City of University Park           October 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.    
Road Construction/Traffic Advisories
Daniel Closure

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

Throughout this multi-stage effort,that will also involve sections of Hillcrest and Haynie, it will be necessary to temporarily close sections of the streets, lanes and intersections. In all, utilities construction will take approximately 18 weeks. Weather permitting, utilities work on Daniel (shown on the map in orange) will take 5 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 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.
Block Party Registration
The City welcomes the opportunity to supply residents with warning cones and signs for neighborhood "block parties." Applications must be received no later than three working days before the scheduled event.
Residents are reminded that block parties are not allowed on October 31. This policy assures that proper traffic flow is maintained, especially for emergency vehicles.  

To learn more or to submit an application, click on the tab below. 
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. 
Fire Department
Make sure your home smoke alarms work

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes without properly functioning smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm in your home greatly increases your chance of surviving a fire.
Because smoke alarms rely on a power source to function properly, it is critical to check them monthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should be replaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when battery power is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly, rather than disconnecting the alarm.
Smoke generated by fire is referred to as the silent killer. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation when residents are asleep. A primary component of smoke is carbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A functional smoke alarm can provide early detection and make the difference when minutes count.
This month, under the direction of the Fire Department, local Boy Scouts will distribute flyers urging residents to make sure their household smoke alarms are in working order. Multi-family sections of the city will be targeted in this effort.
UPFD offers assistance with smoke alarm installations
For those needing assistance, especially the aged and individuals with disabilities, department members will test home smoke alarms. If necessary, the department will provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange a visit please call the Fire Department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.
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
Parks and Recreation Department
Fall Movie in the Park & National Night Out - Friday, October 20

Time to get your lawn chairs and blankets ready. This fall's feature in Goar Park is Beauty and the Beast. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Showtime is approximately 7:15 p.m.

  • There will be bounce houses for the kids
  • A Halloween costume contest  
  • The City will provide popcorn and water 
  • In-N-Out will provide hamburger dinners

Event Sponsors:

Door Real Estate, Highland Park ER and In-N-Out

Because we were rained out on October 3, National Night Out will be part of that night's overall activities in Goar Park. UPFD and UPPD personnel are looking forward to your visit and joining in on that night's festivities. Public safety vehicles and equipment will be on display.
Renovations underway at the Holmes Aquatic Center

Construction fencing is installed, marking the first activity in conjunction with improvements to the City's Holmes Aquatic Center. Renovations will center on the northeast building and will involve an updated concessions area, family-style restrooms, meeting rooms and work on the children's sprayground pump equipment. Construction of the northeast building is scheduled to be complete in time for the 2018 pool season. A timetable for the redesign of the existing west building has not been finalized.

Curtis Park's tennis courts, play areas and other amenities will remain open throughout the project.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event - Sunday, November 19


Mark your calendars now! This year's Holiday Tree Lighting event in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 19. Look for more details in the November issue of UPdate, the November Arbor, and on the City's website.
UP Public Library  
UP @ the Library Family Time - Saturday, October 28

UP Public Library's annual Halloween party will take place that afternoon from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

  • Balloon artists
  • Scary stories
  • Crafts
  • Trick-or-Treats

Sponsors:

This month's program is presented by Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
UPPL Friends present City with check

During last month's Annual Meeting, the Friends of the University Park Public Library presented a check for $300,000 to the City to help fund library operations. City Manager Robbie Corder and City Councilmember Taylor Armstrong accepted the check on behalf of the City. 
The Friends have donated $1.5 million to the City for library support since the facility opened in its permanent location in The Plaza at Preston Center in January 2013. To celebrate the library's 5th anniversary special events and programming are planned throughout 2018.  
The Friends of the University Park Public Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds for and promote the library, provide volunteers to assist staff, and offer programs of interest to the community. UP Public Library is free to all residents in University Park and the Highland Park Independent School District. 
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, 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. University Park is the first city in the country to offer residents the convenience of Community Connect.

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.

Community Connect also provides you with basic City information including
hours, addresses and phone numbers for City Hall, the Peek Service Center, UP Public Library and the Holmes Aquatic Center. Additional information includes information about trash collection and lawn watering restrictions. 

If your household has an Alexa-powered device, click on the bar below to add our free Community Connect skill.
Community News


Tour the school district's new campus

Highland Park Independent School District is hosting a community open house to show everyone the District's new elementary school. The event will take place on Saturday, October 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Upcoming City Meetings & Events 
‌