City of University Park   
 March 2023
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
Youth Advisory Commission application deadline is March 31
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. 

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 Park Cities Recycling Events and the Snider Plaza Tree Lighting. Commission members also act as an advisory group for the City on issues that could directly impact teenagers.

The application deadline is March 31. The City will begin interviewing applicants in April. To be eligible for consideration for this 20-plus member group, students must reside in University Park. They must also be in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade at the start of the 2023-24 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.
Centennial Master Plan Dashboard launched
Last summer, City Council adopted the Centennial Master Plan, a document guiding how University Park will advance to meet future opportunities and challenges. Now that emphasis has shifted to implementing some targeted items, the City has produced an interactive dashboard so that you and your neighbors can track the progress that has been made on dozens of short to long-term measures.

This public-facing dashboard highlights the plan’s five themes and related goals and action items. With this tool, starting in mid-April and continuing on a quarterly basis, you will see plan progress at a glance with color-coded status indicators ranging from completed, to on-track or delayed. The dashboard will also give you the opportunity to drill down to specific action items and view detailed checklists on upcoming activity. Check out the dashboard by clicking the link below!
Park Cities Recycling Event scheduled for April 15
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture. And, you can even clean out your bookcases. The Friends of the University Park Public Library will be on-site to accept gently used book donations for their book sales to benefit the University Park Public Library. 

Stay tuned for more event details!
PARKS AND RECREATION
UP Paddle Battle - Saturday March 25, 3 to 8 p.m.
Who's ready for some pickleball?

Our annual Paddle Battle 2023 will be held on Saturday, March 25, at the Williams Park Pickleball courts!

There will be two divisions: A social division for recreational play and a competitive division for more advanced players.

You must be a tennis pass holder to register for this event. The competitive division is full, but there are still spots available for the social division.

Space is limited! Visit RecTrac to sign up.
Goar Park hosts "Eggstravaganza" on April 1
Celebrate spring and hop on over to Goar Park on Saturday, April 1 for the City’s annual Easter egg hunt! The event, designed for children up to 8 years old, gets underway at 9 a.m. Participation is free of charge.
 
Eggstravaganza activities
 
  • The Easter egg hunt begins at 10 a.m.
  • Remember to bring baskets for egg collection
  • More than 10,000 plastic eggs will be placed in the park (Drop-off boxes will be on site so that plastic eggs can be reused after candy is removed)
  • The Easter Bunny will be on site for Easter photos
  • Bounce houses and face painters will add to the fun 
  • The UP Public Library booth will feature a spring-themed craft and assist you with library card registration
2023 Holmes Aquatic Center pool passes
Pool season is quickly approaching! Remove the stress by skipping the line, purchasing your pool pass, and registering for programs online!

You can now purchase your pool passes for the upcoming season via RecTrac from the comfort of your own home! Click the button below to log in to RecTrac.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Change your clocks, change your batteries
Daylight saving time ended Sunday. When the clock sprung forward, did you change the batteries on your household smoke alarms?

For those needing assistance with this task, especially the elderly and individuals with disabilities, UPFD personnel will test home smoke alarms. If needed, the department will also provide and install smoke alarms for free. To arrange an in-home visit please call the department’s administrative secretary at 214-987-5380.
FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Upcoming City Meetings & Events