City of University Park   

 May 2025

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.    

CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

Miracle Mile Improvements Project underway

After years of thoughtful planning with City Council, University Park’s beloved Miracle Mile on Lovers Lane between Douglas and the Dallas North Tollway is now under construction! On Monday, May 5, work crews began Phase 1A of the project. Phase 1B will begin following the completion of Phase 1A. These phases include storm drainage and water main installation. Traffic control devices are in place to help vehicular traffic and pedestrians travel through the area safely. See maps below for work areas and traffic patterns during these phases.


For the latest information on this project, including phasing maps, visit uptexas.org/MiracleMile.

Hillcrest/Daniel construction begins May 19

The Snider Plaza Improvements Project continues to make progress as SYB Construction remains overall ahead of the original schedule. Recently, we have experienced several heavy rain weather events, which has caused a week-long delay in finalizing Phase 5 construction and starting Phase 6 construction.


SYB Construction has almost finished Phase 5 on Milton. Milton from Snider Plaza to Hillcrest should be fully paved, sidewalk pavers placed, stair step lights and railings installed, and open to traffic after Tuesday, May 27.

 

On Tuesday, May 27, work crews will begin Phase 6 of the project in the 6700 block of Snider Plaza, between Rosedale and Milton. Fountain work will continue during this time as well. This section of Snider Plaza will be closed to all vehicular traffic and parking for the duration of Phase 6.

 

On Monday, May 19, crews are still on track to begin Intersection Phase A on Hillcrest, between just south of Haynie and just south of Rosedale. This section of Hillcrest will have traffic control devices in place to safely guide all vehicular traffic traveling through the Daniel/Hillcrest intersection.


Phase 6 and Intersection Phase A are expected to take approximately three months, weather permitting. Work on the fountain will continue through mid-July. 


See map below for upcoming closures and traffic patterns. For more information on the Snider Plaza Improvements Project, visit the City's website.

Milling & repaving taking place this summer

The City of University Park will kick off a mill and overlay project this summer, aiming to improve the driving surface and longevity of several neighborhood streets. The work is part of the city’s ongoing street maintenance program, which includes the installation of new asphalt pavement on selected roadway segments.


Residents can expect to see crews working throughout the summer as the city addresses critical areas in need of repair. Once complete, the project will help enhance road safety, appearance, and overall driving experience in University Park.


The map below highlights the streets that will be repaved. Once a schedule is finalized, this information will be published on the City's website and social media channels.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Stay in the know with UPPD Insider!

We’re excited to introduce UPPD Insider — a new way to stay directly connected with the University Park Police Department.

This email update delivers timely information about:


  • Major criminal incidents
  • Road closures
  • Missing persons
  • Other urgent alerts that could impact you or your family


If you’ve already seen one in your inbox — great! You’re plugged in. If not, now’s the time to subscribe and stay informed. And don’t worry — no news is good news. We’ll only reach out when it matters most.


To subscribe, visit the subscription page on the City's website, select "UPdate" and you'll begin receiving the UPPD Insider emails in your inbox.


Your safety is our priority — thanks for staying connected!

PARKS AND RECREATION

Children's Fishing Derby - Saturday, June 7

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 7 at Caruth Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Children must bring their own pole and bait. “Catch and Release” procedures will be followed.

 

Awards will be presented every hour for the largest and smallest fish caught! In addition, there will be children’s entertainment and a photo booth. 

Temperatures are climbing - Pool pass sales are underway

Ready to take a dive at the Holmes Aquatic Center this summer?! Senior swim began on May 5, and on May 24, the official pool season begins!

 

Register for programs and make reservations

 

Log on to CivicRec to purchase your pool passes, secure your spot on the swim team, sign up for swim lessons, or make pool reservations before all spots are filled!


For more pool season information, check out the April Parks and Recreation newsletter.

CITY HALL
Citizen of the Year search continues

Time is running out to nominate a resident for 2025 Citizen of the Year! Know someone making a meaningful impact in University Park? Submit your nomination by June 1! The winner will be honored by the Mayor with a plaque and gift in Centennial Park after the July 4 parade.


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 Paige Ruedy at 214-987-5686 or send her an email.


Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:


2024 - Alex Bell

2023 - Brad Cheves

2022 - Melissa Rieman

July 4 parade and Centennial Park festivities

Mark your calendars now! In conjunction with the Rotary Club of Park Cities, on Friday, July 4 beginning at 9 a.m., 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 Centennial Park. That morning, the park will be filled with merchant booths, bounce houses and lots of other family fun.


Visit the Rotary Club of Park Cities website for more information about the parade, and be on the lookout for more information in future City newsletters and on our social media accounts!

UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Summer Reading Programs for all ages

This summer, University Park Public Library is making sure that residents of all ages will have fun reading! Starting May 31, go to the City’s website or visit the library to enroll in the programs detailed below.

 

University Park Public Library’s youth summer program for ages 0 to 9 kicks off on Saturday, May 31. Families are invited to visit the library to register for the program and pick up their sign-up prizes. Starting at 3 p.m. that afternoon, enjoy air brush tattoos, snacks, and colorful crafts for both children and teens during our Summer Reading Kickoff Party.

