Number 275, August 2026

Hearing dates for proposed FY2027 City Budget

On Tuesday, August 4 and Monday, August 17, the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2027 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2027 budget and tax rate during the Monday, August 17 meeting. A copy of the draft FY2027 budget is available on the City’s website. Both Council Meetings will begin at 5 p.m.

If you have comments about the proposed budget, and you want make them in person on either of these dates, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to register to speak before you arrive at City Hall, please fill out an online form.

Remote viewing and eComment options

All Council Meetings are livestreamed on the City's website at uptexas.org. If you want to comment remotely or have comments included in the Public Comments portion of a Council Meeting, you can use our website’s eComment feature, or you can contact Christine Green, City Secretary, at cgreen@uptexas.org or 214-987-5302. Please note that the Mayor will acknowledge receipt of written comments, but written comments are not always read aloud.

Clayton and Ellen Kershaw selected as 2026 Citizens of the Year

Clayton and Ellen Kershaw have been selected as University Park's 2026 Citizens of the Year, recognizing their longstanding commitment to serving others and the positive impact they have made both within the community and beyond.

For the Kershaws, University Park has always been home. Clayton attended Bradfield Elementary, while Ellen attended Hyer Elementary. They met in middle school through mutual friends and started dating during their freshman year of high school. While Clayton went on to build a remarkable 18-year Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, University Park remained home for the Kershaw family.

"University Park has always been home for us," they shared. "It was important to us to raise our children here, where they could grow up in the same close-knit community that shaped our own childhoods."

Now married for 15 years, the Kershaws are raising their five children in University Park, where they enjoy the neighborhood's unique small-town feel.

"We call it Mayberry," they said. "Our kids bike to their friends' houses, find pickup games after school, and we're surrounded by our friends and former classmates who have moved back home to raise their own families.”

Throughout the years, the Kershaws have dedicated their time to serving others. Shortly after they were married, Clayton and Ellen founded Kershaw's Challenge, a nonprofit born from a shared desire to serve children in need. Inspired by Ellen's years of mission work in Zambia and a visit the couple made together after their wedding, they met a young orphan named Hope whose story inspired them to take action. They launched Kershaw's Challenge to raise the funds needed to build a children's home, with Clayton pledging donations for every strikeout he recorded on the mound.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, including many families from the Park Cities who are now loyal donors, the organization opened a home for Hope and 12 other orphans. Since then, Kershaw's Challenge has expanded its reach to support trusted partner organizations serving vulnerable children in the Dominican Republic, Uganda, Los Angeles, and Dallas, providing resources for essentials such as food, shelter, medical care, and safe places to grow and thrive.

Beyond their work through Kershaw’s Challenge, Clayton and Ellen also stepped up to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025. Wanting to help a city that holds a special place in their hearts, they organized a community-wide donation drive in University Park for families who had lost everything. The response was overwhelming, with neighbors filling an entire 70-foot semi-truck with donated supplies.

"It was a perfect example of our community rallying around a cause," they said. "People gave whatever they could to help families they had never even met."

Ellen has also devoted countless hours to serving the community through the Hyer Elementary PTA, where she recently completed a year as president, following in the footsteps of both her mother and sister.

"I loved getting to see the behind-the-scenes partnership between the schools and the City," Ellen said. "It gave me an even greater appreciation for all the work that goes into making this community so special."

The Kershaws hope future generations continue embracing University Park's tradition of service.

"The beauty of our community is that everyone is eager to serve in some capacity," they said. "Kids grow up watching their parents give generously and care for others. We hope they learn that no matter what their talents or passions are, they can use them to make a difference."

When the couple was informed they had been selected as the City's 2026 Citizens of the Year, they said they were both surprised and deeply honored.

"We love this neighborhood, but mostly the people in it," they said. "It's generations of friendships, neighbors supporting neighbors, and now getting to watch our own children grow up here. We're incredibly thankful and excited to receive this honor."

Established by the University Park City Council in 2005, the Citizen of the Year award recognizes residents whose service and dedication have made a lasting difference in the community. Through their generosity and commitment to helping others, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw exemplify the spirit of University Park.

While Citizen of the Year recipients are traditionally recognized during the City's annual Fourth of July Parade and celebration, the Kershaws were unable to attend this year's festivities due to prior commitments. They will instead be honored during the City's annual Holiday Tree Lighting in November.

