City of University Park
   May 2020
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
July 4 Parade & Goar Park Celebration update
The Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park have long enjoyed our partnership with the Rotary Club of Park Cities in hosting the July 4 Parade and the post-parade celebration in Goar Park. Each year thousands of residents line the streets in anticipation of sighting the first decorated vehicles and floats. Without a doubt, our two communities cherish this camaraderie and the chance to demonstrate our love of country. Likewise, both young and old have wonderful memories of the fun, games and products offered by the vendor booths that encircle the park.
 
As COVID-19 has spread throughout the county, and State and County orders have kept us safe at home, Rotary Club parade organizers and the Town and City have been discussing this year’s festivities. As Texas continues to reopen for business, regardless of the guidelines and recommendations that are presented in the next several weeks, it is apparent that social distancing is one practice that will remain in place far beyond July 4. For that reason, above all others, in partnership; the Rotary Club, Town and City have made the difficult decision to not host a July 4 parade and Goar Park celebration this year. 
 
In the interest of public health, we believe this decision is best for everyone, whether they are event organizers, parade participants or street-side and park attendees. We know this announcement will come as a great disappointment for many. We are disappointed too. Fittingly though, as everyone strives to keep loved ones and their circle of friends and workplace associates healthy and safe, we also know this decision is consistent with one of the values we celebrate each Independence Day – respect for others. We genuinely thank you for your understanding and support.  

The Rotary Club of Park Cities is still planning a patriotic and fun community-wide celebration following recommended social distancing practices.  More specifics will follow as the Club switches from parade planning to this new celebration.  Make sure to check Facebook at Park Cities 4th of July Parade. And, please continue to monitor social media and website postings from the City for additional holiday related information.
Community CloseUP Website Photo Contest
Have you noticed the photo bar on our website home page?! Well, we want to see YOUR photos here! We are hosting another Community Photo Contest and we can’t wait to see what amazing photos we receive!

What does an award-winning photograph look like? We want to see what you love most about our community – and what you think captures the true essence of University Park! We are also looking for some spring and summer-themed photos for the upcoming season! If you are interested in participating, submit your original photos in a JPG format by emailing them to    media@uptexas.org . We will accept photo submissions until May 31. Once the contest is closed, the photos chosen by our communications team will be on display beginning in June!  

Legal stuff -- By entering the contest, you grant the City of University Park a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any purpose, including but not limited to the City website, social media accounts, and newsletter publications.
2020 Citizen of the Year search underway

The City is accepting applications for the 2020 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. In this time of uncertainty brought by COVID-19, efforts like these are a gift to all of us.
 
To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. Nominations must be received by Monday, June 1. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 8. 
 
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 Steve Mace at 214-987-5301 or email him at: smace@uptexas.org.
 
Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:
 
2019 - Brad Bradley
2018 - Randy James
2017 - Jerry Washam
UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Summer Reading Program is going virtual!
Online sign-ups begin May 30
 
UP with Reading, University Park Public Library’s popular summer program for kids, kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. If you are a teen or adult, you can also sign up and have fun reading. Again this summer, the library will offer the Teen Summer Reading Club in partnership with Highland Park Public Library. Now in its third summer, our program for adults will provide you with enjoyment and posts about titles others are reading. Mindful of social distancing concerns, you can enroll in any of the programs online beginning on May 30 on the Library’s homepage, which can be accessed  here   . Please do not come to the library to sign up. Library staff will mail sign-up prizes and tokens to all UP with Reading participants. In the next few weeks, staff will detail how participants can pick up their yard signs.
Virtual Entertainment Programs for kids

Be entertained and inspired each week in June and July! All programs will be presented virtually in partnership with Highland Park Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Information on how to enjoy these programs virtually will be included in the library’s June and July newsletters. Specific program dates and performers are listed below. 
 
