Mayor Scott LeMay began the State of the City address by describing 2022 as a “very exciting year in the city of Garland.” Then a video was shown to share some of the highlights. Events including the city’s first Juneteenth event, the MLK parade, Labor Day parade, Christmas event at Firewheel, live concerts at various venues and the DFW Asian-American Soccer Tournament were mentioned.
The opening of the state-of-the-art animal shelter as well as the Boneyard, Garland’s skatepark, were also noteworthy events. In addition, a new Garland Police Department Evidence Building was completed.
The Parks & Recreation Department saw the completion of updated playgrounds as well as renovations at Gale Fields Recreation Center. Twenty of the 25 playgrounds set for remodel were completed in 2022. Additionally, Firewheel Golf Park enjoyed a record year with 115,000 rounds of golf played in 2022.
The overhaul of the downtown Garland square is over 50% complete. It’s scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. The downtown area also had the honor of being called a “hidden gem you won’t want to miss” by D Magazine. The mayor promised a huge party to celebrate the completion of the downtown construction.
Numerous street improvements were completed throughout the city and many more are coming. TXDot has reached the halfway point of the 635 East project which will be completed in 2024.
Garland’s Water Department, that began as a hand dug well in the downtown square, celebrated 100 years of service.
The 2022 Make Your Mark award went to the members of the committee that planned the Juneteenth event. The mayor described them as:
“A team of extraordinary Garland leaders who provided the city with important insight and perspective as we worked to create a special event to honor an important time in the city and our nation’s and state’s history.”
LeMay also called the event a “great day of food, fun and fellowship.”
City Manager Bryan Bradford retired after 30 years of service to the city and Judson Rex was installed as the new city manager.
The mayor also praised the city staff for the awards and recognitions received by many of the departments.
LeMay recognized Dorothy White, city of Garland Public & Media Relations director, who recently retired. He said that she had done an awesome job for the city and wished her luck in future endeavors.