lewisville 2035 plan. Castle Hills residents, we want to hear from you too! Special thanks to the Mayor, City Council, Lewisville 2025 Steering Committee, Arts Advisory Board, Lewisville Independent School District, and Todd Fechter (Lewisville resident and Professor of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communications at UTD).
Marco’s Big Move
Story by Renee Kirchner & Allen Wiskera Illustrations by Morgan McGrath
Marco missed his old neighborhood. He missed his favorite park. But most of all, he missed his friends. His family moved to Lewisville because his Dad got a great new job.
BIG MOVE - EMPLOYMENT CENTERS The city’s close proximity to DFW Airport, I-35E, and SH121 helps attract national and international business. Lewisville is home to some major companies like Mary Kay Inc., Ericsson, HOYA Vision Care North America, and DJO Global. This Big Move supports the longterm success of these businesses and promotes bringing new employers to Lewisville. Good jobs lead to more opportunities for our residents.
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“I’m sure you’ll like Lewisville if you give it a chance,” Mom said. Marco wasn’t so sure. While Marco unpacked his toys, he heard his Mom typing on the computer. “Let’s see what this city has to offer,” Mom said. She and Marco made plans to explore the city with Dad the next day.
BIG MOVE - MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Keeping residents informed is a major priority for the City. This Big Move aims to promote events like Western Days and Sounds of Lewisville, and places like Old Town and LLELA through multiple social media sites and the city website (cityoflewisville.com). The Horizon newsletter, mailed to all residents, and a Visitor Information Center also help spread the word about special events and exhibits.
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Marco, Mom, and Dad set out early to go to Old Town. Marco rode his bike while Mom and Dad followed him. “Hey,” said Marco. “Look how fast my bike goes on these smooth sidewalks.” The sidewalks in his old neighborhood were cracked and bumpy.
BIG MOVE - THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS The community wanted greater investment in existing neighborhoods to promote revitalization. The City created the Neighborhood Services Department and grant programs to help residents beautify their property and neighborhoods. We invested more money in police and fire services, as well as sidewalk and street repairs.
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They all stopped to admire the Old Town murals. “What a colorful town,� said Mom. 9
Across the street, Marco saw a stream running through Wayne Ferguson Plaza. He followed it on his bike. At the top of the stream, Marco heard gurgling noises and found a splash pad. “Can we play in the water?” asked Marco. “Sure,” said Dad. “Mom and I will watch you from this bench.” Marco stomped in the splash pad and laughed. “This is fun, but it would be more fun if I had a friend to play with.” 10
Next, they explored the shops in Old Town. “My legs are getting tired from pedaling,” said Marco. “Let’s head back home,” said Dad. “Then we can rest a while before we explore more of the city.”
BIG MOVE - OLD TOWN Old Town is a family-friendly destination for walking, entertainment, and transit-oriented living. The City, developers, and business owners have worked together to increase activities, residential options, and quality events like Sounds of Lewisville and Holiday Stroll in Old Town. Public art pieces and street beautification projects make Old Town the perfect place to eat, shop, and have fun.
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Marco pedaled in the front, while Mom and Dad followed him. He saw a big blue garbage truck stopping in front of a house. As the man on the back of the truck dumped the trash, a plastic bottle fell in front of Marco. Marco hopped off his bike and picked up the bottle. “This one almost got away,” Marco said to the man as he handed him the bottle. “Thanks, but that actually goes into the recycling bin,” said the man. “When everyone pitches in, it’s easy to keep Lewisville beautiful!”
BIG MOVE - SUSTAINABILITY The community wanted the City to find more sustainable ways of using and protecting our resources (like water, energy, and green spaces) so they can be enjoyed now and in the future. The City encourages people to save water, plant native plants, and recycle. We made it easier for people to install solar panels in homes and businesses. The City also worked to make city facilities more energy efficient and added new electric vehicles to its fleet.
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When they got home, Marco said, “I’m hungry. Can we have lunch soon?” “What if we have a picnic at the park?” Dad suggested. “Great idea,” said Mom. Working together, they all made their favorite sandwiches. Marco made peanut butter and jelly. Dad made a BLT. Mom made turkey and cheese. They packed their picnic lunch in the car.
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On the way to the park, their car passed a fire station. “Look, the firemen are washing their fire truck!” Marco waved to the friendly fireman. Next, they passed a big brick school with a giant football field. Marco loved playing football. “Is that where I’ll go to school?” asked Marco. “Not yet,” said Mom. “But one day you’ll be old enough to be a Fighting Farmer.”
BIG MOVE - THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS A 2019 survey found that 84 percent of residents are happy with police and fire services in Lewisville. In order to keep our community safe, the City dedicates a major portion of its annual budget to public safety. The Fire Department currently has 159 sworn positions and opened two new fire stations in 2019, bringing the total number to eight. One of those new stations is located in Castle Hills. The Police Department currently has 175 sworn positions. The Police Department patrols and performs duties in both Lewisville and Castle Hills.
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Marco looked out the window when the car passed the Sun Valley Aquatic Center. He saw colorful slides and umbrellas around a big, cool swimming pool. “Wow!” said Marco. “Can we go there today?” “Maybe one day soon,” said Dad. “Today we’re going to Central Park for a picnic.” “How much further?” asked Marco. “Not far,” said Mom. “We have to go through a few more neighborhoods.”