Brighten UP with Reading

 

This year’s UP with Reading theme is “Brighten UP,” and each registered child will be given a 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 – Color your own bookmark, color-changing bracelet
  • 20 – Watercolor painting sheet, mood pencil, and certificate
  • 30 – Magnetic photo frame, JD’s Chippery cookie coupon
  • 40 – Book donated to charity and drawing board
  • 50 – Color your own cup 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 2024 was Boone 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 Hope Cottage, a local non-profit focused on transforming lives with the love of family through adoption, foster care, education, and parenting support.

Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club 


In partnership with Highland Park Library, this program begins on May 31 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students ages 10 and up. At sign up, participants can select a book to keep and will receive a keychain, and a felt bookmark to color. Each hour read and entered online as well as each event attended earns 25 points! Receive a prize for every 5 hours you read/125 points you earn this summer. Prizes include a mini Slinky, water bottle sticker, JD’s Chippery coupon, paintbrush pen, eraser, and a mini Rubik’s cube. Each participant who reads for 20 hours will be entered into the drawing for a gift card prize pack including Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, JD’s Chippery, and other local businesses.

 

Tween and Teen Events

 

Ages 10 and up can participate in a variety of programs this summer, ranging from art classes to an escape room. Dates for these programs are listed below. Registration information can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the City's website calendar.

 

June 5 – Drop-In Puzzles/Puzzle Swap (at HP Library)*

June 26 – Volunteer Opportunity (ages 12 and up)

July 11 – Altoids Wallets (ages 8 and up)*

July 24 – Escape Room (at HP Library)*

July 29 – 3D Doodled Shoe Charms (ages 8 and up)*

 

*Partnering with Highland Park Public Library



Family Programs


The summer is packed with family events on Wednesdays that will entertain and inspire all age groups from kids to grandparents! All programs take place at the library at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Specific program dates and performers are listed below.

 

June 4 - Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History’s Discovery Lab (3 p.m. only)

June 11 - All About Animals

June 18 - Dallas Children’s Theater: Moana Jr.

June 25 - Mike Williams Comedy Magic Show

July 9 - DFW Reptarium

July 16 - Dallas Children’s Theater: Frozen Jr.

July 23 - Creature Teacher

July 30 - Pom Pom Pointillism with SMU Meadows Museum (3 p.m. only)


Toddler and Preschool Programs


UP Library is offering art programs and story times for ages 5 and under this summer. More information about these programs can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the City's website calendar

 

Tuesdays in June - Little Artists



June 12 – Story Time with Moana

June 24 – Texas Rangers Story Time with Eric Nadel

July 10 – Sparky and Pals Puppet Show

July 15 – Baby Doll Story Time


Elementary Programs


UP Library is excited to offer programs for students ages 5 and up this summer. Registration information for these programs can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the City's website calendar.


June 12 – Self-Regulation Workshop (ages 5 and up)

June 24 – DIY 3D Glasses (ages 6 and up, at HP Library)

July 8 – Spin Art (ages 5 and up)

July 17 – International Chess Day Book Reading and Chess Simul (ages 5 and up)


Adult Summer Reading Club


Discover great reads and earn exciting rewards all summer long, from May 31 through July 31. Sign up and receive a free notebook to kick off your reading adventure. Log your first book and take home a stylish University Park Public Library tumbler. Keep the momentum going, each week you log your reading, you'll be entered into a drawing for gift cards to local businesses.



Plus, don’t miss our lineup of unique summer events, including Belly Dancing, Chi Kung, clay sculpting, and more!

FRIENDS OF THE UP PUBLIC LIBRARY

Splash Bash is May 20

Splash Bash, an annual fundraiser for the Friends of the UPPL is on Tuesday, May 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Holmes Aquatic Center. Bring the entire family to this private pool party with swimming, food, drinks, and crafts.


Tickets are $25 for adults 13 and over and $15 for children 12 and under. Buying tickets in advance is encouraged, and tickets include pool entry, dinner and drinks, party favors, music and more.


Special thanks to Complete Landsculpture for generously sponsoring Splash Bash for the last 10 years. The event is also supported by The Hopper Family and The Campbell Family.

Second Chapter Pop-Up Book Sales

The next Book Sale fundraiser will take place at the UP Public Library.


Members-only Pre-Sale: Friday, May 30, 10 a.m. - noon

General Sales: Friday, May 30, noon - 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

You’ll find great deals on Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction as well as Children's books, games and puzzles. Additionally, a special collection of upscale, like-new coffee table books ranging from beautiful to bespoke limited editions will be on display for purchase from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday only.

 

If you are not currently a member and would like to gain access to the PreSale, please join!

Meet Me at the Library Lecture Series

Meet Me at the Library Presentations are held in the UP Public Library Third Floor Community Room at 7 p.m. Light refreshments are served at 6:30 p.m. The programs are free and open to all. Reservations are appreciated although not required. 


David McCloskey - June 10


Bestselling author and former CIA analyst David McCloskey will discuss his latest spy novel, The Seventh Floor, and how it reflects the real world of the espionage business and the CIA. David will also talk about the challenges facing spy agencies today, with a focus on the CIA in particular. Register here.

Upcoming City Meetings & Events

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 City of University Park | 214-363-1644 | www.uptexas.org