Welcome to UPdate. This mid-month publication provides residents with timely information about upcoming City projects, programs and events. You can sign up for things too.
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Support Snider Plaza businesses with a back to school treat! | |
Be sure to stop by Snider Plaza on Saturday, August 24 for back to school donuts! Donuts will be available first come, first served from 8:30 - 10 a.m. and UPFD will be onsite with the fire engine for photos. This will be a great opportunity to get out and support all of your favorite businesses that are OPEN in Snider Plaza! | |
Next Leadership UP class forming now | |
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The City is now accepting applications for our next Leadership UP class. This 17-month program is designed for those who are interested in learning more about the City’s history, opportunities, challenges, and resources. Monthly presentations will start this October, and conclude in March 2026.
The program is open to UP residents only and costs $300 a person. There are two ways to submit payment. You can write a check to the City of University Park – Leadership UP, or pay by credit card. Look for more specifics on how to pay on the application form.
Class size is limited to no more than 25 people. Regular attendance is required.
In addition to covering all aspects of City operations, class members will receive presentations from sister entities including HPISD, SMU, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Dallas County Park Cities Municipal Utility District. The program’s ultimate objective is to provide a pathway for residents who are interested in serving on one of the City’s boards or committees.
The application deadline is September 13.
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Electric bike regulation reminders | |
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Electric bicycle operating guidelines continue to remain a hot topic in communities all over North Texas. As the school year ramps up, we would appreciate your cooperation in sharing the information below with your children, especially if they are frequent operators of e-bikes. The University Park Police Department will be strictly enforcing the following regulations around the start of school, and violations could result in a citation.
On August 1, 2023 City Council approved an ordinance that states:
- E-bike operators and riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet
- No bicycles or e-bikes may be operated on sidewalks in commercial districts, and no e-bikes may be operated on any sidewalks in the City
- E-bikes must be operated at a speed reasonable to surrounding conditions
Some other tips to remember:
- Bicyclists (including electric bikes) must follow all road laws
- A person riding a bicycle should only ride on the seat of the bicycle, and there is only one rider permitted per seat
- Lights are required on all bicycles and the usage of the lights is required at night
For additional education purposes, we have also created a printable electric bike safety worksheet for you to share with your children.
Youth Advisory Commission members put together a short PSA video to help us educate the community on these regulations. Check it out below!
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Burleson Park renovations | |
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If you've visited Burleson Park recently, you may have noticed exciting improvements underway at the park's baseball fields. Each year, Parks Department staff identifies major projects and improvements essential for the University Park park system. These proposed items are presented annually to the Capital Projects Review Committee for evaluation and approval. After the Committee's review, the approved projects are forwarded to the City Council for final review and adoption.
One of the FY2024 highlighted projects includes enhancements to the Burleson Park baseball field. The project involves installing a new backstop, tilling and laser grading the field surface to ensure positive drainage, and adding new irrigation zones.
The project began on August 5, with an expected completion by the end of the month. During this period, access to Burleson Park will be limited, and there may be increased traffic as construction crews work on site. We're excited for the community to enjoy these field enhancements!
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Active school zones back in operation | |
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HPISD students returned to campus yesterday, August 14! With school back in session, the streets around the City’s various campuses will be more congested. UPPD reminds motorists that active school zones are designated by flashing yellow lights.
School zone times in University Park - all campuses
- 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- 20 MPH is the speed limit in all active school zones
Parents, please make sure that your children use the sidewalks when walking or riding their bikes to school. Children should follow the directions of the crossing guard, who will make sure they cross safely. Early in the school year, UPPD will have extra officers watching queuing lanes at the elementary and intermediate/middle school campuses.
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SMU students are heading back to campus! | |
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SMU students are heading back to the Hilltop for the start of the fall semester! Move in dates are listed below. There will be increased traffic in and around the campus during this time. The fall semester starts Monday, August 26.
- Residential Commons Day 1 - Wednesday, August 21 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Residential Commons Day 2 - Thursday, August 22 from 8 a.m. to noon
- Upper Division Housing: Friday, August 23 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
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At their August 6 meeting, the City Council set a maximum tax rate to be considered during the FY2025 budget process. This rate (22.9964 cents per $100 of taxable value), which is below the state-mandated voter-approval rate, limits growth in property tax revenue. As in prior years, this rate is a “not-to-exceed” rate, and Council may adopt a lower tax rate during the September hearing process.
On Tuesday, September 3 and Tuesday, September 17, the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2025 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2025 budget and tax rate during its Tuesday, September 17 meeting. Both Council Meetings will begin at 5 p.m.
Comments about the proposed budget
If you want make your comments in person on either of the dates listed, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to register to speak before you arrive at City Hall, you may submit an online form.
All Council Meetings are livestreamed on the City's website at uptexas.org. If you want to comment remotely or have comments included in the Public Comments portion of a Council Meeting, you can use our website’s eComment feature, or you can contact Christine Green, City Secretary, at cgreen@uptexas.org or 214-987-5302. Please note that the Mayor will acknowledge receipt of written comments, but written comments are not always read aloud.
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Our library programming this summer was full of engaging activities and performers!
The Little Artists (Ages 3 - 6) series covered famous artists from around the world: Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe, Wassily Kandinsky, and Yayoi Kusama.
Fire UP with Reading Family Performers brought learning experiences and enjoyment for all ages: Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Greg Kazam Magic Show, Creature Teacher, Bubble Adventure, David Chicken Music, Masai Maggie Puppet Show, and Washi Tape Landscapes with the Meadows Museum.
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In addition to themed story times (Baby Doll, Pool, and Princess), the library also hosted programs like Music and Movement and Preschool Dance Party for the kids to let loose lots of energy during summer break.
Tweens and Teens expressed themselves through pour painting, felting, secret garden tins, and the Cryptid Camp Escape Room.
Boone Elementary is the winner of this year's Reader's Cup trophy with 749 hours. Congrats to the Boone Bulldogs! UP Elementary came in 2nd place with 724 hours.
Participants read for a total of 9,295 hours this summer!
Thank you to all participants, and our sponsors: Friends of the University Park Public Library, La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, and Christine McKenny.
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FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY | |
Fall 2024 Meet Me at the Library Series | |
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The Friends will continue to present local authors and luminaries at its monthly lecture series, Meet Me at the Library. Visit the Friends' calendar to reserve your seat today to one or all of these exciting presentations.
September 24 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library, Glenna Whitley, widely acclaimed journalist covering crime and the legal system, and author of Stolen Valor, will discuss Texas true-crimes.
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North Texas Giving Day 2024 | |
The Friends have exciting news! Every dollar donated to the Friends for North Texas Giving Day will be matched by CORIENT Wealth Management up to $5,000. Mark your calendars for Early Giving which starts September 1! | |
STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA | | | | |
