As Celina’s park system expands to serve a growing population, officials have to balance recreation and water conservation.

The background: Crews broke ground on Wilson Creek Park, a roughly 100-acre park at the corner of future Sunset Boulevard and Roseland Parkway, in September 2025. Designs for Ousley Park, a 9-acre park that traces the path of Doe Branch Creek near downtown Celina, are also underway.

What's happening: Officials are rethinking certain aspects of the parks–natural grass sports fields at Wilson Creek Park and a potential splash pad at Ousley Park–in light of the city’s water conservation efforts, Director of Parks Steve Walsh said.

Quote of note: “It’s Texas,” Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Grumbles said. “I really feel like all fields should be turf fields just because of the drought aspect … Mother Nature’s terrible on us.”

Church of the Advent held its first service in Celina on Aug. 16, Rev. Andrew Crowson confirmed.

The details: The congregation meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at The Venue at Waterstone.

About the organization: Church of the Advent is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, according to the church’s website.

• 10455 CR 133, Celina

Collin County voters will choose between two candidates for the Collin County Clerk seat, which will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

What you need to know: The candidates running for the position are Republican incumbent Stacey Kemp and Democrat John Russell.

Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

What else? Oct. 5 is the last day for residents to register to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. Early voting will take place from Oct. 19-30.

A Sandman Signature Hotel is planned to be constructed in Grapevine and Allen ISD is working on renovations with funds from a 2024 Bond. Check out some of the latest construction filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

1. Sandman Signature Hotel in Grapevine

A six-story, 221-room hotel is planned to be constructed near Grapevine Mills, per a TDLR filing. Sandman Signature Hotels offer Canadian hospitality, comfort and style according to its website. A company spokesperson said Northland Properties closed on the 5.9-acre site in August.

• Location: Lot 4 3400 Grapevine Mills Blvd. N., Grapevine

• Estimated timeline: Nov. 15, 2026-Nov. 15, 2028

• Estimated cost: $30 million

2. Providence Church in Frisco

Providence Church in Frisco has purchased a 27-acre site for a new church in Frisco, according to its website. The 61,645-square-foot facility will be constructed along Panther Creek Parkway, according to the TDLR filing.

• Location: Panther Creek Parkway, Frisco

• Estimated timeline: Jan. 4, 2027-June 5, 2028

• Estimated cost: $25 million