City of University Park          June 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.    
City Hall

Storm Cleanup efforts

The severe weather and high winds that struck the City on Sunday, June 9 caused substantial damage to hundreds of trees throughout the community. Loss of power to homes and businesses was also widespread. 

Police and Fire personnel responded to dozens of calls for assistance that afternoon and evening. Many calls fielded by our 911 center concerned downed power lines and sparking transformers.  

Public Works and Parks Department crews were cutting up tree limbs and clearing debris from streets and sidewalks within 90 minutes.  City Sanitation crews are continuing to work extended shifts picking up limbs and debris from curbsides and parks, working from south to north.

Electricity to all the Park Cities was restored by Thursday, June 13. At the height of restoration efforts through the Dallas area, Oncor was supported by line crews from 11 different states. 

Debris removal

Until further notice, tree limbs and other storm-related debris will be removed free-of-charge by City Sanitation crews. Place the debris curbside for easier removal. If you have debris at curbside, please help our crew members by not parking directly in front of debris that has been set out for removal. 

Storm Stat

By the morning of Thursday, June 13, Sanitation crews had collected an estimated 525,000 pounds of debris. Crews expect to complete collection of the majority of storm debris today.             
Join us on Social Media

Information about the potential for severe weather was posted on the City's Twitter account a full two hours before the high winds hit. Immediately following the storm, and for the next five days, our social media platforms repeatedly provided necessary updates for residents and businesses. 

  • City Twitter posts - 35
  • Nextdoor posts - 20
  • City Facebook posts - 12
  • Holmes Aquatic Center Facebook posts - 5
  • Parks & Recreation Department Facebook posts - 4
  • Instagram posts - 1
  • CodeRed - 1

If you and your neighbors aren't already following the City on one or more of these platforms, this storm illustrates how handy these sources can be in times of community interest and concern. For a complete rundown of the social media platforms the City uses, click on the button below. The City's website is also a great source of timely news and information.
City Hall - Municipal Court

Status of UP Red Light Camera Citations 

Where are the City’s Red Light Camera Intersections ?
For the past several years, Red Light Camera equipment has been in service at three intersections in the City (Dickens & Lovers, Lovers & Preston, Daniel & Hillcrest). 

Are Red Light Camera intersections in University Park still in operation?
Due to passage of HB1631, cities throughout Texas are now prohibited from using photographic traffic signal enforcement systems. Accordingly, on June 3 the City notified Redflex Traffic Systems that it was terminating its contract with the company. Although camera equipment is still in place, the City has requested that Redflex remove all equipment in all three locations in a timely fashion.

Are University Park Red Light Camera citations still being processed?
No. As of June 3, Red Light Camera infractions are not being reviewed by UPPD or forwarded to Redflex for the issuance of citations. Violations that were captured and occurred before June 3 will still be processed.  

What about University Park Red Light Camera citations issued before June 3, 2019?

Those citations are still subject to enforcement and payment. People with questions about payments and hearings for citations issued prior to June 3 should contact Redflex directly at 1-866-527-9470.
4th of July
Independence Day Parade  
Get ready to celebrate the USA! The annual Independence Day Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Park Cities (Broad Stripes and Bright Stars), will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Parade participants will start lining up at 7:30 a.m. near Highland Park Town Hall. The family bicycle judging contest will begin at 8 a.m. at the Moody Family YMCA at 6000 Preston Road. Bicyclists will join the parade from that location.

Parade Route
The parade starts on Euclid Avenue and winds through a portion of Highland Park before traveling up Preston Road, turning right on University Boulevard and ending in University Park’s Goar Park.
Parade Safety Reminders

The Rotary Club Park Cities reminds spectators:

  • Parents - As the parade passes by, do not let your kids go into the street to retrieve candy (parade participants will be instructed to toss their candy underhand, away from floats and vehicles)  
  • Encourage your friends and neighbors to keep their kids on the curb
  • Please keep the streets open curb-to-curb for the safe passage of floats, parade vehicles and parade participants
Family Festival in Goar Park
 
After the parade, Goar Park is the site of a patriotic family festival featuring music, food and games. The festival begins at about 9:30 a.m. There is no admission charge. Bring the entire family and join the Rotary Club of Park Cities in honoring America and our community! For more information, please visit the   Rotary Club of Park Cities website . 
2019 UP Firecracker 5K Fun Run
Celebrate America's birthday with a run through the beautiful streets of University Park! On Thursday, July 4, before the Park Cities Independence Day Parade, the City will host its annual "UP Firecracker 5K Fun Run." Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, the run will begin and end at Curtis Park. Start time is 7:30 a.m. The City will provide participation medals for all those who complete the run. 