BIG MOVE: EXTENDING THE GREEN The community wanted more access to parks with great facilities. Residents overwhelmingly approved the construction of Thrive, the city’s new 87,000-square-foot multigenerational recreation center. It will feature an indoor natatorium, gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, expanded fitness area, indoor playground, and an active adult wing. Thrive is expected to open in Spring 2020. Right across the street, the City is working to create a nature park as a complimentary open space to Thrive. The 23-acre park will have trails, nature-based play areas, and viewing platforms to watch all the furry, scaly, and feathered animals that live in the forest and creek area. The nature park is expected to open in 2020.
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They passed houses of all shapes and sizes along the way. “Maybe a new friend lives in one of these houses,� said Dad.
BIG MOVE - NEW NEIGHBORHOOD CHOICES Residents want to live close to where they shop and eat. This Big Move provides expanded neighborhood options to make Lewisville appealing to all ages and incomes. The City is changing with the times and focusing on developments with a wider variety of residential choices. It also anticipates welcoming Castle Hills residents after annexation.
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At last, Dad pulled into the parking lot of Central Park and found a shady parking spot. The park was huge. There were lots of big trees, a shady trail, and even a playground. None of the parks in Marco’s old town were so pretty. They chose a nice picnic table in the shade by the playground. Marco wolfed down his sandwich so he could go play. “Don’t eat so fast,” said Mom. Mom and Dad finished their sandwiches while Marco raced to the swing set.
BIG MOVE - EXTENDING THE GREEN The community wanted more trails and easier access to parks. This Big Move links bike trails throughout the city, and creates small open spaces for residential use. It also aims to connect neighborhoods to recreational facilities. The City has joined the 10 Minute Walk to a Park campaign, designed and built multiple new walking trails, and now requires new residential developers to designate more property as park land.
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A little girl was on the swing next to him. She smiled at Marco. She seemed nice, and he really wanted a new friend. “Do you want to play tag?” he asked. “Sure,” she said as she jumped off the swing. Marco jumped, too. “I’m Avery and I’m five and a half and you’re it!” she said as she tapped him on the shoulder. Giggling, she took off running. Marco chased her across the playground. After they played tag for a while, Avery said, “I’m tired.” “Me, too,” said Marco.
BIG MOVE: NEW NEIGHBORHOOD CHOICES Lewisville is working hard to inform and include Castle Hills residents on city-related issues ahead of annexation, which could happen as early as 2021. There are currently four Castle Hills residents serving on various Lewisville boards and commissions and seven Castle Hills residents enrolled in Citizen’s University, learning how our City government works. Residents also receive the Castle Hills Horizon newsletter each month, which covers a wide-array of issues related to Castle Hills, announcement of upcoming quarterly meetings with Lewisville officials, and notices of major upcoming family-friendly events.
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“Do you want to see something neat?” asked Avery. She held Marco’s hand and led him to a post on the edge of a trail. Mounted on the post was the first page of a picture book. Marco’s Mom and Dad and Avery’s Grandma joined them on the trail. “What’s this?” asked Marco. “This is the Lewisville Library’s Story Stroll,” said Avery’s Grandma. Every month there is a new book that kids and parents can read together at the park.” They all read the book together while they walked through the park.
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“It’s getting late Marco,” said Mom. “We’d better go home and finish unpacking.” “Can’t we stay a few more minutes?” asked Marco. “I have a great idea,” said Avery’s Grandma. “Why don’t you join us at LLELA next weekend for a nature walk?” “What is LLELA?” asked Dad. “It’s a beautiful nature preserve,” said Avery’s Grandma, “They’ve got trails and wildlife and all kinds of fun, educational programs. It’s a little slice of paradise right here in Lewisville. We drive in from Castle Hills to visit as often as we can.” “That sounds like a lot of fun. We’d love to go with you,” said Mom.
BIG MOVE - GREEN CENTERPIECE LLELA, which stands for Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, is home to extraordinary views, wildlife, and unique educational activities. A family of bald eagles has even made LLELA their home. LLELA provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing in the heart of the city. The entrance to LLELA is located at 201 E. Jones Street, just north of Old Town. To learn more about LLELA, visit llela.org.
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As Marco, Mom, and Dad drove back, Marco smiled. After just one day of exploring, Lewisville already felt like home.
BIG MOVE - IDENTITY FOCAL POINTS I-35E is Lewisville’s front door, which is why residents wanted it to be more inviting and beautiful. The City is making that happen with regional gateways featuring unique visuals like the Hebron 121 Station apartments in the south, and the lake-themed murals on the FM 407 and Garden Ridge overpasses. The City also has adopted new land use regulations to ensure future development along the I-35E corridor will be top-notch.
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In 2014, Lewisville residents wanted to see change. They wanted their city to invest more in its green spaces, trails, neighborhoods, and Old Town. They wanted the city to improve communication and marketing, attract major employers to relocate to Lewisville, provide a greater variety of housing choices, improve key areas along I-35E, and become a more sustainable city. The Lewisville 2025 vision plan is a bold plan, written to reflect our resident’s feedback and drive long-term change. The plan now guides all city decision-making. But we want more feedback! How are we doing so far? What improvements or changes do you still want to see in Lewisville?
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To take the questionnaire online, please visit cityoflewisville.com/Marco or scan the QR code. You will be asked to answer these questions about Lewisville’s future: 1. How can Lewisville be a more loveable city? 2. How can Lewisville be a city that cares even more about people? 3. How can Lewisville be a city that continues to value and protect the natural world?
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Copyright 2019 City of Lewisville