City of University Park
October
2018
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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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Electric Scooter use prohibited in UP
During the past couple of months, electric scooter use has been on the rise in University Park due in part to a pilot program launched in Dallas. This has prompted residents to call City Hall with questions about their use.
Anyone who drives through the community is aware of our narrow streets and alleys, the abundance of vehicles parked curbside and the poor sight lines that result from these conditions. In 2009, to safeguard against serious accidents and injuries, the City Council decided to add language to our Code of Ordinances that prohibits the use of motor-assisted scooters on all public streets, alleys and sidewalks. In recent weeks, UPPD officers have been giving warnings to electric scooter users. In the aftermath of this reminder and recent posts on the City’s social media platforms, electric scooter users are likely to be ticketed. Violators are subject to a municipal court fine of $136.
If you see rental electric scooters positioned on street corners and sidewalks and you want them removed, call the City at 214-363-1644 or dial 311.
Auto thefts
There have been several vehicle thefts in the area recently. It is very easy for a thief to take the vehicle when the key fob is hidden in the car. Imagine the thief's delight when the door is unlocked and the car starts with the push of a button. Your car is gone in 60 seconds!
Remember to remove both your key fobs and your valuables from your vehicle. Also, don't forget to lock your doors!
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Road Construction/Traffic Advisories
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McFarlin Blvd. Closure
A reminder that McFarlin Blvd between Park and Shannon is closed to all traffic due to storm sewer line installation in conjunction with the Highland Park Presbyterian Church renovation project.
Weather permitting, construction is scheduled to take approximately six weeks.
During this time, motorists should stay aware of signs and detours, and should plan to take alternate routes.
The City of UP will assist contractor Rogers-O'Brien with social media posts when worksite activities associated with renovations to the Highland Park Presbyterian Church campus impact traffic. Access City social media accounts by clicking the buttons below.
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Block Party Registration
The City welcomes the opportunity to supply residents with warning cones and signs for neighborhood "block parties." Applications must be received 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.
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Make sure your home smoke alarms work
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, about 60 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes without properly functioning smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm in your home greatly increases your chance of surviving a fire.
Because smoke alarms rely on a power source to function properly, it is critical to check them monthly. Batteries too weak to sound the alarm should be replaced. Because most alarms “chirp” when battery power is low, it is critical to replace the battery promptly, rather than disconnecting the alarm.
Smoke generated by fire is referred to as the silent killer. Most fire deaths occur from smoke inhalation when residents are asleep. A primary component of smoke is carbon monoxide, which can slowly suffocate victims. A functional smoke alarm can provide early detection and make the difference when minutes count.
This month, under the direction of the Fire Department, local Boy Scouts will distribute door hangers urging residents to make sure their household smoke alarms are in working order. Multi-family sections of the city will be included in this effort.
UPFD offers assistance with smoke alarm installations
For those needing assistance, especially the aged and individuals with disabilities, department members will test home smoke alarms. If necessary, the department will provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange a visit please call the department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.
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Fireplace safety tips
With cooler temperatures just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make sure that your wood-burning fireplace is ready for use. That preparation begins with having your chimney inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional.
Here are additional fireplace safety tips from UPFD:
- Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of your chimney
- Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, ideally logs that have been seasoned for six months to a year
- Make sure your damper is open before you light the fire
- Always use a fireplace screen or glass doors to keep burning embers inside the fireplace
- Never burn trash or plastics in your fireplace
- Never start your fire with gasoline or other flammable liquids
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Parks and Recreation Department
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Community Night Out & Movie in the Park - Friday, October 19
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Join us Friday, October 19 for a night of family fun! Activities in Goar Park begin at 5 p.m. with Community Night Out. Public safety vehicles will be on display until 7:30 p.m. Police and Fire personnel are looking forward to meeting you!
Then at 7:30 p.m., it’s time to hit the blankets and camp chairs for a free showing of Beetlejuice.*
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- There will be bounce houses for the kids
- A Halloween costume contest
- The City will provide popcorn and water
- In-N-Out will provide hamburger dinners
*In the event of inclement weather, the movie will be shown on October 26.
Event Sponsor:
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Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event - Sunday, November 18
Mark your calendars now! This year's Holiday Tree Lighting event in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 18. Look for more details in the November issue of UPdate, the November Arbor, and on the City's website.
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UP @ the Library Family Time - Saturday, October 27
UP Public Library's annual Halloween party will take place that afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m.
You don't want to miss:
- Scary Stories
- Costume Contest
- Crafts & Snacks
Sponsors:
This month's program is presented by
Christine McKenny,
Allie Beth Allman & Associates and The Friends of the University Park Public Library.
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Stories for a Dark & Stormy Night - Monday, October 29 @ UPPL
The Halloween fun continues! UP Public Library is teaming up with the
Highland Park Public Library
for a special Halloween story time on October 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.! Hear spooky stories with award-winning storyteller, writer and actress,
Bernadette Nason
. Dress in your Halloween costume for even more fun! Appropriate for ages 4 years old and up.
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Special Guests at Story Time
UP Public Library and the UP Fire Department worked together to provide a special Story Time! One of our firefighters and Sparky the Fire Dog read the children a book. Then, the kids got to check out the fire engine! Overall, everyone had a great time.
UPPL holds Story Time for different age groups every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For more information about Library events, click the button below.
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Friends of the UP Public Library
The UP Flea has been rescheduled! The event will now take place on Saturday, October 20. Details below.
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Community Connect – The newest way to get City news and information
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?"
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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