Number 208, December 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 December Arbor. This electronic version contains all of the content that would have appeared in a printed copy without the chance of being out-of-date. Click here for the latest COVID-19 information and updates.
Santa Around Town begins December 14
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 14 and continuing each night through Friday, December 18, 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. Details about Santa Around Town will be posted on the City's website in the next few days.

* Dates/times subject to emergency calls
Letters to Santa
Ho, ho, ho! Calling all UP residents! Did you know that the City of University Park knows Santa Claus?!

From the North Pole, Santa will send your reply... Faster than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer can fly! Our Letters to Santa program runs through December 20. Submit a letter request on the form below and you will receive a personalized, electronic letter from Santa!

Click here for a flyer with more information.
Virtual holiday programs at UP Public Library
The University Park Public Library in the Plaza at Preston Center will be offering virtual Christmas programs Saturdays in December with holiday entertainment for all ages. All programs begin at 3 p.m. For more information call the library at 214-363-9095.

Dec. 5 – Virtual Christmas Craft Party
Dec. 12 – Virtual Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 19 – Virtual Christmas Magic Show

Sponsors: Christine McKenny and Allie Beth Allman and Associates
Library December holiday hours
We will be open on Thursday, December 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Friday and Saturday, December 25 and 26. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 29 with regular hours.
Happy Holidays from the Friends of the UP Public Library
Michael Gerstle - Friends President

The Friends of the University Park Public Library thank you for making 2020 another successful year! In mid-September, the Friends opened Second Chapter Bookstore, a pop-up, volunteer-driven, used bookstore located at 6827 Snider Plaza (across from CVS). Since the Store opened, we have received more than 10,000 gently used books and made nearly $8,000 selling some of them, with the proceeds benefiting the University Park Public Library. Due to the generosity of our landlord, Bob Teeter, the foresight of University Park’s Mayor, Tommy Stewart, and the tireless efforts of many Members of the Friends and volunteers who have generously donated their time and capital, Second Chapter Bookstore will remain open through January 31, 2021, operating Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please visit the Store while it is still popped up! For more information about the Store, volunteering opportunities, and donating books, please visit the Friends website at https://uplibraryfriends.org/books.
In September, the Friends also began offering virtual programming in cooperation with the SMU Meadows School for the Performing Arts, the SMU Center for Presidential History, the Meadows Museum, the Dallas Architectural Forum, the Van Cliburn Foundation, and others. A calendar of events as well as community content is accessible though the Friends’ website at https://uplibraryfriends.org/calendar and https://uplibraryfriends.org/community-events. 

Lastly, our holiday giving campaign allows you to honor a friend, colleague, teacher or family member by making a donation of as little as $25 to the Friends. More information about the campaign, including payment options, is available at https://uplibraryfriends.org/holiday-gift.
 
We wish each of you a happy, healthy and safe 2021, and hope you continue to support the Friends in the coming year. Cheers!
Stormwater Detention Project wraps up in Caruth Park
Work has concluded on a major project to improve the City’s stormwater system and reduce potential flooding in neighborhoods close to Caruth Park. Funded through the City’s Capital Improvements Program, the $5.2 million project centered on the construction of an underground detention structure to increase capacity of the City’s stormwater system by 11 acre feet. That equates to just over 3.5 million gallons. 

Over the past seven months while these improvements were taking place, residents living near the construction site, passing motorists on Hillcrest and park users were all very patient and tremendously supportive. We thank you for that! Please note that temporary fencing will remain in place around the new turf so that it can mature and be ready for spring play.  

Above-ground improvements

  • Installation of 10,000 square yards of new Tiff Bermuda sod above the detention structure
  • The turf is designed for high-intensity use and offers better playing conditions
  • With improved drainage, after heavy rain events, the play field will be available for use more quickly
  • The new irrigation system for the turf east of the pond has advanced spray head technology and uses smart controllers
  • New decorative light poles on the park’s east side
  • New handicap parking spaces and ramps

Underground detention structure factoids

  • Prior to installation, 30,000 cubic yards of material was removed to make room for construction of the structure
  • Structure installation involved 830 separate pieces
News briefs
Holiday Package Thefts
Package thefts occur year round, but they are more common during the holiday season with the constant ordering of online gifts. Here are some tips to prevent package thefts and to keep your orders safe:

  • Use smart package lockers (such as Amazon locker) or convenience stores like the UPS store
  • Have packages delivered to your workplace or office
  • Install security cameras
  • Require signature on delivery
  • Require a vacation package hold if you are out of town
  • Sign up for tracking alerts so you can arrange to be home when the package is scheduled to be delivered

This holiday season, please remember to lock your vehicles and place your valuables in the trunk. It's a good idea to also keep all household doors locked, even when home. Of course, UPPD appreciates all those who continue to quickly report suspicious activity. 
Christmas Tree Recycling
Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree. The Sanitation Division will pick up discarded trees on scheduled collection days from front curbsides. Before setting your tree out for collection, remove the tree’s stand and all ornaments, lights, tinsel and plastic. If you live south of Lovers Lane collection is free if the tree is at the curb by January 11. For residents who live north of Lovers Lane, collection is free through January 12. After those dates, there is a $26.81 collection fee. If you place your tree at curbside and do not remove your tree stand, lights and ornaments, you will be charged $26.81. For more information, call the Sanitation Division at 214- 987-5451, or dial 311.

Want an email that reminds you to set your tree out? Go to the City’s website. From the homepage click on Government/SanitationRecycling/Collection Calendar. Then, type in your home address and ask for a reminder.
Christmas Week and New Year's Day Sanitation schedules

To keep your holiday week jolly, here's a reminder about the upcoming collection schedule for curbside trash and recycling.
Place yard waste bags at curbside
Due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, please put all yard waste bags at curbside in the parkway portion of your property to help City sanitation crews with timely collection until further notice. Your assistance with this request is greatly appreciated. If further modifications to our collection efforts are needed in the days ahead, we will let you know in a timely fashion.