City of University Park          November 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.    
Parks and Recreation Department
Snider Plaza Tree Lighting - November 19

The 11th annual University Park Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. Throughout the event there will be live performances on the main stage, and lots of children’s activities including bounce houses and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Operation Kindness will also be on site featuring pet adoptions.


Tasty snacks and drinks 

Local vendors will be offering a variety of tasty treats and snacks. Sponsored by Andrews Distributing, the event will also feature a beer garden, a designated area on the Plaza’s south side, where complimentary beer and wine will be offered with proof of age and a donation to the North Texas Food Bank.
A season for giving to those less fortunate

Again this year, the Rotary Club of Park Cities and the UP Merchants Association are joining up to raise money for Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities to benefit the North Texas Food Bank and low income areas of South Dallas that do not have readily available grocery stores.

Additional event parking

Additional parking will be available at the SMU Law School parking garage at Daniel and Hillcrest.

Event sponsors
 
This year’s key sponsors include; Methodist Health Systems, Andrews Distributing, People Newspapers, SMU, Questcare, Rotary Club of Park Cities, UP Merchants Association and the City of University Park.
Holmes Aquatic Center renovations

Improvements are well underway at the Holmes Aquatic Center. The project involves the construction of a new building on the northeast side of the complex that will result in an updated concessions area, family-style restrooms, meeting rooms and work on the children's sprayground pump equipment. 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.
Germany Park track renovations on schedule 

Upgrades to the track at Germany Park are nearing completion. The work, underway since mid-September began with the removal of the existing track surface and the replacement of asphalt base. Now, the new rubberized surface is in place.  In addition to resurfacing the track, an outdoor fitness area is being installed.  Located on the north side of the track near the tennis courts, the fitness area will have several components to support individual workouts and exercise programs. For user accessibility and safety, the fitness area also has a rubberized surface.

Until all the upgrades are finished, the track surface and the infield area will remain closed to the public. The park's tennis courts and the playground to the south of the park (Davis Park) are open. Weather permitting, all work will be completed by early December. 
Fire Department
UPFD achieves ISO Class 1 rating for fire protection

The City of University Park now holds an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest Public Protection Classification (PPC) awarded by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Less than one percent of municipalities in the United States hold a Class 1 rating. 

ISO is an advisory organization that serves the property and casualty insurance industry by providing inspection and statistical services. A Class 1 rating means that University Park enjoys a level of fire protection that is second to none. Additionally, as a result of the classification homeowners and businesses in the city continue to have comparably lower property insurance rates. 

Throughout the nation, ISO classifies communities on a 1 to 10 scale. To earn a Class 1 rating, municipalities must demonstrate they posses the best systems for water distribution, fire department equipment, firefighting personnel, and fire notification dispatch facilities.  
Santa Around Town begins December 11

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

Starting Monday, December 11 and continuing each night through Friday, December 15, Santa will ride through a different section of University Park spreading holiday cheer. The fun begins each night at 6 p.m. and ends each night about 8 p.m.
Santa Fire Engine Tracker
If you want to wave at Santa as he rides by, consult this color-coded City map to the right. Better yet, beginning December 1, go to the City’s website homepage and click on the Santa Around Town details. There you will find a link that you can click on to track Santa’s nightly progress through the neighborhoods. 


* Dates/times subject to emergency calls
Fireplace safety tips

With cooler temperatures just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make sure that your wood-burning fireplace is ready for use this fall and winter. That preparation begins with having your chimney inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional.


Here are additional fireplace safety tips from UPFD:


  • Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of your chimney
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, ideally logs that have been seasoned for six months to a year
  • Make sure your damper is open before you light the fire
  • Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep burning embers inside the fireplace
  • Never burn trash or plastics in your fireplace
  • Never start your fire with gasoline or other flammable liquids
Police Department 
UPPD Community Survey

Central to retaining its accreditation with The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, the Police Department must survey residents for suggestions on community needs, and for input on how the Department can better serve the public.

If you're a University Park resident, and you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to answer a 10 question survey. To take the survey, click on the green tab below.  After you have completed it, submit the survey by clicking on the DONE button. Thank you for your participation and input. 
House Watch

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period this holiday season, 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.
Road Construction/Traffic Advisories
Daniel closure moves east to Hillcrest

In conjunction with the Park Plaza Project, Rogers-O'Brien is relocating and replacing existing underground utilities on a section of Daniel, just south of Snider Plaza.

Construction activity is now centered on Daniel from the Daniel/Hillcrest intersection, back to Snider Plaza (shown on the map in orange). Southern access to Snider Plaza will not be interrupted. Vehicles will be able to enter Snider Plaza using Daniel, if approaching from the west. M otorists traveling on Daniel from the east will not be able to enter the plaza using Daniel.

In the weeks ahead, this underground utilities work will also involve sections of Hillcrest and Haynie. 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 options. 

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 fall, 2018.
UP Public Library
Holidays at UP Public Library
Visit the University Park Public Library in the Plaza at Preston Center Saturdays in December for holiday entertainment and treats for all ages. All programs begin at 3 p.m. and are free-of-charge. For more information call the library at 214-363-9095.
Dec. 2 – Story time with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 9 – Holiday Crafts and Treats
Dec. 16 – Holiday fun and mischief with Leon the Elf Program
Sponsors: Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
Friends of University Park Public Library - The Importance of Being Ernest Hemingway
November 17 - The Importance of Being Ernest Hemingway, a speaking engagement with the ever-popular Dr. Elliot Engel. A scholar, performer, and storyteller, his infectious enthusiasm and radiant wit create an imaginative and delightful presentation.
 
Program starts at 7 p.m. Check-in and refreshments at 6:30 p.m. at University Park Methodist Church - 4024 Caruth Blvd.

Tickets: $35
Friends to help library celebrate 5th anniversary in Preston Center Plaza with lecture series

It's been five years since UP Public Library moved to the Plaza at Preston Center.  In January, the Friends will celebrate that milestone by hosting four lectures featuring a star-studded lineup of outstanding speakers. City social media will provide more details in the days ahead concerning speakers, program topics, dates and how to reserve your seat for one or more of the talks.
Sanitation Division

Here is the Thanksgiving Holiday sanitation schedule:

Regular Route                     Holiday Route

Monday - Thursday             Monday - Friday
Tuesday - Friday                 Tuesday - Saturday
City's Social Media
Community Connect – The newest way to get City news and information 

We think it's great that you follow the City on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Nextdoor. Here's the newest way to keep up with us.

If you have an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show, or a similar device from Google or Apple, you can get City news and information without logging on to a computer or making a phone call. Using these Alexa-powered devices, Community Connect provides you with general community news and events, road closure information and emergency alerts. Community Connect also lets residents listen to articles from the City's monthly newsletter, and acquire basic information about municipal services and hours of operation. 

To use Community Connect, just add the free skill to your Alexa app. Asking Alexa to provide you with information about University Park is easy. Choose from 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.

If your household has an Alexa-powered device, click on the bar below to add our free Community Connect skill.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events 
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