City of University Park
February 2019
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Welcome to UPdate
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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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Police Department - 2018 Crime Statistics
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University Park remains a very safe place to live and work. Again last year, the City’s most reported crime was Burglary of Motor Vehicles. Totaling 123 incidents, most items that were taken were left in plain sight. Wallets, purses, computer laptops and jewelry were common targets.
The Police Department continues to urge residents to lock their vehicles and place valuables in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to keep all household doors locked, even when home.
Increase in auto thefts
Reported auto thefts rose from nine in 2017 to 40 last year. Again, owners often made things a bit easier for thieves. In more than half the cases, victims told officers they left a key fob or ignition key in the vehicle.
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Increase in package thefts
Residents reported 12 package thefts last year. Instead of having packages left on the front porch, residents are encouraged to use other forms of delivery. Delivery locker sites, like those offered by Amazon, FedEx and UPS are growing in popularity, and provide customers an easy, convenient, and secure delivery option.
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Other 2018 crime statistics
Robberies – 4
Residential Burglaries - 22
Business Burglaries - 5 (44 percent drop from previous year)
Bike Thefts - 27 (34 percent drop from previous year)
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Report Coyote Sightings to UPPD Dispatch
Coyote sightings have risen the past few weeks in all University Park neighborhoods. This increased activity is due in part to the early winter mating season.
Report coyote sighting
If you see a coyote in your neighborhood, regardless of the time of day, you are urged to report the sighting to UPPD dispatch using the non-emergency number
214-363-3000
or by reporting it online
here
.
The City is keeping a list of sightings so we are able to forward a compilation of locations to Texas Wildlife Services, a Division of the USDA, and if necessary, they can proceed with trapping or lethal enforcement of urban wildlife.
Seen along the banks of Turtle Creek, coyotes are a fact of life in nearly all urban areas. Coyotes are omnivores that eat plants and animals including skunks, possums and raccoons. Do not intentionally feed a coyote. Since they prefer to find easy meals, they are also attracted to:
- Dog and cat food that is left outside
- Rotting fruit under trees
- Bird seed on the ground
- Trash that is accessible due to garbage containers that are not properly secured
It is also not a good idea to leave small pets outside overnight.
Even though coyotes have adapted to living in cities and towns, they are generally wary of people. If you see a coyote in your yard, wave your arms, shout and spray it with a water hose. It is likely to leave the area quickly after any of these actions.
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Occupied Homes Burglarized
UPPD reports that during the past two weeks, burglars have entered two homes at night while those inside were asleep. During one of the incidents, suspects could see a purse on the dining room table from the front lawn, and had easy access to the valuables because the exterior door was unlocked.
Don’t forget to lock your doors and activate your alarm system daily!
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Youth Advisory Commission application process starts March 1
University Park high school students who are interested in community service and learning about City operations may want to apply for a slot on the City's Youth Advisory Commission.
Application forms will be available on the City's website beginning March 1. The City will begin reviewing applications for this 20-plus member group later that month.
While learning about local government operations, YAC members help promote the City's ongoing recycling program and other community initiatives. They also staff various annual events, including the summer fishing derby, the July 4 Fun Run, and tree lighting in Snider Plaza. Commission members also act as an advisory group for the City on issues that could directly impact teenagers.
Following the March 31 application deadline, the City will begin interviewing applicants. To be eligible for consideration, students must reside in University Park and be in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Each Commission member will be expected to attend all group meetings and actively participate in all designated events. Community service hour credits are one of the many benefits of serving on the Commission.
Photo: Some members of the 2018-19 Commission at the 2018 YAC Christmas Party
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City releases Annual Report
The 2018-2019 edition of the City's Annual Report is now available on the City's website. The report summarizes the City’s finances and recaps major projects and activities on a department-by-department basis. The report also contains information on various projects and objectives for the months ahead.
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LOVE Sculpture
University Park is feeling a whole lot of love just in time for Valentine’s Day, thanks to a new sculpture installation in Williams Park.
Created by renowned artist Robert Indiana, the famous LOVE sculpture has been gifted to University Park on long-term loan by Pauline and Austin Neuhoff. As residents of the City, the Neuhoffs recently had their 25th wedding anniversary and wanted to celebrate and share their “love” with their community, so they donated the sculpture to the City.
Once the LOVE sculpture agreement was approved by the City Council, a special committee of members with art expertise was formed to choose the best location for the 6x6 foot sculpture. After some consideration, it was decided that placement on the south side of the Williams Park island would provide the perfect community backdrop.
The LOVE sculpture adds to the list of art on display in various City parks. Hitzelberger Park is home to a sculpture titled “Parental Embrace,” created by Dallas stone-carver Harold F. Clayton and donated by former University Park Mayor Barbara Hitzelberger-Wooten. There are also sculptures on display at Coffee Park, Caruth Park and Elena’s Children’s Park.
Robert Indiana, who passed away in May 2018 at the age of 89, created the famous LOVE sculpture as a pop art image in 1964, and the first rendering in sculpture was made in 1970 and is located at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. There are fewer than 25 original LOVE sculptures in the United States. University Park is the second location in Texas, another is on display at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio.
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Pickleball Courts
The tennis court resurfacing project is now complete! In addition to the new blue courts, each park will feature one Pickleball striped court. Caruth's court with the Pickleball striping is pictured below. Pickleball is a sport that was created for all ages and skill levels. It combines aspects of tennis, badminton and ping pong.
Click
here
for a basic overview of how to play Pickleball!
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Fields Closed Signs
To help preserve turf and the infield dirt on the City’s numerous playing fields and open grass areas, any time a field or ball diamond is left unplayable because of wet conditions, closed signs will be displayed on the play surface. These signs provide residents with a quick visual reminder on the playing status at particular sites.
Once a sign has been posted, that park’s fields or ball diamonds will remain closed until the signs are removed (signs do not prohibit the use of playground equipment at that particular park).
The sign system governs field use by athletic teams for the local YMCA, teams from the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) and residents observing open play. Individuals or teams that use a field or ball diamond when signs are posted will be told to end their activity. A second offense by that same individual or team will result in the loss of field privileges and could result in a fine.
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Follow UPPL on Instagram
University Park Public Library now has its very own Instagram account! Follow them to catch a glimpse into daily UPPL events and happenings. Click
here
to access and follow their page.
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UP @ the Library Family Time: Saturday, February 23 @ 3 p.m.
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Bring the whole family to the UP Public Library for an afternoon of juggling and magic performed by Guinness World Record Holder, David Slick!
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Sponsors:
Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
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Friends of UP Public Library - 2019 Membership Campaign
Enhance. Educate. Engage.
Your dues provide:
- New materials for readers of all ages
- Enhanced technology resources and digital services
- Engaging community programs and events
- Staff support ... and so much more!
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Our Sanitation Department recently went above and beyond to help a resident retrieve belongings after finding a backpack that looked like stolen property! Great job to Roberto Soto, Juan Martinez and Kevin Avalos for working with UPPD to make sure the stolen items were returned to the proper owner. The resident was very thankful to get the valuables back and mentioned that our crew members had great dedication and beautiful hearts!
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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