Number 202, June 2020
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
To our readers:   Given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 response and the need for timely and accurate information,  the City will not be offering a printed edition of the June Arbor. This electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the danger of being out-of-date.  Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and updates.
Lap swimming at the Holmes Aquatic Center summer 2020
No later than July 1, the Holmes Aquatic Center will open for the summer with lap swimming only. That decision was made during the May 19 City Council Meeting. Since that meeting, we have received a lot of feedback. While I know many families are disappointed with our decision, given the City’s commitment to social distancing, we selected what I believe is the best option for swimmers and staff alike. Prior to taking our vote, City staff presented the Council with an overview of the challenges that COVID-19 has created for aquatic facilities across North Texas. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to watch that presentation .   
 
Social distancing and lifeguard availability are both factors for how many swimmers and guests can be on-site at any one time. Right now, the State says municipal pools can operate at 25 percent capacity. For the Holmes Aquatic Center that means no more than 80 swimmers or guests. At some point this summer we fully expect the State to increase load occupancy. As the City Council discussed during the May 19 meeting, the City will evaluate all options for expanded pool use. 
 
In my position, I have to consider what could happen if we don’t continue to practice social distancing. With help from our friends and neighbors, working together, maybe we can keep the virus from potentially bouncing back in the months ahead. If we don’t remain committed, I fear even longer delays to more important community concerns including the start of school and local job recovery.
 
For those who have taken the time to communicate with us, although you may not agree with the Council’s decision, I am truly grateful for your community passion. We all want what is best for our City. While the Council remains committed to beginning with lap swimming no later than July 1, as conditions and guidelines evolve we will most certainly continue to weigh workable and safe options.  

Tommy Stewart
Mayor
July 4 Parade & Goar Park Celebration update
The Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park have long enjoyed our partnership with the Rotary Club of Park Cities in hosting the July 4 Parade and the post-parade celebration in Goar Park. Each year thousands of residents line the streets in anticipation of sighting the first decorated vehicles and floats. Without a doubt, our two communities cherish this camaraderie   and the chance to demonstrate our love of country. Likewise, both young and old have wonderful memories of the fun, games and products offered by the vendor booths that encircle the park.
 
As COVID-19 has spread throughout the county, and State and County orders have kept us safe at home, Rotary Club parade organizers and the Town and City have been discussing this year’s festivities. As Texas continues to reopen for business, regardless of the guidelines and recommendations that are presented in the next several weeks, it is apparent that social distancing is one practice that will remain in place far beyond July 4. For that reason, above all others, in partnership; the Rotary Club, Town and City have made the difficult decision to not host a July 4 parade and Goar Park celebration this year. 
 
In the interest of public health, we believe this decision is best for everyone, whether they are event organizers, parade participants or street-side and park attendees. We know this announcement will come as a great disappointment for many. We are disappointed too. Fittingly though, as everyone strives to keep loved ones and their circle of friends and workplace associates healthy and safe, we also know this decision is consistent with one of the values we celebrate each Independence Day – respect for others. We genuinely thank you for your understanding and support.  
Stars, Stripes and Service - Activities for residents of all ages
Although the parade and Goar Park festivities will not take place, the Rotary Club is offering several fun activities that will also provide you and your family with ways to demonstrate the love you have for our country and our neighborhoods!

This year's theme of Stars, Stripes and Service is also centered on generating community support for the North Texas Food Bank, so they can continue to provide critical assistance for thousands of local families in this sudden and continuing time of need. Click on the tab below for details on all the activities!
Centennial Master Plan Community Survey
As a resident of University Park you now have the opportunity to take an online survey that will provide us with guidance on numerous long-term community concerns. 
 
The survey is just 20 questions and should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Gap Strategies, the consulting firm assisting us with the project, worked hard to strike a balance between length and the collection of needed information. Data collected from the survey will help to build a foundation for our new Centennial Master Plan. This fall, after Gap has had time to analyze findings, we will report back. As the project progresses, there will be additional opportunities for resident input through town halls and stakeholder meetings. 
 
The survey is available through Friday, June 12. Paper surveys are also available by request. Contact Amanda Hartwick at  ahartwick@uptexas.org  for more information.

The City’s last Master Plan was authored in 1989. That document’s primary theme centered on the services and expenses needed to maintain and enhance the City’s standing as one of the nation’s best residential communities. Many of those action items were accomplished years ago, the few that remain are ongoing.

