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City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd. |
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Curtis Park enhancements now complete |
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Work is now complete on improvements to the western portion of Curtis Park. The list of enhancements included the installation of an observation deck, sidewalks, and some decorative railing near Turtle Creek. Additional improvements involved implementing a new plant and tree layout for that section of the park, new irrigation to support that landscaping and the installation of security lighting. The Parks and Recreation Department unveiled the new enhancements in a ribbon cutting ceremony last month, attended by the Mayor, City Council and members of the Parks Advisory Committee. |
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Reminder on Block Party requirements |
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May is here, and graduations, wedding receptions and summer holiday gatherings are just weeks away. While these private events are certainly reasons to celebrate, since they involve only a house or two, they are not in line with the requirements of a Block Party, which by definition, is an event that is held for the enjoyment of all the residents on your block.
While the City's Traffic Division is happy to provide you with Block Party signage and cones, keep in mind that during the party your street must remain accessible to block residents and emergency vehicles. This means you can't have bounce houses, tents and audio/visual equipment in the way. To learn more about the City's Block Party requirements, please click on the green tab.
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July 4 parade and Goar Park festivities |
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Mark your calendars now! In conjunction with the Rotary Club Park Cities, on Monday, July 4, floats, fire trucks, antique vehicles, a band or two and decorated bikes and their riders will follow the usual route, starting near Highland Park Town Hall and finishing in Goar Park. That morning, the park will be filled with merchant booths, bounce houses and lots of other family fun.
In the coming weeks, we'll have more details about these festivities in our City newsletters, on the City's website and on our social media platforms!
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Have you used the Hilltop Plaza parking garage yet? |
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The blistering heat will be here before you know it. Now, you can keep your vehicle cool and dry when you go to eat and shop in Snider Plaza. Through an agreement between the City and building management, your first hour of parking in Hilltop Plaza’s parking garage is free, and the rate is only $3 an hour after that. At City expense, dozens of Snider Plaza employees have been provided with passes to do the same thing. This mix of customer and employee is aimed at boosting the availability of the Plaza's quick-in, quick-out curbside slots. |
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Pool pass sales underway - Get back in the swim of things! |
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Ready to take a dive at the Holmes Aquatic Center this summer?! Senior swim begins on May 2, and the official pool season begins on May 28!
Pick up your pool pass at the Holmes Aquatic Center
This year, for your convenience, pool pass holders will be issued a key fob. If you already have a photo on file, the fob will be mailed to your address. If there is not a photo on file, you will need to come pick up your fob and take a photo.
If you need a pool pass, you can stop by the Holmes Aquatic Center Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. to pick up your card, the fob and to update your account photo.
This new feature will make it easier for pool pass holders going forward, since you will renew passes online using your fob.
Register for programs and make reservations
Log on to RecTrac to secure your spot on the swim team, sign up for swim lessons, or make pool reservations before all spots are filled!
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Parks and Recreation Department monthly newsletter |
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Get a jump on all of the Department's upcoming activities and programs that offer fun and exercise for all ages and interests with one easy read! Sent electronically, the Department's new newsletter is distributed to all subscribers on the last day of the month. Click here to sign up to receive this publication, and other City newsletters, in your inbox.
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UP Public Library - Summer Reading Programs for all ages |
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This summer, University Park Public Library is making sure that residents of all ages will have fun reading! Visit the City’s website or visit the library to enroll in any of the programs detailed below. You can register for the youth summer program beginning on May 28, and the teen and adult programs on June 1.
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Surf's UP with Reading
University Park Public Library’s youth summer program begins on Saturday, May 28 with a Kickoff Party from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Families are invited to register for summer reading at the library and enjoy balloon animals and crafts.
This year’s UP with Reading theme is “Surf's UP,” and each registered child will be given a fish token to hang in the library along with a sign-up prize and yard sign. The program runs until July 31. Prizes will be awarded for reading 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 books or hours and include:
- 10 – Sticky shark and bookmark
- 20 – Certificate and cup
- 30 – Squirt toy and SusieCakes cupcake coupon
- 40 – Book donated to charity and stackable shark pencil
- 50 – Beach ball and entry in grand prize drawing
The Highland Park ISD school whose students read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. The winner in 2021 was McCulloch Intermediate School.
Opportunity to donate books to a non-profit
Each summer, University Park Public Library partners with Highland Park Public Library in donating books to a local organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is Camp Sweeney.
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Teen Summer Reading Club
In partnership with Highland Park Library, this program begins on June 1 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students ages 13 and up. At sign up, teens can select a book to keep. Each week, teens who log reading hours will be entered in to a drawing to win a $10 gift card from a local business. At the end of the program, participants who read 50 or more hours will be eligible for the teen grand prize drawing.
Teen events
Teens can participate in a variety of programs this summer, ranging from art and design classes to cookie decorating and writing workshops. Dates for these programs are listed below. Registration information can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the library’s web site.
June 11 - Button Making
June 14 - Become a Self-Published Author
June 30 - Portfolio Workshop
July 12 - Cookie Decorating Workshop
July 15 - Digital Painting Workshop
July 22 - Sticker and Logo Design Workshop
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Grown UP Summer Reading
Grown UP Summer Reading makes it possible for adults to join in the fun. At sign up, participants will receive a yard sign. Readers may post what books they’re reading online so that others can get a lead on their next read. The program runs from June 1 to July 31.
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Family Programs
The summer is packed with family events on Wednesdays that will entertain and inspire all age groups from kids to grandparents! All programs take place at the library at 3 p.m. Specific program dates and performers will be listed on the City's website soon!
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Toddler and Preschool Programs
For the first time, UP Library is offering music and art programs for toddlers and preschoolers. More information about these programs can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the library’s page on the City website.
June 2 - Music and Movement
June 9 - Little Artists
June 30 - Parachute Playdate
July 14 - Music and Movement
July 28 - Little Artists
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Elementary STEM Kits
UP Library is excited to offer take-home STEM kits for elementary students this summer. Kits will be available in June and July while supplies last.
June: Learn Morse Code with a Buzzer and Key
July: Learn Robotics with BristleBots
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Nominate a worthy resident for Citizen of the Year |
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The City is accepting applications through June 1 for the 2022 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.
To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. The honoree will receive a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift from the Mayor in Goar Park following the July 4 parade.
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: [email protected].
Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:
2021 - Dan Branch
2020 - Erin Schreyer
2019 - Brad Bradley
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Community CloseUP website photo contest |
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Have you noticed the photo bar on our website home page? Well, we want to see YOUR photos there! We are hosting another Community Photo Contest and we can’t wait to see what amazing photos we receive!
What will catch our eye? 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 summertime photos! If you are interested in participating, submit your original photos in a JPG format by emailing them to [email protected]. We will accept photos until May 31. 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.
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Help UP control contaminated stormwater runoff |
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Q: What is stormwater?
A: Stormwater is rain that cannot soak into the ground. As it collects, it begins to flow to lower elevations, including storm sewer inlets that are designed to capture runoff. During this journey the stormwater picks up trash, leaves, grass clippings, fertilizers, pesticides, vehicle fluids and pet waste. All of these contaminants then flow into our ponds and waterways.
Q: Can residents help the City minimize polluted runoff and improve the quality of stormwater?
A: Yes. There are several simple steps you can take to help reduce polluted runoff. First, never put things in a storm drain, or fertilize before it rains. Second, don’t blow yard waste and grass clippings into the street. It’s also a good idea to properly dispose of chemicals and paints, clean up after your pets and wash your vehicle at a commercial car wash so soap and oils stay out of nearby inlets. For more information on this topic, visit the City's website.
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