City of University Park          December 2017
Welcome to UPdate .  This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.    
Fire Department
Santa Around Town ends tonight - December 15 

While his elves are back at the North Pole making sure his sleigh is ready for the big night, Santa Claus has been touring the streets of University Park on a UPFD fire engine.

Tonight is the last night of Santa's trip through our neighborhoods. Tonight's path involves homes on the southeast side of the City (pink on map).  The fun begins at 6 p.m. 
Santa Tracker
If you want to wave at Santa as he rides by, consult this color-coded City map to the right. Better yet, go to the City’s website homepage and click on the Santa Around Town details. There you will find a link you can use to track Santa’s progress tonight as he travels through the southeast side of the City. 


* Dates/times subject to emergency calls
Road Construction/Traffic Advisories
Portion of Haynie closed to traffic

In conjunction with the Park Plaza Project, Rogers-O'Brien is continuing its work to relocate and replace existing utilities on Daniel, Hillcrest and Haynie.  

Activity is now focused on Haynie. A portion of that street is closed from the alley behind Compass Bank to Hillcrest (see map). 

Please note, there will be no access from Haynie onto Hillcrest during this phase of work. Weather permitting, Rogers-O'Brien anticipates this closure will last approximately 4 weeks. 

Motorists should stay aware of signage and detours as they change with the flow of progress. The City will assist Rogers-O'Brien by posting specifics on how each phase of the work will impact traffic and parking in the area. If you are not following the City on social media, now would be a good time to start. Click on the tab below to look at offerings. 

The Park Plaza project involves the construction of a mixed-use development, featuring office space, retail shops and restaurants at the corner of Hillcrest and Daniel.  While utilities work continues, the developer is working with the City's Community Development Department concerning the issuance of a building permit. The Park Plaza Project is slated for completion in late 2018.
Parks and Recreation Department
Germany Park track renovations completed 

The park's resurfaced track is now ready for runners and walkers of all ages. Next time you are there, be sure to stop by the park's new o utdoor fitness area. It features several components to support individual workouts and exercise programs. Like the track, for user accessibility and safety, the fitness area has a rubberized surface. 
Snider Plaza Tree Lighting recap

Wow, what a great turnout for the 11th annual Holiday Tree Lighting event! Here's a tip of the cap from City staff to event hosts, the UP Merchants Association and Rotary Club of Park Cites. Thanks also to all those who gave so generously to the event charities. See you next November!
Holmes Aquatic Center renovations

Improvements are well underway at the Holmes Aquatic Center. The concrete foundation is in place for the new building on the northeast side of the complex. That building will house an updated concessions area, family-style restrooms and meeting rooms. The project also involves new pump equipment for the children's sprayground. The project is scheduled to be complete in time for the 2018 pool season. 

Curtis Park's tennis courts, play areas and other amenities will remain open throughout the project.
Police Department 
House Watch

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period during the Christmas or New Year time periods, you can have your home checked daily by a UPPD officer. The process is simple. You can make the request online, or you can fill out a form from the City's website, and return it to our 9-1-1 Dispatch Center at City Hall.
Donations for Genesis Women's Shelter


Again this holiday season, the University Park Police Department is collecting new toys and new clothing for children of all ages who are serviced by the Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas. The organization provides safety, shelter and support for women who have experienced domestic violence, and raises awareness regarding its cause, prevalence and impact. Here is a photo of some of the toys donated by City staff.

The donation effort runs through Wednesday, December 20.  You can drop donations off at UP City Hall. The donation box is located just inside City Hall's 24-hour entrance.
UP Public Library
Holidays @ UP Public Library
Tomorrow's program is the last of three special holiday-themed events at the library.  Enjoyable for all ages, the fun begins at 3 p.m. and it's free-of-charge. For more information call the library at 214-363-9095.

December 16 – Holiday fun and mischief with Leon the Elf
Sponsors: Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
UPPL Friends host for special January lecture series

Look who’s turning 5! It's been nearly five years since UP Public Library moved to the Plaza at Preston Center. In celebration, the Friends of UPPL will kick-off 2018 with a special lecture series. All the lectures will be held in the library’s 3rd floor community room from 7 to 8 p.m. 

Mark your calendar and join us Tuesdays and Thursdays, on January 16, 18, 23, 25
 
  • January 16 - Making Sense of New Media – Reid Slaughter, journalist
  • January 18 - Pet Health and Parenting - Dr. John Vandermeer, Highland Park Animal Hospital & Melissa Anderson with dog, Skinny Vinnie
  • January 23 - Privacy in a Public World - Ashley Cook, CEO/Founder ZOCCAM 
  • January 25 - And the Oscar Goes to… - Libby Hunt, movie reviewer
Just in time for the holidays, this lecture series would make a great gift. The Friends are offering one amazing price for all 4 speakers - $20. 
Where to get tickets
Series tickets are available at these library supporters: Suzanne Roberts Gifts, Kid Biz and Lucky Dog Barkery or UP Public Library.   
This lectures series is underwritten by Kathy Myers and Lacy Schultz - Dave Perry Miller Real Estate
City's Social Media
The newest way to get City news and information 

If an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show, is on your Christmas gift list, keep this in mind. These devices and similar products from Google and Apple will give you another convenient way to get City news and information without logging on to a computer or making a phone call.
Our service is called Community Connect. It provides you with general community news and events, road closure information and emergency alerts. Community Connect also lets you listen to articles from the City's monthly newsletter, and acquire basic City information including hours, address and phone numbers for City Hall, the Peek Service Center, UP Public Library and the Holmes Aquatic Center. 
To use Community Connect, just add the free skill to your Alexa app. Then ask Alexa to provide you with news and information using these specific prompts:
Alexa, Ask My University Park what's in the news? 
Alexa, ask My University Park what are the events?
Alexa, ask My University Park for road closures.
Alexa, ask My University Park to read The Arbor.
Alexa, ask My University Park for building hours.
Sanitation Division - Holiday collection schedule

Christmas

Regular Route                     Holiday Route

Monday - Thursday             Tuesday - Thursday
Tuesday - Friday                 Wednesday - Friday

New Year's Day

Regular Route                    Holiday Route

Monday - Thursday            Tuesday - Thursday
Tuesday - Friday                Wednesday - Friday
Christmas tree recycling
Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree. The Sanitation Division will pick up discarded trees on scheduled collection days from front curbsides. Before setting your tree out for collection, remove the tree’s stand and all ornaments, lights, tinsel and plastic. If you live south of Lovers Lane collection is free if the tree is at the curb by January 4 . For residents who live north of Lovers Lane, curb collection is free through January 5 . After those dates, the collection fee is $23. If you place your tree at curbside and do not remove the tree stand, lights or ornaments, your next monthly water bill will show a $23 charge. For more information, call the Sanitation Division at 214-987-5451, or dial 3-1-1. 

Want an email that reminds you to set your tree out? Click on the bar below.  Then, type in your home address and ask for a reminder.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events