City of University Park          May 2019
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.    
Police Department
UPPD joins Neighbors by Ring
The University Park Police Department is now active on Neighbors by Ring!

The free ‘Neighbors’ app gives you access to a digital neighborhood watch, making it easy to get real-time crime and safety alerts from your neighbors and UPPD from your phone. These updates are available to anyone who downloads the app. You do not need a Ring camera or doorbell to access content.

University Park PD will be using ‘Neighbors’ to monitor crime in UP neighborhoods and will send you updates on key crime incidents so you can stay informed. By working together, we can all make University park a safer community.
 
Text ‘StaySafe’ to 555888 or click the button below to download the free app on iOS/Android.
City Hall
2019 Citizen of the Year search continues

The City is accepting applications for the 2019 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.
  
Click on the green bar below to submit an online nomination.  
 
 Nominations must be received by Monday, June 3, 2019.
 
A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 10. Along with riding in the July 4th Parade, the honoree will be presented with a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift during a brief ceremony at the Goar Park Gazebo.
 
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. 
Sign up for Water My Yard

Deciding when and how much to water your lawn during the spring and summer seasons can be challenging. Residents now have a quick and definitive way to answer those questions. Sponsored by the Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utilities District, the Park Cities are now part of the Water My Yard program. Offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, this free online tool helps you determine how much supplemental water is needed to maintain a healthy lawn year-round. 
To learn more about the Water My Yard program, click on the botton below. It only takes a few short online steps before you are set to receive automated emails or text-messages with weekly guidance that is based on weather and soil conditions in the Park Cities.

Outdoor watering restrictions

In University Park, outdoor watering by automatic sprinkler systems is limited to twice a week, year-round. The City also prohibits the use of outdoor watering systems from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from April 1 to October 31.  

Watering days determined by street address

Consistent with ordinances in many other area communities, outdoor watering days are determined by street address.
 
  • Even - Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinklers on Sundays and Thursdays.
  • Odd - Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinklers on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
  • Multi-family addresses and office buildings will water using their lowest street address number.
Parks and Recreation
Annual Children's Fishing Derby - June 1

The pond will be stocked and the fish will be biting! The City of University Park will host this year’s Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 1 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, a photo booth and various local business sponsors will be on site. For more information about the event, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 214-987-5488.

Title Sponsors:   
Holmes Aquatic Center 2019 pool passes
With summer just around the corner, it's time to get your 2019 pool passes. All passes cover your admission fees for the full pool season.

This year, you can purchase pool passes at three locations, the City’s Peek Service Center, City Hall or UP Public Library. 

You can get an early start on summer by attending Splash Bash (see details below) or by visiting the pool during the Memorial Day Weekend. Otherwise, the pool's regular hours begin June 1. 
Summer swim lessons & swim team information

This summer the Holmes Aquatic Center will provide swimming lessons and swim team opportunities for kids of all ages. To sign up for any of the opportunities listed, click on the Aquatic Programs tab.
UP Public Library
Youth Summer Reading program starts May 25
This summer, all ages can have fun while reading at the University Park Public Library. For the kids, there is the popular UP with Reading program. New this summer, in partnership with Highland Park Public Library, is the Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club. Adults can join in the fun too with Grown UP Summer Reading. Registration for any or all of the programs can be done in person at the library, or online through the City’s website at uptexas.org.
UP with Reading
UP with Reading will kick off at the library on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants may also sign up at the Friends of University Park Public Library’s Splash Bash on Friday, May 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. 
Kids will be entertained and inspired by weekly programs that take place at the library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
6/5 - Gregg the Balloon Guy
6/12 - Black Prairie Raptor Center
6/19 - Critterman
6/26 - Perot Museum
7/10 - James Wand Magic Show
7/17 - Legendary Black Belt Academy
7/24 - Professor Brainius
7/31 - Frontiers of Flight Museum

The UP With Reading theme this year is “Giddy UP with Reading.” Each registered participant will be given a cowboy-themed token to hang in the library. The program runs from May 25 to July 31. Prizes will be awarded at 10, 20, 30, and 40 hour levels. 
The University Park Public Library partners with the Highland Park Public Library each year to donate books to a local literacy-based organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Tweens and Teens

The Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club, sponsored by Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman, begins on June 1 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students entering seventh grade through 12th grade. Each week, participants who log reading hours will be entered into a drawing to win one of three gift cards from a local business. At the end of the program, participants who read 50 or more hours will be entered into the tweens and teens grand prize drawing. Two special presentations are also part of the program. Each begin at 2:30 p.m.
6/13 - Tech Petting Zoo - stop animation software and robots (@UPPL) 
7/11 - Cupcake Wars - use surprise ingredients/toppings in our version of the popular TV show (@HPPL)   
Grown UP Summer Reading

Participants will be asked once they’ve finished a book or completed a challenge, to enter it into the database. Those who do will have their names placed into weekly drawings for prizes. Readers will also be able to post what books they’ve read so that others can get inspiration for their next read. At sign up, all participants will receive a yard sign.
The program runs from June 1 to July 31 and is sponsored by Minnette Murray Group with Compass Real Estate.
Friends of UPPL - Splash Bash 5 to 7 p.m.

Cannonball into summer at the Friends of the UP Public Library's 5th Annual Splash Bash at the Holmes Aquatic Center.


Tickets are $15 each for ages 3 and up.  
While you're enjoying the pool and burgers from Texadelphia, you can register for this summer's UP with Reading! program. 

Splash Bash proceeds help support the Friends of the University Park Public Library.
Event Sponsor:
Fire Department
UPFD offers CPR training
The Fire Department has an upcoming opportunity for residents who want American Heart Association CPR and First Aid training. 

Class date and time: 
Saturday, June 15 (8 a.m. to noon)
Conducted at University Park City Hall, the session is limited to the first 10 individuals who register.  Participants will learn how to give CPR to adults, children and infants, and will also work with Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). Participants will be charged $25 each to cover the cost of materials. Registration and payment in advance are required. 

Please call 214-987-5380 to save a spot. 
Have you tried Community Connect?

Do you have smart speakers in your home or office? If so, you can use an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show, or similar products from Google and Apple to get City news and information without logging on to a computer or making a phone call.

Community Connect  provides you with general community news and events, road closure information, emergency alerts and other information. Just add the free skill to your Alexa app. Then, use any of these 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.
  • Alexa, ask My University Park for building hours.
With Community Connect you can now listen to the City's most recent tweets. Just say, "Alexa, ask My University Park what's UP with Twitter?"
Upcoming City Meetings & Events