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Welcome to the Buzz
The "Bedford Buzz" e-newsletter is a publication of the Bedford Communications Division. If you have any questions about the Buzz, please email public.info@bedfordtx.gov.
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 H-E-B is on its way to H.E.B! On November 21, officials broke ground on the future H-E-B Mid Cities grocery store, located at the northwest corner of Cheek-Sparger Road and Rio Grande Boulevard (the road into the Glade Parks development).
H-E-B Mid Cities, which is located in both Bedford and Euless, will be approximately 126,000 square feet and feature an H-E-B Fuel station, car wash, pharmacy drive-thru, expanded grocery pick-up area, and True Texas BBQ within the store (with a dedicated drive-thru). The store will also include freshly made sushi, H-E-B’s signature tortillas, a deli with a cheese and charcuterie island, full-service bakery, and much more. This location will bring 600 jobs to the area.
During the November groundbreaking, H-E-B donated $10,000 each to five non-profit organizations: HEB ISD Education Foundation, 6 Stones, Upright Theatre Company, The Clubhouse for Special Needs, and Serving Our Seniors.
The long-awaited project has a projected opening date in mid-2026. More updates will be provided as construction on H-E-B Mid-Cities progresses.
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 A new Central Fire Station is in the works for the Bedford Fire Department! Jim Tharp, of Oxley Williams Tharp Architects, presented a site plan to the City Council on November 12 showing how the future Central Fire Station will be situated on the same property as the Law Enforcement Center, located at 2121 L. Don Dodson Dr.
Two years ago, it was determined it was in the best interest of the Fire Department and the City of Bedford, in general, to relocate the Central Fire Station to a different location. The Fire Department needed a new facility for improved functionality as well as one that meets contemporary building and modern fire station standards.
In conjunction with those needs, the current Central Fire Station sits on land that is part of the future Bedford Commons mixed-use development. With the need for an expanded facility, this was a unique opportunity to relocate the station and allow the current building and property to be repurposed to help maximize the future potential of the Bedford Commons development.
The future Central Fire Station will be constructed adjacent to the Law Enforcement Center, where the former detention center is located. During construction, that portion of the building will be removed, and the new, separate Central Fire Station will be constructed. Both departments will share the parking areas around the building.
The future fire station will be approximately 25,000-square feet, compared to the current Central Fire Station which is approximately 14,200-square feet. It will include separate, expanded living quarters for male and female firefighters, along with four drive-through apparatus bays and upgraded offices and meeting spaces for Fire Department Administration. Fire Department leadership have been working closely with architects to ensure the next Central Fire Station will maximize space and meet the department’s needs.
What happens next?
The site plan presented during the November 12 meeting is the first step in the process. Oxley Williams Tharp Architects will now begin meeting with Fire Department staff to gather input in building functionality (design features, accessibility, layout, etc.). The design process will take approximately 8 to 9 months.
Once this phase is completed, the finalized site plan would be brought forward to the City Council for approval. Once approved, the City will be able to move forward with selecting a contractor for construction of the new Central Fire Station.
Additional updates will be communicated on all City channels, when available.
The day many have been waiting for is almost here! The Bedford Senior Activity Center, located at 3524 Central Dr., will be opening to the community soon. In preparation of the new facility’s opening, there are a few things to know:
Old Bedford School Programming
Senior programming (daily classes and special events) at Old Bedford School will end at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 25. After this date and time, there will be NO senior programming at Old Bedford School.
While City staff begin moving into the new facility, December senior programming and special events are suspended. When daily programming resumes at the new facility, the schedule will be posted online at www.bedfordtx.gov/seniors.
December Dances at The Bedford Center YMCA
The Senior Dances scheduled for Monday, December 2 and December 16 at The Bedford Center YMCA (2801 Forest Ridge Dr.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. will happen, as scheduled. Tickets are $6 for each event and can be purchased at the door. Please note, only cash will be accepted.
Senior Center Memberships
Beginning January 1, there will be a membership fee increase for the Senior Activity Center. The new yearly rates are as follows:
- Bedford residents - $15 per year
- Non-Bedford residents - $30 per year
If you’d like to purchase a membership before January 1, you can do so in-person at Old Bedford School (through November 25). After November 25, memberships will still be available to purchase online at www.bedfordtx.gov/seniors. You can also call staff at 817-952-2326 or email recreation@bedfordtx.gov.
In addition, the Senior Activity Center is adding a monthly $10 fitness pass that members can purchase, beginning in January. This fitness pass will give members access to all instructor-led fitness classes. Information on how to register for this pass will be available in January. Please note, members will still be able to use the fitness center and equipment without purchasing the fitness pass. The pass is only for instructor-led classes.
New Evening Hours
Beginning in January, the Senior Activity Center will be staying open later! On Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, the Senior Activity Center will remain open until 8 p.m. The new hours of the facility are as follows:
- Monday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
When an official date for the Senior Activity Center is announced, it will be communicated on all City channels. For additional information, please visit the City’s website at www.bedfordtx.gov/seniors.
