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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The Snider Plaza Employee Parking Task Force wants your input! |
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Join David Rejebian, Chair of the Snider Plaza Employee Parking Task Force, for an informative presentation about parking management in the plaza. Participants can register using the link below to join this virtual neighborhood meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.
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Snider Plaza Surface Improvements Project underway |
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On Monday, May 6, crews began Phase 1 of the onsite work in the 3400 block of Daniel, between the east and west alleys of Snider Plaza and in the 3400 block of Westminster, between Hillcrest and the west alley of Snider Plaza.
Both of these streets will be under construction concurrently, and detours will be in place. Phase 1 construction is expected to take three months. We have included a map below of Phase 1 closures.
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Construction particulars/advisories:
- Daniel and Westminster (between Hillcrest and Snider Plaza) closed to traffic 24/7 between Hillcrest & Hursey.
- Westminster partially closed to traffic between Snider Plaza and Hursey (will not be in place for entirety of Phase I).
- Hilltop Plaza Parking Garage and all Snider Plaza parking will remain open during this phase. The Daniel entrance and exits for the garage will be accessible from Dickens.
- The recommended entrances to Snider Plaza are via Milton and Rankin.
- At each street, construction will involve utility removal and replacement, pavement and sidewalk removal and replacement, electrical and drainage work, and closures with traffic detours.
- When a street is closed for construction, there will be no vehicle access in that block until work is completed on that particular street section.
- Sidewalk access will remain open for pedestrians to move through the area and for business access. There will be wayfinding signs in place, and a construction fence separating the work area from the sidewalk.
- Throughout construction, please adhere to all barricades, fences, and signage.
- Construction areas will sometimes be marked by paint on the sidewalk and in-ground construction stakes, please do not disturb them.
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Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans |
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The drafts of the 2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plans are now available and we want your feedback! The City is seeking public input on the proposed plans, which will be considered for adoption by City Council at their meeting on Tuesday, May 21.
If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed plans, please email Jodie Ledat with your comments prior to May 21.
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Children's Fishing Derby - Saturday, June 1 |
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The pond will be stocked and the fish will be biting! The City of University Park will host the Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 1 at Caruth Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Children must bring their own pole and bait. “Catch and Release” procedures will be followed.
Every hour awards will be presented for the largest and smallest fish caught! In addition, there will be children’s entertainment and a photo booth.
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Temperatures are climbing - Pool pass sales are underway |
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Ready to take a dive at the Holmes Aquatic Center this summer?! Senior swim began on May 6 and on May 25, the official pool season begins!
Register for programs and make reservations
Log on to CivicRec to purchase your pool passes, secure your spot on the swim team, sign up for swim lessons, or make pool reservations before all spots are filled!
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Park Cities Recycling Event is this Saturday, May 18 |
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The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.
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Paper products and documents that can be disposed of include: Tax records, medical records, legal files, financial records, invoices, canceled checks, blueprints, contracts, payroll records, company letterhead, junk mail containing personal information and any information that contains credit card, social security, driver license and account numbers.
Accepted E-waste items include: Computers, computer monitors, computer accessories, TV’s, printers, DVD/CD players, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cell phones and chargers, external hard drives, video and camera equipment, video game systems, cables, power cords, power strips and more.
Participating firms/organizations
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Shred-it will collect and shred all documents on-site.
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Global Asset collects and disposes of all E-waste items. In addition to working with the City and other municipalities, the company currently supports over 150 clients in the public sector. Global Asset removes data on all collected storage devices using Department of Defense security standards.
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Salvation Army will also be on-site. Donated items must be in working condition, and contain all parts and accessories. Clothing items must not be torn or stained. The Salvation Army will also take all wood furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers and any other appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes.
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Friends of UP Public Library will be on-site collecting new and gently used books for book sales, benefitting the University Park Public Library. We apologize that we can not accept magazines, old encyclopedias or textbooks more than 7 years old.
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City conducting resident satisfation survey |
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The City of University Park is working with survey research firm ETC institute to gather resident input and feedback on City programs and services. Resident feedback is extremely valuable to the city and allows us to provide you and your neighbors with the services that are most wanted. The survey will start hitting mailboxes soon, so be on the lookout!
Please note that not all residents are asked complete the survey due to random sampling. If you have any questions about the survey or need help with submission, please contact Paige Ruedy, Community Information Officer, at 214-987-5686 or pruedy@uptexas.org.
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Centennial merchandise still available |
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Didn't make it to the merch booth at the Centennial Celebration? Not to worry, there is still a limited quantity of Centennial shirts and hats available! You can purchase Centennial merchandise using the link below, and pick up your order at City Hall during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Merchandise will also be available for purchase at the Holmes Aquatic Center this summer.
There is also still time to purchase your Centennial bricks and books! The deadline to order these items is Monday, July 8.