June 3 - Perot TECH Truck 
June 10 - Mad Science – Tell Tale Science 
June 17 - Creature Teacher 
June 24 - Grace Hula Show 
July 8 - Critterman – Rainforest Jewels 
July 15 - Legendary Black Belt Academy – Martial Arts Class 
July 22 - Circus Freaks – Juggling Workshop 
July 29 - James Wand – Secret Agent Magic Show 
 
This year’s UP With Reading theme is “Imagine Your Story.” Beginning May 30 and running through July 31, along with receiving a crown token, sign-up prizes and a yard sign, program participants will be awarded prizes at 10, 20, 30, and 40 hours of reading:
 
10 hours - Participation certificate and JD’s Chippery coupon 
20 hours - Brag tag 
30 hours - Drawstring backpack 
40 hours - Book donated to charity and wizard wand 
50 hours - Entry into grand prize drawing 
 
The Highland Park ISD school whose students collectively read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. Hyer Elementary School is the current champion. 
 
Book Donations for a local non-profit
 
Each summer UP Public Library partners with the Highland Park Public Library 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 The Warren Center, a non-profit group in Richardson that offers much-needed resources for children with disabilities.
The Teen Summer Reading Club 
 
The program begins on June 1 and ends on July 31 and is open to students entering seventh grade through 12th grade. Each week, participants who log reading hours will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business. At the end of the program, participants who read 50 or more hours will be entered into the teen grand prize drawing. Teens can also participate in two virtual programs. Program dates and descriptions are below. More information about these programs will be published in the library’s June and July newsletters. 
 
June 16 - Open Mic (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) Join us on Zoom to share your musical, artistic, or writing talents. Each participant will have up to five minutes to perform. Registration is required. 
 
Starting July 7 - Digital Escape Room – Follow clues to solve riddles and puzzles and complete our digital escape room. The challenge will remain open through the end of July. 
Grown UP Summer Reading
 
All enrolled participants will receive a yard sign. To participate, once you’ve finished a book or completed a challenge, enter it into the database. Participants will be entered into weekly drawings for prizes. Readers may also post what books they are reading so that others can get inspiration for their next read. The program runs from June 1 to July 31. 
ENGINEERING
Caruth Park Stormwater Detention Project
Work is set to begin this month to improve the City’s stormwater system and reduce potential flooding in the Caruth Park neighborhood. The decision comes after months of study involving in depth consultation with an engineering firm and careful review of concepts by several resident committees and the City Council.
 
The project features the construction of an underground detention structure in Caruth Park to increase the capacity of the City’s stormwater system by 11 acre feet. That equates to just over 3.5 million gallons. Costs associated with the new structure, estimated at $4.6 million, will be funded through the City’s Capital Improvements Program.
 
Located under the playing field on the east side of the park, the structure will provide several opportunities for improvements in and around Caruth Park:
 
  • Models show a significant reduction in the impact to private property during a 10-year storm event
  • The play field will experience better drainage which will reduce closures after rain events
  • New grass, designed for high-intensity use, will be planted after the project to provide a better play surface for teams using the field
  • Installation of a new irrigation system with new spray head technology and smart controllers will be part of the upgrades
  • The project will have minimal impact on the existing tree canopy

Parking Lot/Sidewalk Closures and Truck Traffic
 
As part of this work, the parking lot and sidewalks on the east side of the park will be used as a staging area and for construction site access. That activity will keep the lot and those sidewalks closed for the project’s duration. The construction process and hauling of materials will generate a significant amount of truck traffic along Hillcrest. As such, a traffic control plan will be in place to minimize impact to the neighborhood. To relieve traffic congestion, the City will require that all contractor activity and parking be limited to the work site. Once installation of the detention structure is complete, the contractor will replace the playing field turf and rebuild the Hillcrest parking lot.
 
The estimated completion date for the project is this November. The construction schedule for additional improvements to the area’s stormwater system hasn’t been finalized. That multiyear effort will involve installing larger stormwater pipes under sections of Southwestern, Hillcrest, Colgate, Marquette, and Airline.
 
City Contacts
 
As the Caruth Park project progresses, if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact these City staff members:
 
Construction Inspector, Gary Bouchillon – 214-537-7734
City Engineer, Katie Barron – 214-987-5401
Upcoming City Meetings & Events