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The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! The City is gearing up for the annual Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6 at Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane.
The evening will feature a holiday market, musical performances by HEB ISD students, a children’s activity area, photos with Santa, food trucks, live reindeer, smores, and the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
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All Bedford City offices, including City Hall, Municipal Court, Library, Senior Center, and Animal Shelter, will close at noon on Monday, December 23, and remain closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas.
Trash, recycling, and bulk material collections will operate as usual on Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24. Wednesday customers will be serviced on Thursday, December 26. Thursday services will shift to Friday, December 27. Friday services will shift to Saturday, December 28.
Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services will remain in operation at all times.
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There’s never a dill moment in Bedford, especially at the revamped Pickle Party on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Generations Park at Boys Ranch, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr. This is a NEW time AND location for this event!
At this year’s Pickle Party, families can stroll together around the lake at Generations Park, enjoying pickle-themed activities along the way. With a “pickle passport” in hand, kids (and kids at heart) can collect stamps at activity stations and earn a special prize when they cross the finish line. It’s gonna be a big dill, y’all.
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City Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The City of Bedford was recently awarded its 28th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the City’s annual comprehensive financial report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
This achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Congratulations to the Bedford Finance team!
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Scholarship Opportunity for Local High School Students
 Bedford’s Communications Division recently won eight awards, including top honors, for City produced videos at the annual TATOA - Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors conference in Austin. The City took home:
- First Place: Law Enforcement – Officer Tarango (Bedford Police Recruiting Series)
- First Place: Storytelling – The Paranormal Investigation of Old Bedford School
- Second Place: Editing – The Paranormal Investigation of Old Bedford School
- Third Place: Profile of an Individual – Officer Tarango (Bedford Police Recruiting Series)
- Third Place: Videography – Officer Brooks (Bedford Police Recruiting Series)
- Third Place: Best Use of Video for Social Media – Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
- Third Place: Best Use of Video for Social Media – “Home"
In addition, Bedford took home the top honor of the evening, receiving first place in “Overall Excellence” in video programming. This was the first time the City has received this honor!
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 Nobody likes clogged pipes! Remember to not pour cooking oil, grease, and fats down the drain over the holidays and instead, round it up and recycle it for free.
Now Bedford residents can drop off these liquids 24/7 year-round at the Public Works building, located at 1813 Reliance Parkway. The drop-off bin is located just outside the main gate on the left-hand side.
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Christmas Tree Lighting – Friday, December 6
Please see above for details!
Letters to Santa - Now Through Monday, December 9
Visit the special North Pole Air Mailbox on the porch of the Old Bedford School (2400 School Lane) to drop off your letter to Santa. Elves will pick up and deliver the letters straight to Santa. To receive a letter in return, please make sure you include a legible name and complete mailing address of the sender.
Pickle Party - Saturday, December 14
Please see above for details!
Outdoor Movie Night - Friday, December 20
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Join us for a viewing of “Elf” (2003, Rated PG) under the Christmas lights from 5 to 9 p.m. at Old Bedford School). The movie will begin when the sun goes down.
Need more details? Check out the link below for all upcoming Bedford special events and www.bedfordlibrary.org for all Library events.
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Do you have a general question related to code enforcement, economic development, trash/recycling, parks, etc.? Ask us! Each month, we’ll feature at least one question from “Bedford Buzz” subscribers from the previous issue. Submit your questions at www.bedfordtx.gov/questions.
QUESTION: With the negative remarks to the post about the blue boxes recently put in the organic rock garden at the Y, is anyone considering relocating them? Those colors really don’t belong in a natural environment.
ANSWER: In reference to the new public art piece, The Garden Grove Sculpture, within the circle of rocks at Generations Park at Boys Ranch: at this time, the City is not considering relocating the sculpture. We understand that public art can inspire a variety of opinions, and not everyone may agree with the sculpture, its location, or the presence of public art in general. However, the sculpture and its placement were carefully reviewed and thoughtfully considered by the Cultural Arts Advisory Board through a process spanning several months. Public art is intended to spark conversation and enrich the community as a whole, and decisions about its placement reflect broader input and long-term vision.
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Resident Photo of the Month
 CREDIT: City of Bedford
Since City staff did not receive a photo submission from a Buzz subscriber. Therefore, we hope you enjoy a photo of Tino Paredes, the new Deputy Chief of Operations for the Bedford Fire Department, being sworn in on November 18 by Mayor Dan Cogan. Paredes brings more than 25 years of experience in fire operations to Bedford, joining from the McKinney Fire Department, where he served as Battalion Chief and played a key role in operational efficiency, personnel training, and emergency management.
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Have a photo of you enjoying Bedford? Whether it’s enjoying Generations Park at Boys Ranch or in your own backyard, send your best shot to public.info@bedfordtx.gov and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of “Bedford Buzz.” Please make sure your photo is family-friendly, recently taken in Bedford, and everyone prominently featured in the photo is OK with becoming Buzz-worthy.
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