City of University Park   
 June 2024
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.    
CITY HALL
Park Cities 4th of July Parade & Post-Parade Celebration
The Park Cities 4th of July Parade and Celebration in Centennial Park is just a couple of weeks away! In conjunction with the Rotary Club Park Cities, on Thursday, July 4, floats, fire trucks, antique vehicles, a band or two and decorated bikes and their riders will travel through various neighborhoods, starting near Highland Park Town Hall and finishing in Centennial (formerly Goar) Park.

That morning, the park will be filled with merchant booths, a fun zone, a UP Public Library craft booth, and lots of other family fun.

In the coming days, we'll have more details about these festivities on the City's website and on our social media platforms.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
UPFD offering CPR Class on June 22
The University Park Fire Department is offering an American Heart Association CPR class for residents on June 22 from 8 a.m. to noon at City Hall (3800 University Blvd). This valuable training session will be taught by Assistant Fire Marshal George Jones.

The class is designed to equip participants with critical life-saving skills, including the proper techniques for performing CPR. This training is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared in case of an emergency, whether at home, work, or in the community.

The fee for the class is $25 per person, and due to the hands-on nature of the training, class size is limited. To ensure a spot in the class, residents must register ahead of time by contacting Phyllis Mahan via email or by calling 214-987-5380.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn CPR from a seasoned professional and gain the confidence to act in emergency situations! Register today to take part in this life-saving training.
PARKS AND RECREATION
"A Taste of UP" at the Holmes Aquatic Center
Pool season is here and so is "A Taste of UP"! Again this summer, enjoy food delivered to the Holmes Aquatic Center from some of your favorite UP restaurants.

Every week, we'll be featuring a different restaurant so you can explore a variety of cuisines and flavors. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, and prepare for a summer of fun and food!

Taste of UP Schedule:
June 14 - June 20: Yumilicious
June 21 - June 27: Zalat Pizza
June 28 - July 4: JD's Chippery
July 5 - July 11: Crisp & Green
July 12 - July 18: Nektar
July 19 - July 25: Fish City Grill
Dive into summer movies at the Holmes Aquatic Center
Grab your floaties and bring the whole family to our exciting "Dive In" movie series this summer! We have an incredible lineup of movies that will make your summer nights even more memorable. Mark your calendars for these fantastic film screenings:

  • June 28 - Finding Nemo
  • July 12 - Finding Dory
  • July 26 - The Little Mermaid
  • August 31 - Moana

Gates will open at 8 p.m., allowing you plenty of time to find the perfect spot and settle in for the evening. As nightfall comes, movies will begin about 9 p.m. Fin's Snack Shack will be open for concessions.

Remember to bring:
  • Proof of residency (University Park or HPISD)
  • Comfortable seating
UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
City welcomes new Library Director
Following an extensive recruitment effort and interviews with a short list of qualified candidates, the City is excited to announce that Jackie Lott has been selected as the new Library Director. Her first day on the job in University Park will be July 15.

Lott joins University Park Public Library after a 13-year career with Shreve Memorial Library (SML) in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she served in multiple key roles including Branch Manager, Head Reference Librarian and Assistant Manager of the Main Library.

During her tenure at SML, the third-largest public library system in Louisiana, Lott demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to community engagement. As Branch Manager of the Hamilton/South Caddo Library, she spearheaded numerous outreach initiatives and partnerships, and supervised the provision of over 40 programs each month. Her expertise in research collections, resources and collection development has been widely recognized, along with her strategic planning acumen.

Lott is a two-time graduate of the City of Shreveport Leadership Academies and has received prestigious accolades including the Outstanding Public Service Award in 2019 and the Lifelong Learner Award in 2023. She has contributed significantly to SML’s Strategic Planning Service Priority Committees in 2017 and 2023, and currently serves as Treasurer for SML’s Friends of the Library group. Additionally, she is an active member of the Louisiana State Library Database Committee.

Jackie Lott succeeds Sharon Perry Martin, who retired in February 2024 after over 11 years of dedicated service as the City’s first Library Director. Since Martin’s departure, Amanda Hartwick has served as Interim Library Director.

“Amanda has done an excellent job as Interim Director,” said City Manager Robbie Corder. “We are grateful for all of her hard work during the past few months and are thrilled to welcome Jackie Lott to our community. Jackie’s extensive experience and dedication to public service make her an ideal leader for our library’s future.”

Lott’s appointment marks a new chapter for the University Park Library, and she is enthusiastic about bringing her vision and expertise to the role. “I am honored to join the City of University Park as the Library Director,” said Lott. “I look forward to working with the talented team here and continuing to build strong relationships with the community.”  
La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas dresses on display
The 2024 La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas gala are now on display at UP Public Library! These gowns are worn by duchesses 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. The gowns will be on exhibit through June 22 during regular business hours.

You can also get in the sovereign spirit by joining us for Princess Story Time this afternoon, June 15 at 3 p.m. for stories and songs with special guest Rapunzel! All little princes and princesses are invited to attend.  
Remaining Summer Reading Events
June and July are packed with offerings on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to entertain and inspire all age groups from kids to grandparents! Information on how to enjoy these programs can be found on the City's website calendar. Remaining program dates and performers are listed below. 

  • June 26 – Creature Teacher
  • July 10 - Bubble Adventure
  • July 17 - David Chicken Music
  • July 24 - Masai Maggie Puppet Show
  • July 31 - Washi Tape Landscapes with Meadows Museum
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Request a UPPD House Watch
Summer has arrived! Going on vacation? Don’t forget that you can have your home checked daily by a UPPD officer while you’re away for an extended period of time.

Click the green button below to download a House Watch Form, or to submit an online House Watch request.
FRIENDS OF UP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Summer Pop UP Book Sale
Book Lovers Rejoice! The Friends of the University Park Public Library is thrilled to be bringing book sales to the University Park Public Library (8383 Preston Center Plaza) this summer. 

June 15 (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Book sale will focus on children's books (from picture books through teen) and adult fiction.

July 31 (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Book sale will focus on children's books (from picture books through teen), adult fiction and adult non- fiction.

If you can’t make it to one of our book sales, remember that you can shop any day that the library is open in the Second Chapter Book Corner. We rotate the selection regularly. Cash or Venmo is accepted.

Questions or book requests can be sent to our email! Please follow us on Instagram for the latest Friends and Book Sale news.
Upcoming City Meetings & Events