Special Events

Click here to watch a video tutorial on how to make a park reservation! 

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The City’s Parks & Recreation Department assists in the presentation of a number of annual community events.  All of the events are publicized beforehand in the City’s monthly newsletter, The Arbor, the City’s website and on Nextdoor, Twitter and Instagram. 

    

Sponsorship Opportunities 

A Corporate/Merchant sponsorship is a great way to build or strengthen your relationship with a targeted group of consumers who are extremely active in the Dallas marketplace.  For more information, please contact Kaylon Jackson at 214-978-5482.

 

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2022 Events

Due to COVID-19 changing safety guidelines and requirements, events could be cancelled or on-site attendance and participation may be modified. We appreciate your support and understanding.
 

Eggstravaganza 

Children ages infant to 8 are invited to Goar Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups.  Festivities include a “bounce house,” face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m., with the egg hunt itself starting at 10 a.m.! 
 

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Movies in Goar Park - Friday, May 6 

Enjoy a movie under the stars in beautiful Goar Park.  Each fall and spring, the Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Movie-in-the-Park event.  The fun includes food trucks, bounce houses, and free popcorn and soft drinks.  The movie and all activities, with the exception of food truck items, are free. The event begins at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 8:30 p.m.

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Children’s Fishing Derby - Saturday, June 4 

Presented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park.  Prior to the event the Parks and Recreation Department stocks the pond with fish.  A hit with kids, parents and grandparents, “catch and release” procedures are followed.  Children must bring their own bait and poles.  Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught. Fishing license is required for those over 16 years old. 

View Video of this annual event 

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Park Cities July 4 Parade

A decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park.  The parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9 a.m.  The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is located just west of University Park City Hall.  (Parade route map).  The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries.
 

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Summer 2022 – Dive-In-Movies at Holmes Aquatic Center

Presented on various Friday night’s during the summer, moviegoers watch Hollywood hits in the pool at the Holmes Aquatic Center.  Admission for the shows is free.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  Moviegoers are admitted beginning at 8:45 p.m.  Showtime is 9 p.m.  The pool’s snack bar is open for each show and lifeguards are on duty.  

 

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Doggie Splash Day - Holmes Aquatic Center  

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Doggie Splash Day is a fun-filled event to let your four-legged friend cool off in your favorite pool!  Activities will include a dog paddle contest, swimsuit contest, and retrieving contest. To participate you must be a University Park/HPISD resident and you must register your dog. Registration begins on September 1. Once the form is completed, you can email or fax it to the contacts that are listed on the form.  Space is limited to the first 100 dogs, so sign up early.  Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Texas. Click here to view a flyer with more information.

Registration Form

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Arbor Day Celebration 

To celebrate Arbor Day, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, with the assistance of elementary school children from the Highland Park Independent School District, plant a tree in one of the City’s parks.  University Park is known for its tree-lined streets and beautiful parks.  Since 1982, through the City’s “Trees for Town” program, residents have purchased more than 3,300 trees for front and side parkway areas (the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb) throughout the community.  The Parks and Recreation Department also has an ongoing tree replacement program that involves the City’s eight main parks and other public tree-lined areas. 

 

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Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting

Residents from throughout the area gather in University Park’s Snider Plaza to celebrate the coming holiday season.  The festivities, featuring live holiday carols and dance take place near the Plaza’s famous fountain.  The highlight of the night comes when the holiday tree is illuminated.

 

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Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
For many years, residents from across the Park Cities have gathered at Elena’s Children’s Park to remember children who are no longer with us. The gathering features short remarks, holiday carols and the lighting of a holiday tree. Elena’s Children’s Park is located at the intersection of Boedeker and Hanover.