Fun Run registration details:

All participants, regardless of age, must register for the event. Runners 12 and under participate for free. Fun Run t-shirts are guaranteed ONLY to those who pre-register. For those who choose to register the day of the event, race
t-shirts will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis until the remaining shirts are gone.

Pre-Registration: For participants 13 and over, the fee to pre-register is $15. Tuesday, June 25 is the last day to pre-register and be guaranteed a shirt. Please DO NOT mail forms after this date!

Race Day Registration: Registration the day of the race begins at 6:30 a.m. at Curtis Park. The fee for those 13 and over on race day is $20.

Please download the form below to register by mail, or register in person at the Peek Service Center at 4420 Worcola Street. 

Make checks payable to City of University Park Fun Run.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department office at 214-987-5488.
Parks and Recreation
Holmes Aquatic Center 2019 pool passes
Time to get your 2019 Pool passes!  The purchase of a season pass covers 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. 
Summer swim lessons & swim team information

This summer the Holmes Aquatic Center is providing 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 bar.
Story Time at the Pool

Calling all sharks and minnows! Every Wednesday, UP Public Library will provide a story time at the Holmes Aquatic Center from 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Story times will take place in the Atmos Energy Room. Story Time at the Pool runs through Wednesday, August 14.  
UP Public Library
UPPL summer reading programs for all ages
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


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 until 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.

In addition to reading books, kids will be entertained and inspired by weekly programs that take place at the library on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Here is a list of the remaining dates and fun-filled presentations.

6/19 - Critterman: Extra Furry (animals)
6/26 - Perot Museum: Tech Truck
7/10 - James Wand Spy Magician
7/17 - Legendary Black Belt Academy
7/24 - Professor Brainius: Wacky Science
7/31 - Frontiers of Flight Museum: Living History

UP with Reading is sponsored by Tessa & Lucinda Real Estate Group with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and Benchmark Bank.

Tweens and Teens
The Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club, sponsored by Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman, began 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. One special presentation remains:

7/16 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Cupcake Wars - Use surprise ingredients and toppings in our version of the popular TV show (@HPPL)

Teen Summer Reading Club is sponsored by Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman & Associates
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.

Police Department
UPPD House Watch

Summer has arrived! Going on vacation? Don’t forget that you can have your home checked daily by a UPPD officer while you’re away for an extended period of time.

There are two ways to sign up:

Go to the Resident Hub section on the City’s website. If this is the first time entering a request for service using the Resident Online Center, you must create an account. You will be asked to provide your name, address and email.

Or, you can go to the Police portion of the City’s website. Click on Police, then, click on House Watch and download the House Watch form. Then, once you have provided all the necessary information, drop it off at the City's 911 Dispatch Center (3800 University Blvd.) or fax it to 214-987-5364. 
Vans and front entryway photos

The Police Department has received several calls recently about people taking photos of front door entryways. More often than not these individuals are employed by package delivery firms, and the photos are being taken to confirm delivery of items ordered. Understandably, since many of the vans involved are unmarked, this activity creates some concern. Of course, anytime you see suspicious activity, don't hesitate to call UPPD dispatch. Their non-emergency number is 214-363-3000. During any emergency situation dial 911.   
Utilities

Water My Yard

Deciding when and how much to water your lawn during the summer 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 bar 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. 
City Social Media

Star Spangled Sammy is back!

Do you recognize this sweet little pal?! It is Star Spangled Sammy! Sammy visited UP last summer around the 4th of July and found some favorite spots to hang out in the City. We asked the community to guess where Sammy was, and the first people to guess received some awesome prizes!

Well, Sammy is coming back this summer to some new fun spots! Be sure to follow us on Instagram to participate in the contest. There will be more information about the contest posted on our social media accounts, so be sure to follow us! Find us on social media below!
Upcoming City Meetings & Events