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Citizen of the Year search continues |
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Time is running out to nominate a resident for 2024 Citizen of the Year! The City is accepting applications for the Citizen of the Year Award through Saturday, June 1.
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 or raising money for various worthy projects, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.
To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 3. 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 Paige Ruedy at 214-987-5686 or send her an email.
Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:
2023 - Brad Cheves
2022 - Melissa Rieman
2021 - Dan Branch
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July 4 parade and Centennial Park festivities |
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Mark your calendars now! In conjunction with the Rotary Club of 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, bounce houses and lots of other family fun.
In the coming weeks, we'll have more details about these festivities in our City newsletters, on the City's website and on our social media platforms!
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Summer Reading Programs for all ages |
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This summer, University Park Public Library is making sure that residents of all ages will have fun reading! Starting June 1, go to the City’s website or visit the library to enroll in the programs detailed below.
University Park Public Library’s youth summer program for ages 0 to 9 kicks off on Saturday, June 1 at the Children's Fishing Derby. Families are invited to visit the library's booth at the derby to register for the program and pick up their sign-up prizes. Be sure to look for the Ramizinis, who will be performing magic tricks and juggling at the derby. Starting at 3 p.m. that afternoon, enjoy snacks and camping-themed crafts at the library during our Kickoff Craft Party.
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Fire UP with Reading
This year’s UP with Reading theme is “Fire UP,” and each registered child will be given a token to hang in the library along with sign-up prizes and a yard sign. The program runs until July 31. Prizes will be awarded for reading 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 books or hours and include:
- 10 – Character pen and bookmark to color
- 20 – Compass keychain and certificate
- 30 – Fanny pack and squishy
- 40 – Book donated to charity and hand-crank flashlight
- 50 – Sunglasses and entry in grand prize drawing
The HPISD school whose students read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. The winner in 2023 was Boone Elementary School.
Opportunity to donate books to a non-profit
Each summer, University Park Public Library partners with Highland Park Public Library in donating books to a local organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is Lena Pope, a local non-profit focused on the emotional, intellectual, and behavioral well-being of children, families, and caregivers.
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Tween and Teen Summer Reading Club
In partnership with Highland Park Library, this program begins on June 1 and ends on July 31. It’s open to students ages 10 and up. At sign up, participants can select a book to keep and will receive a keychain, water bottle sticker, and bookmark. Each week, students can log their reading hours to be entered into a drawing to win a $10 gift card from Starbucks or Amorino Gelato. At the end of the program, participants who read 20 or more hours will be eligible for the grand prize drawing.
Tween and Teen Events
Ages 10 and up can participate in a variety of programs this summer, ranging from art classes to an escape room. Dates for these programs are listed below. Registration information can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the library’s EventBrite.
June 6 - Pour Painting
June 20 – Cottagecore Secret Garden Tins
July 11 – Art of Felting
July 23 – Watercolor Ice Cream Painting (ages 8 and up)
July 27 – Escape Room (at HP Library)
Family Programs
The summer is packed with family events on Wednesdays that will entertain and inspire all age groups from kids to grandparents! All programs take place at the library at 3 p.m. Specific program dates and performers will be listed on the City's website calendar soon!
Toddler and Preschool Programs
UP Library is offering music and art programs for toddlers and preschoolers throughout the summer. More information about these programs can be found in the library’s June and July newsletters or on the City's website calendar.
Tuesdays in June - Little Artists
June 6 - Music and Movement
June 13 – Playdoh Playdate
June 20 – Music and Movement
June 27 – Baby Doll Story Time
July 9 – Preschool Dance Party
July 11 – Wee Paint
July 23 – 1, 2, 3 Build with Me!
July 25 - Toddler Tutu Workshop
Elementary STEAM Kits
UP Library is excited to offer take-home activity kits for elementary students this summer. Kits will be available in June and July while supplies last.
June: Take-and-Break Geodes
July: Mod Podge Coasters
Grown UP Summer Reading
The adult Grown UP Summer Reading program is taking a break this summer, but will be back next year!
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FRIENDS OF THE UP PUBLIC LIBRARY |
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Splash Bash is coming! On May 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Holmes Aquatic Center, join us for Splash Bash, generously sponsored by Complete Landsculpture. Your admission of $20 per person or $80 per family not only gets you in the pool before it officially opens to the community, but also gets you free hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hotdogs! Purchase your tickets before they sell out!
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Second Chapter Pop-Up Book Sales |
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Book lovers rejoice! The Friends is thrilled to have two book sales in the coming months. Stock up for and throughout the summer!
- June 15 (10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at the University Park Public Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza
- July 31 (10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at the University Park Public Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza
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Upcoming City Meetings & Events |
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STAY CONNECTED TO THE CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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