Allen ISD’s new open enrollment program for out-of-district transfers led to enrollment of 20 additional students for the spring 2026 semester, according to a district official.

What's happening: The Allen Advantage initiative was soft-launched by Allen ISD in November ahead of the spring semester, Chief Communications Officer David Hicks said. The initiative enables out-of-district families to apply for enrollment status within Allen ISD. The district has offered similar initiatives perviously, but with the Allen Advantage, officials are expanding the scope.

“Really it’s an opportunity in which we can hopefully generate additional revenue because Allen ISD is in an era of declining enrollment,” Hicks said.

The details: Similar to other school districts across North Texas, Allen ISD’s enrollment has declined. According to a district snapshot, enrollment was reported at 21,580 in 2020. That number has declined since with enrollment reported at 20,140 in 2025.

JD Sports is now open at the Allen Premium Outlets, according to a news release.

Zoom in: The business offers jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jerseys and shoes in popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Vans, Champion and more, according to its website.

• 820 Stacy Road, Ste. 604, Allen

Playa Bowls is coming soon to Allen, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

The specifics: Construction is expected to wrap up in late February. The business sells smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices and cold brew, according to its website.

• 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 150 Allen

Members of Allen City Council will discuss an amendment to the construction contract for the new police headquarters, library fees and more at an upcoming February meeting.

Allen City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 for a work session, with a regular meeting to follow at 7 p.m.

What’s happening: The Feb. 10 regular meeting agenda includes discussion and action on a $1.6 million amendment to the contract with CORE Construction Services of Texas for the new Allen Police Department headquarters project for a facility security plan.

The context: The Allen Police Department will move into a new $97.1 million facility in early 2027 after voters passed an $83 million bond in 2023 to contribute funding to the project. The contract amendment is for safety measures such as security cameras and badge readers.

Also of note: Council members will also consider:

• Eliminating late fees for overdue library materials
• Establishing rental fees for library facilities
• Increasing the maximum speed limit on McDermott Drive, between Alma Drive and Watters Road

While working on a flower arrangement in the Allen Flower Shop workroom, co-owner Ginger Kerr Collier points to different sections of the room that stir up memories of family members who stood where she stands today.

In 1972, when Collier was 2 years old, her father, Jim Kerr, bought Allen Flower Shop for her mother, Carloyn Kerr. The Allen couple relocated the business within Allen to the current location in 1973. Collier officially became co-owner of the business with her father in 2025 but has been running the business for the past 15 years, she said.

The background: The Kerr family home, which is where Jim Kerr has lived since 1968, is located a short bike ride from the shop. Collier said when her father bought Allen Flower Shop for her mother as a birthday present, it was meant to give her a hobby.

“My dad always jokes and says, ‘Men, buy your wife flowers, not a whole flower shop,’” Collier said.

• 102 E. Main St., Allen

Last week, McKinney City Council approved another step toward building an affordable apartment community. Meanwhile, Richardson ISD is moving forward with an $86 million Career and Technical Education facility.

Catch up on these six stories from Community Impact's Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

McKinney council approves annexation, zoning for affordable housing development

‘Richardson is at a crossroads’: City likely to see shortfall in coming years due to statewide property tax cap

Grapevine council approves $592K to clear former shooting range

Lupe Tortilla is bringing Tex-Mex classics to Southlake

Katy Trail Ice House to open Allen location

Richardson ISD to grow CTE offerings with new $86M facility

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, or TWPC, has approved $21.2 million to help create and improve outdoor recreational areas in over 40 communities across Texas.

The big picture: The grants are awarded through the agency’s local park grants program. The program requires a 50% local match from participating governments and mandates that funded sites remain public parkland in perpetuity, according to a news release Jan. 30.

Once completed, the projects are expected to add or enhance amenities at approximately 50 community parks statewide. Planned improvements include nature trails, native landscaping, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, piers and other outdoor recreation features, according to the release.

The grants are designed to expand access to outdoor recreation while helping local governments develop and maintain high-quality park spaces. All funded parks must be properly maintained and remain open to the public, according to the TWPC website.

TPWC administers grants based on community size and project scope, according to the release.