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.
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Happy tires by the end of summer - Crews will begin resurfacing streets in locations citywide May 31 |
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Now that fewer vehicles are on the streets of University Park with summer underway for HPISD and SMU, work will begin on resurfacing streets with pavement that needs repair on May 31. Weather permitting, this effort will continue in numerous locations through mid-August. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If weather causes project delays, some Saturday work may be authorized. When resurfacing occurs on non-residential streets, lanes may be narrowed and flag crews may be present. For most segments, the resurfacing effort will take less than two days.
Vehicles in front of homes
Streets will be closed while the mill and overlay work is taking place. The day before work begins, front door notices will be delivered reminding residents not to park in front of their homes on the dates indicated. City staff will also place “No Parking” signs along the street the day before milling and overlay work occurs. Any vehicles parked on the street on the days milling and asphalt overlay are scheduled will be towed at the owner’s expense. Although unlikely, if for some reason work is not completed on the scheduled day, “No Parking” signs will remain in place.
The list of resurfacing locations will be posted on the City’s website and progress will be updated throughout the project. Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media platforms and refer to the City’s website for the latest project information and related traffic advisories. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this necessary work progresses.
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Children's Fishing Derby - Saturday, June 3 |
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The pond will be stocked and the fish will be biting! The City of University Park will host the Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 3 at Caruth Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Children must bring their own pole and bait. “Catch and Release” procedures will be followed.
Lots of activities
Every hour awards will be presented for the largest and smallest fish caught! In addition, there will be children’s entertainment and a photo booth.
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Temperatures are climbing - Pool pass sales are underway |
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Ready to take a dive at the Holmes Aquatic Center this summer?! Senior swim began on May 1 and on May 27, the official pool season begins!
Register for programs and make reservations
Log on to RecTrac to secure your spot on the swim team, sign up for swim lessons, or make pool reservations before all spots are filled!
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Citizen of the Year search continues |
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Through Thursday, June 1 the City is accepting applications for the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award.
The City Council created the award to boost public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the city's quality of life. Rather than acting out of a need for recognition, these residents are driven by a desire to contribute to their community. Whether beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth or raising money for various worthy projects, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.
To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 5. The honoree will receive a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift from the Mayor.
Nominees for Citizen of the Year must:
- Be a University Park resident;
- Have worked to improve the quality of life in University Park.
Current and former Mayors and Councilmembers are not eligible for this award. If you have questions about the nomination process, please call Steve Mace at 214-987-5301 or send him an email.
Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:
2022 - Melissa Rieman
2021 - Dan Branch
2020 - Erin Schreyer
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July 4 parade and Goar Park festivities |
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Mark your calendars now! In conjunction with the Rotary Club Park Cities, on Tuesday, July 4, floats, fire trucks, antique vehicles, a band or two and decorated bikes and their riders will travel through various neighborhoods, starting near Highland Park Town Hall and finishing in Goar Park. That morning, the park will be filled with merchant booths, bounce houses and lots of other family fun.
In the coming weeks, we'll have more details about these festivities in our City newsletters, on the City's website and on our social media platforms!
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Summer Reading Programs for all ages |
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This summer, University Park Public Library is making sure that residents of all ages will have fun reading! In early June, go to the City’s website or visit the library to enroll in any of the programs detailed below.
University Park Public Library’s youth summer program for ages 0 to 9 kicks off on Saturday, June 3 at the Children's Fishing Derby. Families are invited to visit the library's booth at the derby to register for the program and pick up their sign-up prizes. Be sure to look for Guinness World Record holder David Slick, who will be performing magic tricks and juggling at the derby. Starting at 2 p.m. that afternoon, enjoy snacks and glow-in-the-dark crafts at the library during our Kickoff Craft Party.
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Light UP with Reading
This year’s UP with Reading theme is “Light UP,” and each registered child will be given a star token to hang in the library along with sign-up prizes and a yard sign. The program runs until July 31. Prizes will be awarded for reading 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 books or hours and include:
- 10 – Glow-in-the dark squishy and coupon to JD's Chippery
- 20 – Certificate and slap bracelet
- 30 – UV color changing frisbee
- 40 – Book donated to charity and light-up yo-yo
- 50 – Handheld fan/flashlight and entry in grand prize drawing
The HPISD school whose students read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. The winner in 2022 was Hyer Elementary School.
Opportunity to donate books to a non-profit
Each summer, University Park Public Library partners with Highland Park Public Library in donating books to a local organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is Jonathan's Place, a local non-profit that provides a safe place, loving homes and promising futures for abused and neglected children, teens, and young adults.
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Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club
In partnership with Highland Park Library, this program begins on June 1 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students ages 10 and up. At sign up, participants can select a book to keep. Each week, Club members can log their reading hours to be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business. At the end of the program, participants who read 50 or more hours will be eligible for the grand prize drawing.
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Grown UP Summer Reading
Grown UP Summer Reading makes it possible for adults to join in the fun. At sign up, participants will receive a yard sign. Readers may post what books they’re reading online so that others can get a lead on their next read. The program runs from June 1 to July 31.
For more information about Summer Reading events, programs and activities, visit the City's website.
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Waste Wizard has the answers |
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Where do I dispose of unwanted electronics? Can I recycle a greasy pizza box? Where do I take old paint cans? If you have questions, Waste Wizard on the City's website has the answers! Use this valuable feature to find out what bin it goes in! Type the item in question into the search bar and Waste Wizard will explain where to properly dispose of it.
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Do you have an old couch that you need to dispose of? What about some old appliances? Or, are you doing some spring cleaning and have some bulky items that you no longer need?
The Sanitation Division provides collection and disposal of large and bulky items, such as appliances or large furniture, from the residents' parkway on a "call-in" basis. If you have large items for disposal, place them on the the grassy area between the street and the sidewalk and request a special pick-up by calling the City's 311 line or by completing a Service Request Form.
The City charges the following amounts for the removal of appliances, furniture and other large items:
- Washer, Dryer, Water Heater, Sofa, Bed, Etc.: $28.42
- Refrigerator, Freezer, or Air Conditioning Unit: $92.65
The charge will be added to your next water bill.
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events |
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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