Major improvements completed in Snider Plaza and Miracle Mile

The City of University Park is pleased to announce the completion of the Snider Plaza Improvements Project and Miracle Mile Improvements Project. Both projects were completed ahead of schedule in partnership with SYB Construction.

“These projects represent significant investments in the future of University Park, ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to gather, shop and dine in these beloved commercial areas for generations to come,” said City Manager Robbie Corder. “We are grateful to SYB Construction, City Council, our staff, residents, and the business and property owners whose partnership and patience helped make these projects a success.”

The Snider Plaza Improvements Project began in May 2024 and was completed in November 2025. The project included upgrades to underground infrastructure, replacement of the fountain, enhanced landscaping, and the realignment of sidewalks, crosswalks and other features. The project also added ADA-compliant improvements, upgraded lighting, new bike racks, benches and trash receptacles, as well as the new Rankin Lot, which provides more than 50 additional parking spaces.

The Miracle Mile Improvements Project began in May 2025 and was completed in summer 2026. Located along Lovers Lane, just east of the Dallas North Tollway, the project replaced aging underground infrastructure, improved pedestrian mobility and safety, and addressed traffic congestion. Improvements include ADA-compliant infrastructure, an increase in total parking spaces, a realigned intersection at Douglas Avenue and Lovers Lane, and roadway, sidewalk and landscaping enhancements.

Throughout construction, the City developed several initiatives to support local businesses, including the Snider Plaza and Miracle Mile Holiday Passports. The City also hosted weekend events in Snider Plaza featuring complimentary treats, crafts with University Park Public Library, and photo opportunities with the University Park Police and Fire Departments. To keep residents, businesses and other stakeholders informed, the City distributed weekly construction update emails throughout both projects.

HPISD students return to campus on Wednesday, August 19. With school back in session, the streets around the City’s various campuses will be more congested. UPPD reminds motorists that active school zones are designated by flashing yellow lights.

School zone times in University Park - all campuses

• 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• 20 MPH is the speed limit in all active school zones

Parents, please make sure that your children use the sidewalks when walking or riding their bikes to school. Children should follow the directions of the crossing guard, who will make sure they cross safely. Early in the school year, UPPD will have extra officers watching queuing lanes at the elementary and intermediate/middle school campuses.

SMU move-in

SMU students are heading back to the Hilltop for the start of the fall semester! Move-in dates begin on August 14, so there will be increased traffic in and around the campus during this time. The fall semester begins on Monday, August 24.

Electric bike regulation reminders

As students gear up for the new school year, now is a great time to brush up on the City’s updated electric bicycle regulations. Whether your student rides an e-bike to class or around the neighborhood, these rules are important to know!

In November 2024, an ordinance was approved to expand regulations for e-bike operation in University Park. These updates aim to improve safety and ensure all operators are riding responsibly, especially in and around school zones.

E-bike regulations

All e-bike operators in University Park must:

• Hold a valid driver license
• Obtain a permit from the University Park Police Department
• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws
• Wear a helmet if under age 21
• Ensure the e-bike has a permanent manufacturer’s label with class, top speed, and motor wattage

How to get an e-bike permit

To avoid citations and help ensure everyone’s safety, all e-bike operators will need a permit. Here’s how to get one:

• Where: In person at the UPPD Administration Office (City Hall, 2nd floor, 3800 University Blvd)
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Who: The operator (or parent/guardian if under 18) must apply in person

The permit process includes an inspection of the e-bike. To pass, the e-bike must meet the following criteria:

• Front white light visible from 500 feet
• Rear red light visible from 500 feet
• Working front and rear brakes
• Reflectors on both sides
• No modifications that violate the Texas Transportation Code
• Class 3 E-Bikes must have a speedometer

During the application process, a UPPD officer will go over roadway safety, operational regulations, and answer any questions. Once the e-bike passes inspection, the operator will receive their official permit and be cleared to ride legally in University Park.

Tree education: Pecan trees

This month, we want to wish two majestic pecan trees in the 2800 block of Westminster Avenue a happy 89th birthday! The trees are growing in the backyard of a home built in 1937 and were planted later that same year.

Pecans are long-lived trees, with some reaching 300 years old. In many regions of Texas, including North Texas, 100-year-old pecan trees are common, particularly in locations where their root zones have remained undisturbed. The original 1937 home remains intact and has not undergone renovations or larger projects, such as demolition and construction of a new home. As a result, the trees’ root zones have avoided the damage that construction activity can cause. The trees now stand approximately 120 feet tall, which is common for mature pecan trees.

