City of University Park   
 October 2023
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 DEPARTMENT
The redesigned Curtis Park Playground is open
The new Curtis Park playground is officially open! During last week's ribbon cutting ceremony, Councilmember Mark Aldredge was assisted by some student "playground experts" from University Park Elementary School, who provided guidance during the early-design stage of the project. These students were also the first to try the new equipment that they helped design! The ceremony also included remarks from City Manager Robbie Corder and a story time with Children’s Librarian Zoe Williams.

In addition to expanding play space on the south and west sides of the existing playground, the project involved installation of equipment focused on two age groups. New swing equipment and play grass turf are part of the upgrades for two to five year-olds, and the installation of a zip line will certainly be of interest to five to 12 year-olds who want to glide safely through the air. New playground surfacing and sun shading are also part of the upgrades. Special thanks to UP Parks & Recreation for their work on the project and to the student experts who assisted! We hope all visitors love the new playground!
Register for Eggtober - October 9 through 23
It's almost Eggtober time! Again this year, the Parks Department will fill a dozen Halloween eggs per child, and hide them in your front yard on October 29.

The eggs will be filled with peanut allergy-friendly candy and toys. Emails will be sent to those who register before the delivery date with further details. Participants must live in University Park. Registration closes on October 23. The registration form is posted on the City's website.
Fall Festival at the Holmes Aquatic Center - October 28
Drop by the Holmes Aquatic Center on Saturday, October 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. and celebrate the fall season. This fun-filled, family-friendly evening features games, candy, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. The event is free for UP and HPISD residents.
Snider Plaza Tree Lighting - Sunday, December 3
Save the date for our annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza, and join with residents from throughout the area to celebrate the coming holiday season! The festivities, featuring live holiday carols and dance, take place near the Plaza’s famous fountain. The highlight of the night comes when we illuminate the holiday tree.
CITY HALL
Park Cities Recycling Event - Saturday, October 21
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park Saturday, October 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.
Paper products and documents that can be disposed of include: Tax records, medical records, legal files, financial records, invoices, canceled checks, blueprints, contracts, payroll records, company letterhead, junk mail containing personal information and any information that contains credit card, social security, driver license and account numbers.

Accepted E-waste items include: Computers, computer monitors, computer accessories, TV’s, printers, DVD/CD players, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cell phones and chargers, external hard drives, video and camera equipment, video game systems, cables, power cords, power strips and more.

Participating firms/organizations

  • Friends of the University Park Library will be on-site collecting new and gently used books for the Second Chapter Bookstore (no textbooks, encyclopedias or damaged books, please).
  • Renewed Solutions will collect and shred all documents on-site.
  • Global Asset collects and disposes of all E-waste items. In addition to working with the City and other municipalities, the company currently supports over 150 clients in the public sector. Global Asset removes data on all collected storage devices using Department of Defense security standards.
  • Salvation Army will also be on-site. Donated items must be in working condition, and contain all parts and accessories. Clothing items must not be torn or stained. The Salvation Army will also take all wood furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers and any other appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 
UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Annual Halloween Spooktacular - October 28
UP at the Library Family Time: Halloween Spooktacular Saturday, October 28, 3 to 4 p.m.

Enjoy fun for the whole family at UP Public Library! Our annual Halloween Spooktacular will feature balloon artists, crafts, trick or treating, and Spooky Story Time.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Halloween Safety Tips
  • Younger trick-or-treaters should be supervised by an adult.
  • Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups, if they are not accompanied by an adult.
  • Parents should know the route their older children are taking and they should stay in touch with the group.
  • Trick-or-treaters should only visit homes that are well-lit and that are obviously welcoming Halloween guests.
  • Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights and use reflective tape on their costumes so that motorists can see them.
  • Trick-or-treaters should stay on sidewalks and obey pedestrian rules.
  • Light your home well.
  • Remove obstacles from your front porch and yards so that visitors don’t stumble or trip.
  • Use artificial candles to avoid fire hazards.

Parents -- Halloween gives you the opportunity to talk with your children about precautions to take before consuming candy and treats.

  • Make sure your kids realize that just because something looks like candy and it may even be brightly colored, it doesn't mean it's harmless.
  • Tell your kids not to consume anything that they can't identify.
  • Tell your children not to accept -- and especially not to eat -- anything that isn't commercially wrapped.
  • Tell your children to not eat any trick-or-treat candy until it is inspected by an adult.
  • You should also inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or wrapper tears.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day - October 28
Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Park residents can dispose of accumulated unwanted, and unused prescription drugs by stopping by the Fire Station side of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd. This effort, hosted by UPPD, is part of a nationwide drug disposal program started by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

2024 Resident Parking District stickers
The annual parking sticker application process is underway for residents who live in the Hillcrest West, Hillcrest East, R and YMCA parking districts. The new parking district stickers are valid through December 31, 2024. Two stickers and two year-long visitor placards are provided per household, free of charge. Submit an application online or stop by the police administration office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • To obtain annual parking stickers and hang tags, homeowners must complete the Resident Parking Permit Application and show proof of residency – Valid Texas Driver License or ID Card, current electric, phone or water bill (within the last 60 days), or insurance policy.
  • All applicants renting property must provide a copy of their current lease for review by staff.
  • Stickers are valid only when they are permanently affixed to the OUTSIDE of the vehicle (lower left-hand corner of the rear window).
  • Stickers are not transferable. If a resident sells a vehicle, or a lease vehicle is returned, the resident is responsible for removing the sticker and obtaining a replacement sticker for the new/current vehicle.
  • As a courtesy to others, park with traffic at all times. It is illegal in Texas to park facing oncoming traffic.
  • Temporary Passes/Hang Tags are only valid while visiting permit holder’s residence.
  • Temporary Paper Passes (good for five days) can be delivered 24/7 by calling 214-363-3000.
PUBLIC WORKS
Block Party registration
Block parties are a great way to meet your neighbors and visit about neighborhood issues. The City will supply residents with traffic cones and signs to close the block to traffic. If you are planning a neighborhood block party, you must submit an application 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 button below. 
FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Recycling Event: October 21
Elliot Engel Fundraiser: October 25
Just in time for Halloween, Elliott Engel will discuss the tortured genius of Edgar Allen Poe. This is sure to be a sold-out event, so purchase your tickets while they are still available!
Now open - Expanded hours for Second Chapter Bookstore!
Second Chapter Bookstore is officially open and has expanded hours of operation! We hope to see you at the store soon and often!
Upcoming City Meetings & Events