The engagement of residents from across the community was the catalyst for the success of the 1989 plan. This survey is one of several outreach elements that we will use in the months ahead to assure that everyone is heard as we chart a course for City operations, possible expenditures and expectations for the next 20 to 30 years.
Summer Street Milling and Repaving project
Similar to efforts during the past several summers, crews will start resurfacing streets in several locations throughout the community beginning on June 1. This work is scheduled to continue through late July.   

Most of the work will take place in the southern portion of the city. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If weather causes project delays, some Saturday work may be authorized. For most segments, the resurfacing effort will take less than two days. Flag crews will be present when lanes are narrowed for resurfacing occurring on a segment of Hillcrest and on segments of Preston and Lovers.

Streets will be closed while the mill and overlay work is taking place. The day before work begins, front door notices will be delivered reminding residents not to park in front of their homes on the dates indicated. City staff will also place “No Parking” signs along the street the day before work occurs. Any vehicles parked on the street on the days work is scheduled will be towed at the owner’s expense. Although unlikely, if for some reason work is not completed on the scheduled day, “No Parking” signs will remain in place.

Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media platforms ( Twitter ,  Facebook  and Nextdoor) for the latest project information and related traffic advisories. Click the button below for a map and full list of project dates and locations.
High school parking district - sticker extension
Add this decision to the list of things altered by COVID-19, shelter in place orders, and ongoing efforts to practice social distancing. Because errands are not as easy to run as they used to be, if you live in the High School Parking District your current 2019-2020 stickers will remain valid until the end of 2020. That means you do not need to go through the usual process of getting new stickers for your vehicles prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. 

Although the University Park Police Department will have new stickers ready next fall, a start date for that process has not been determined yet. When we do select a date, we will publicize it on all City social media platforms. 

In the meantime, if any of the following apply, please contact UPPD Administrative Assistant, Dawn Kossmann at dkossmann@uptexas.org or 214-987-5355 to set up an appointment to obtain your sticker(s):

  • If you have purchased a new car;
  • Have a new driver in the family who resides with you;
  • Are a new resident in the High School Parking District
UPPL Summer Reading Programs
Kids' Summer Reading Club
For readers 0 to 12 years old   
May 30 - July 31
 
Register  each of your children and log their reading hours (or books read) online to earn prizes! Be sure to opt-in at registration to receive details about accessing our virtual family performer programs each week.
 
Please note that summer reading sign-up prizes, yard signs, and hourly prizes can be picked up from the library via Curbside Service. 
 
At the end of the program, the HPISD school whose students read the most will be awarded the Readers Cup Trophy! Hyer Elementary was the winning school in 2019.
 
All hours and books must be logged online by 8 p.m. on July 31 for children to be eligible for prizes. Prizes must be collected by August 31.
Teens' Summer Reading Club
For readers ages 13 - 19 years old
JUNE 1 - JULY 31
 
Teen Summer Reading Club is a fun collaboration between the University Park Public Library and Highland Park Library. Each week, participants who log reading hours online will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business.
 
Details
  • To participate and be eligible for prizes, students must register
  • Each hour logged earns the participant 20 points
  • If the participant attends the monthly virtual programs, they earn 25 bonus points each time they attend (plus they are free and fun!)
  • To complete the program, participants must earn at least 500 points (or read 25 hours)
  • At the end of the program, participants who have earned 500 points will be entered into the grand prize drawing - one winner from UP and one from HP. 
Adults' Summer Reading Club
For readers ages 20+   
JUNE 1 - JULY 31
 
Adults can read and win prizes this summer, too!  Simply log into our database each week that you’ve read a book and you will be entered into a drawing for prizes from area restaurants and gift shops. At sign up, “grown ups” get their very own yard sign. Another fun way to earn a spot in the weekly drawing is to complete a challenge, which are listed in our database. These challenges are designed to be fun and to encourage readers to use all parts of the library’s collections. Readers can also write a short review of what they’ve read to share with others in the program. See what everyone else is reading and enjoying!
Take the guess work out of watering with Water My Yard
Deciding when and how much to water your lawn during the summer season can be challenging. Residents now 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. Learn more about the Water My Yard program by clicking the green button below. After a few short online steps you will be set to receive automated emails or text-messages with weekly guidance that is based on weather and soil conditions here in the Park Cities.
Help UP control contaminated stormwater runoff
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 .