Number 213, May 2021
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
Resumption of "close-contact" City services
The City will resume services that were paused more than 13 months ago, in conjunction with Governor Abbott's stay-at-home order and on the advice of County and State health officials.

Today more than half of the adult population in the U.S. has received at least one dose of the vaccine, and doses are readily available to everyone 16 and older. On the local level, case counts and hospitalizations are remaining manageable as people continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. Given these positive advancements and statistics, the City is resuming various "close-contact" services. Here is what to expect in the weeks ahead on a department-by-department basis:

  • Public Works - Block Party scheduling has resumed, along with staff delivery of necessary cones and signs.
  • Municipal Court - Virtual Court processes put in place in recent months will remain in place due to service efficiencies. Afternoon time slots will be set for those who need an in-person court appearance.
  • Parks - Online and call-in reservations have resumed without size limitations. As set by ordinance, large gatherings involving groups over 200 still need City Council approval.
  • Community Development - In-person permit applications resume Monday, May 3.
  • Police - Public fingerprinting and station tours will resume on Monday, May 3. In recent months the resident parking pass program moved online. Due to service efficiencies that program will remain online only. Police "ride-alongs" will not resume until early August.
  • Fire - Station tours and birthday party scheduling will resume on Monday, May 3. Child seat installation reservations resumed last month.
  • Library - In-person outdoor Story Times will resume on Friday, May 7. In-person Adult programming (limited to 12-15 people a session) will resume on Tuesday, May 18. Note: Due to having to schedule performers well in advance, this summer's slate of Wednesday presentations for our annual Summer Reading programing (see details in article below) will all be virtual. Library Meeting Room reservations have also resumed, but only for groups that are interested in dates in mid-August 2021 and beyond.

Mask use inside City facilities

The CDC and Dallas County Health & Human Services continue to stress the importance of wearing masks when social distancing is not possible. To maintain a safe work environment, the City will continue safety protocols that require the wearing of masks by both employees and members of the public during visits to City facilities. Signage at City facilities directing mask wearing will also remain in place. As always, we appreciate your cooperation and your understanding while we take steps to return to "normal" operations.
Enroll in UPPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy

The inaugural class of the University Park Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy is forming now!

This community-based, educational program is designed to provide University Park residents, who are at least 21 years old, with a working knowledge of the department, its personnel, and its policies.

Dates and Details

Academy presentations will consist of 12 sessions held on Thursday nights from September 2 through November 18. All sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. To enhance learning and discussion, class size will be capped, and all class members will be expected to attend regularly.         

Each Thursday you will receive classroom and “hands-on” instruction from officers or supervisors who work in the divisions being highlighted. Facility tours and the opportunity to “ride along” with a University Park police officer are also part of the program.  

Our primary objective in offering the Academy program is to strengthen and expand our partnerships with the community. Working together, we can make University Park an even safer place to live and work.

For more information and to receive an application, please email Assistant Chief John Ball at jball@uptexas.org.
Utility work in alleys near Snider Plaza will start soon
Planned construction to replace existing water and wastewater lines in alleys servicing properties in Snider Plaza, from Daniel to Westminster, and on Hillcrest between Daniel and Lovers Lane will begin this month. These improvements were bid in February, and awarded to SYB Contracting in March. As utilities are removed and replaced, and alleys are repaved, detours will be needed to redirect traffic. This same process will move from alley to alley through 2022. 
Have you used the Hilltop Plaza parking garage yet?
With spring thunderstorms here and blistering hot weather just around the corner, you now have the opportunity to keep your vehicle dry and cool 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. In recent weeks, at City expense, nearly 50 Snider Plaza employees have been provided with passes to do the same thing. Over the next several months, as construction crews continue to change out underground utilities in alleys near Snider Plaza, the City plans to provide additional passes so even more Snider Plaza employees can use the garage. Longer-term, this mix of customer and employee use is also expected to boost the availability of quick-in, quick-out curbside slots.  
Pool pass sales underway - Get back in the swim of things!
It's time to get your summer 2021 pool passes - the pool officially opens on May 29! You can renew pool passes online, by mail or by email. If you are purchasing new passes, we will need to verify your residency! You can purchase a new pool pass in-person at the Holmes Aquatic Center May 3 through 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or you may do so by mail or email.

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
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 detailed below, visit the City’s website at uptexas.org and click on the Library section, or visit the library. To view the library’s latest newsletter containing the latest information on programing, click here. 
UP with Reading

University Park Public Library’s youth summer program registration begins on Saturday, May 29 celebrated with a virtual Jungle Puppet Show. 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. Prizes will be awarded at 10, 20, 30, and 40-hour levels and include:  

  • 10 hours - Participation certificate and animal stamper
  • 20 hours - Magical character rubber ducky and pencil
  • 30 hours - Sticky lizard and bookmark
  • 40 hours - Book donated to charity and unicorn silly straw
  • 50 hours - Eligible for grand prize drawing  

The Highland Park ISD school whose students read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. The winner in 2020 was McCulloch Intermediate School.  

Opportunity to donate books to an area non-profit

Each summer the University Park Public Library partners with the Highland Park Public Library in donating books to a local literacy-based organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is the Krissi Holman Family Resource Library and Children’s Collection at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Slate of Virtual Programs

In partnership with Highland Park Library our summer is also packed with virtual offerings on Wednesdays that will 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. Specific program dates and performers are listed below. 

  • May 29 Summer Reading Kickoff: Jungle Puppet Show
  • 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 
The 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.  

Take and Make activities

Take and Make activities will be available for teens while supplies last. Activity dates and descriptions are listed below. More information about these programs can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters.  

Starting June 1 

DIY Tie-Dye – Pick up a kit from the library filled with the supplies and instructions you need to make a colorful creation at home! Choose between socks and scrunchies, or you can tie-dye something of your own. 

Starting July 1 

Snuffle Mats for Your Pet – Pick up a kit from the library with everything you need to make a creative puzzle toy for your canine companion! Snuffle mats are a fun way for your dog to learn and get a bit of exercise at the same time.
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.  
Nominate a worthy resident for Citizen of the Year
The City is accepting applications for the 2021 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. Whether beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth, raising money for various worthy projects, or assisting those in need in this time of social distancing, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.

To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. Nominations must be received by Tuesday, June 1. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 7. The honoree will receive a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift from the Mayor.

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: smace@uptexas.org.

Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:

2020 - Erin Schreyer
2019 - Brad Bradley
2018 - Randy James
Community CloseUP website photo contest
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  media@uptexas.org. 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.
Proper disposal of yard waste
If you have brush, leaves or grass clippings that need to be disposed of, please place the waste in a proper biodegradable paper yard waste bag (shown above). After our Sanitation crew picks it up, it is transported to a compost facility that cannot process various materials including plastic bags. Approved yard waste bags can be purchased at home improvement stores, including Lowe's, Home Depot, or Target, and you can purchase them on Amazon.

Please note - Residents can place up to eight yard waste bags in the alley. Anything more than that must be placed on the parkway for pickup.