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.
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2021 Centennial Master Plan Town Hall (In-person or virtual) |
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On Wednesday, November 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., UP residents will be asked once again to provide input that will help shape the City’s Centennial Master Plan. You may recall that last November, the City hosted a virtual Town Hall to begin identifying areas of focus. We are excited to announce that this time around, for your convenience and comfort, you can participate in the Town Hall in-person or online.
If you who attend the in-person gathering at City Hall, our consultant Gap Strategies will have personnel on hand to guide you through a number of interactive stations where you can vote on proposed goals for the long-term plan. If you haven’t been following our progress, don’t fret. We’ll have a quick informational video for participants to view when you arrive. Whether you’ve been following along closely or this is the first you’ve heard about a Master Plan, we want you there!
Because of the tremendous participation we had virtually during last year’s Town Hall, we will again offer an online option. So, if you’re unable to attend the in-person session, you can visit the city's website to participate online November 18 - 30. The virtual format will replicate the in-person process with the same interactive exercises and voting options.
How did we get to this point?
Earlier this year, using data from the 2020 Town Hall, the City’s consultant identified a number of priority issues and ideas. That list was given to 10 focus groups for further study. From April to July, these groups met regularly to discuss and study topics ranging from city character to zoning and land use, to future technologies. More than 100 residents participated in this collaborative effort.
At the conclusion of this part of the process, each focus group developed a number of recommendations. Over the last several months, the recommendations were further refined by the City’s Leadership Team and by the members of our resident Master Plan Steering Committee.
This upcoming Town Hall provides the broader community with another opportunity to weigh in on these goals as the draft plan continues to develop. We hope to adopt our Centennial Master Plan in spring 2022, after the plan is presented to both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.
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Snider Plaza Tree Lighting - Sunday, November 21 |
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The annual University Park Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza is set for Sunday, November 21 from 1 to 6 p.m. Presented by the Rotary Club of Park Cities, the event will feature live performances on the main stage and lots of fun for kids, including a bounce house or two, a llama and a pet adoption booth. Of course, there will also be photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Tasty snacks and drinks
Local vendors will be offering a variety of tasty treats and snacks. Sponsored by Andrews Distributing, the event will also feature a beer garden. Inside that fenced area, for a suggested donation to assist the event's two charities, beer and wine will be offered with proof of age.
A season for giving to those less fortunate
This year's fundraising efforts will benefit the North Texas Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
Additional event parking
Additional parking will be available at the SMU Law School parking garage at Daniel and Hillcrest. Attendees can also use the parking garage at Hilltop Plaza!
Event sponsors
This year’s key sponsors include: Methodist Urgent Care, Crain Brogdon Rogers LLP, Andrews Distributing, CITRA Urgent Care, Sewell, CB Homes, Plains Capital Bank, Advanced ER and People Newspapers.
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Mayor's helper to light the Holiday Tree in Snider Plaza |
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Due to the pandemic, last year's Holiday Tree Lighting in Snider Plaza took place virtually with limited volunteer and staff attendance. However, because the City felt it was important to acknowledge and celebrate the adaptability of the children and teens in our community during those unprecedented circumstances, we asked residents to nominate younger members of the city who, despite the times, showed those around them what community is all about.
This year, we are again asking for nominations so that we can continue to acknowledge the role our youth play in keeping us focused, grounded and encouraged about the months ahead.
Nominee Requirements
Much like our Citizen of the Year award that annually recognizes a University Park resident who works behind the scenes to better our community’s quality of life, the City is looking for a young resident who has helped support classmates, teammates, friends, church members or family members during 2021. The resident we select must be available to attend the Snider Plaza tree lighting activities in person from 5 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 21.
Nominations will be accepted through tomorrow, (November 16), and the City will announce the young resident who has been selected on Wednesday, November 17.
- Nominees must be 16 years old or younger
- Nominees must be residents of University Park
- Please do not nominate sisters and brothers from the same family (one child per family)
If you would like to nominate someone, please fill out a nomination form by clicking the button below.
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Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - Tuesday, December 7 |
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For many years, residents from across the Park Cities have gathered at Elena’s Children’s Park to remember children who are no longer with us. The gathering features short remarks, holiday carols and the lighting of a holiday tree. Elena’s Children’s Park is located at the intersection of Boedeker and Hanover.
This year's tree Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting will take place on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.
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Santa Around Town begins December 13 |
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While his elves are back at the North Pole making sure his sleigh is ready for the big night, Santa Claus will tour the streets of University Park on a UPFD fire engine.
Starting Monday, December 13 and continuing each night through Friday, December 17, Santa will ride through a different section of University Park spreading holiday cheer. The fun begins each night at 6 p.m. and ends around 8 p.m.*
Santa Fire Engine Tracker
If you want to wave at Santa as he rides by, consult this color-coded City map below. Better yet, during his five-day visit, go to the City’s website homepage and click on the Santa Around Town details. There you will find a link to track Santa’s nightly progress through the neighborhoods. Santa Around Town information will be posted on the City's website after the Thanksgiving holiday.
*Dates/times subject to emergency calls
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Holiday Sanitation schedule |
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events |
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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