The canopy of these magnificent trees forms a green dome over the home’s backyard. The space feels like an extension of the home’s interior, an outdoor room with high green ceilings and walls. Dappled sunlight sparkles through the small gaps between the leaves of the canopy.

If you are considering planting a tree on your property and want a native shade tree that will eventually grow very large, consider a pecan tree. Just remember that you won’t be the only creature enjoying it! As we all know, pecan trees produce edible nuts that are popular with both humans and squirrels.

Squirrels often begin eating pecans before the nuts have separated from the green husks covering their hard shells. A squirrel will bite into a husk, taste its extreme bitterness and spit it out, causing the nut (still inside its husk) to fall to the ground. A squirrel may sample as many as 50 different nuts before finally giving up. As a result, we often find many pecans on the ground before they are truly ready to fall from the tree and be enjoyed by humans.

Squirrels also chew on the soft bark of smaller branches, causing the branch tips to turn brown and hang limply from the main branch. Not surprisingly, this is known as squirrel damage. It can be common in pecans, as well as live oaks, red oaks, cedar elms and other common shade trees. These brown, dead branch tips are prevalent in many pecan trees and are not typically a cause for alarm. The tree is healthy, it simply means you have a robust and active squirrel population!

We are always interested in learning more about University Park’s urban forest. Do you, a neighbor or a friend living in University Park have a large, old legacy tree on your property? If so, we would love to hear about it. The City of University Park is 102 years old, and we would love to celebrate the trees that have lived among us for many of those years. If you are aware of such a tree, please let us know by emailing Parks Superintendent Ann Allen!

Oncor Tree Trimming

Oncor contractors plan to begin trimming trees in the City in mid-August. Work is scheduled to take place along the Stanford/Amherst alley between Hillcrest and Boedeker, and along Boedeker between the Stanford/Amherst alley and Daniel. Homeowners in the work areas should receive a door notice from Oncor a week or two before work begins.  

Why is the work necessary?

Trees that grow near power lines pose a serious safety risk and are one of the top causes of power outages each year, along with lightning and wildlife.

Under Texas law, Oncor may prune or remove trees that interfere with the reliability and integrity of electrical service within their service area. When this happens, Oncor follows generally accepted industry guidelines and best practices. 

Learn more about Oncor's tree trimming practices.

Friends of UP Public Library

Meet Me at the Library Series - George Getschow, August 25

The Friends is delighted to host Pulitzer Prize Finalist George Getschow to present “Why Do We Love Lonesome Dove.” This program serves as the perfect capstone to the UP Public Library Community Read featuring this epic novel. Getschow is the Executive Director of the Larry McMurtry Literary Center in Archer City, Texas, and curated and edited Pastures of the Empty Page, an acclaimed literary anthology about the epic life of Larry McMurtry. Why has Lonesome Dove endured and continued to hover at the top of best seller lists for over 40 years? George Getschow will share the reasons he believes Lonesome Dove inspires such devotion and will shed some fresh light on the McMurtry Literary Center.

The presentation will be held on Tuesday, August 25 in the UP Public Library Third Floor Community Room at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to all but reservations are highly recommended.

This event was made possible by a generous grant from La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas.

Meet Me at the Library Series - Intrigue and Intelligence, September 15

For the September Meet Me at the Library program, The Friends is bringing back two favorite guests, David McCloskey and Tracy Walder. Their presentation “Intrigue and Intelligence” will share their spycraft expertise and describe how their previous positions in the CIA and FBI have informed their latest ventures including McCloskey’s London Station spy novel and The Rest Is Classified podcast and Walder’s The Unexpected Spy memoir and Netflix American Manhunt series.

The presentation will be held on Tuesday, September 15 in the UP Public Library Third Floor Community Room at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to all but reservations are highly recommended.

This event is generously sponsored by Christine McKenny with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Summer book donations paused

The Friends of the UP Public Library will pause accepting book donations this summer while our storage and sorting space is not available. From June 1 - August 15, no book donations will be accepted at Peek Service Center. We would be grateful if you chose to hold your donations until after August 15. Or, if you’d like to direct your books elsewhere, here are two options:

1) Lochwood Branch Library Friends of Dallas Public Library - Book and DVD donations accepted during library open hours at the library: 11221 Lochwood Blvd, 75218

2) Salvation Army

If you have any questions, please email the Second Chapter Bookstore.