Number 214, June 2021
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
Utility work in and near Snider Plaza has begun
Planned construction to replace decades-old water and wastewater lines in alleys servicing properties in Snider Plaza, from Daniel to Westminster, and on Hillcrest between Lovers Lane and Daniel has begun. Weather permitting, this first phase is scheduled for completion this summer.
On Hillcrest, as the map shows, lane closures will take place in block-long sections as the contractor proceeds south to Daniel. Although traffic on Hillcrest will continually run north and south, it will be slowed by these lane closures. Please pay attention to all temporary signage along that portion of Hillcrest.

As utilities are removed and replaced, and alleys are repaved, detours will be needed to redirect traffic. This replacement work will move from alley to alley through 2022. 
The Holmes Aquatic Center is open for a summer of fun!
It's time to dive in! You can get your summer 2021 pool passes renewed online, by mail or by email. If you are purchasing new passes, we will need to verify your residency in-person at the City's Peek Service Center (4420 Worcola).

For more information about pool pass sales, click here.
  • Pass prices are per person - we do not offer a family pass
  • Children ages five and younger are free of charge, and do not need a pass
  • All pass fees apply to adults, and children ages six and older 
  • Passes will be sold at half price beginning on July 19
  • The Holmes Aquatic Center is available to University Park residents, and those who reside within the HPISD
Ribbon cutting held for Shaddock Park
Shaddock Park is located on the northeast corner of 4084 Lovers Lane at the intersection of Preston and Lovers. The park is named in honor of UP resident William Shaddock, who purchased the property in 2019 and generously donated the lot to the City for the development of a new park for all to enjoy.

Construction began in May 2020 and work at the site was completed last month. In addition to beautiful greenery, landscaping, stone benches and paved walkways, the park's primary amenity is a fountain. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony for Shaddock Park was held on June 1. Mr. Shaddock made brief remarks beforehand. This photo shows many of those in attendance during the festivities, including several family members.
La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas gala dresses on display soon at UP Public Library
This month, UP Public Library is pleased to exhibit presentation gowns from both the 2020 and 2021 La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas galas. These gowns are worn by duchesses when they present in the annual pageant that reflects the history of the Six Flags of Texas and the Park Cities. The duchesses are young women from the Park Cities, and the gala is a fundraiser for various Park Cities organizations, including our library. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is the library’s first opportunity to display the 2020 dresses. The gowns presented at the 2021 gala will be on exhibit from June 8 through June 19, and the gowns of the 2020 duchesses will be on exhibit from June 21 through July 10. To view the dresses, just stop by during the library’s regular hours.
UP Public Library - Summer Reading Programs for all ages
This summer, University Park Public Library is making sure that residents of all ages will have fun reading! 

To enroll in any of the programs mentioned below, click here or visit the library.
UP with Reading

This year’s UP with Reading theme is “Tails and Tales,” and each registered child will be given an animal token to hang in the library along with a sign-up prize and yard sign. The program runs until July 31.

Slate of Virtual Programs

In partnership with Highland Park Library this summer is also packed with virtual offerings on Wednesdays to entertain and inspire all age groups from kids to grandparents! Information on how to enjoy these programs virtually along with start times will be included in the library’s newsletters. Remaining program dates and performers are listed below. 

  • June 2 Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
  • June 9 Mr. Will’s “Tails and Tales” Music Show
  • June 16 James Wand’s “Operation Read More” Magic Show
  • June 23 Virtual Crafternoon - Ocean Animals
  • June 30 Nasher Sculpture Center
  • July 14 “Ice Cold Science” with the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History
  • July 21 Virtual Crafternoon - Knitted Snakes
  • July 28 The Ravenmaster: Ravens at the Tower of London 
Teen Summer Reading Club 

This program begins on June 1 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students entering seventh grade through grade 12. Each week, teens who log reading hours will be entered in to 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 eligible for the teen grand prize drawing.  
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. Once a book or challenge has been completed, those who enter it online will be eligible for weekly prize drawings. Readers may also post what books they’re reading so that others can get a lead on their next read. The program runs from June 1 to July 31.  
Let Water My Yard help you decide how much to water
Deciding when and how much to water your lawn during the summer can be challenging. Residents have a quick and definitive way to answer those questions. Sponsored by the Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utilities District, the Park Cities are part of the Water My Yard program. Offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, this free online tool helps you determine how much supplemental water is needed to maintain a healthy lawn year-round. 

To learn more about the Water My Yard program, go here. It only takes a few short online steps before you are set to receive automated emails or text-messages with weekly guidance that is based on weather and soil conditions in the Park Cities!
Watering Restrictions

Consistent with ordinances in many other area communities, outdoor watering days are determined by street address.

  • Even - Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinklers on Sundays and Thursdays.
  • Odd - Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinklers on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
  • Multi-family addresses and office buildings will water using their lowest street address number.

Watering restriction exemptions

  • Residents can water at any time of the day or night, and on any day of the week with a hand-held hose, a drip irrigation device, soaker hose or watering can. 
  • Automatic sprinkler systems can be used during the repair or testing of a new or existing system and to irrigate newly planted landscapes within 30 days of installation. 
  • Automatic sprinklers can be used to irrigate athletic fields used for organized sports to protect the health and safety of the players, staff and officials present for athletic events. 
  • Sprinkler systems that are not connected to the City's water system are exempt from outdoor watering restrictions.
City providing free mosquito dunks
Help us keep the mosquito population in check this summer - The City is providing mosquito dunks to UP residents who stop by City Hall (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - 3800 University Blvd.). To receive the product you must provide us with your street address. Mosquito dunks will be provided, one pack to each resident, until our supply is gone. This same product can be purchased at local garden centers. 

Mosquito dunks look like a small, beige donut. They float in standing water. As the dunk slowly dissolves, it releases a bacterium which is toxic to all species of mosquito larvae. Dunks can be used in fish ponds, birdbaths, flower pots, rain barrels or any place where water collects and remains for a period of time. The dunks kill mosquito larvae before they grow to become biting and disease-spreading adults. The product is harmless to other living things. Each dunk is effective for a 30-day period.