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PUBLISHER=UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU, August 7, 2020, }}University Park is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States, in suburban Dallas. The population was 25,278 at the 2020 census. The city is home to Southern Methodist University.University Park is bordered on the north, east and west by Dallas and on the south by the town of Highland Park. University Park and Highland Park together comprise the Park Cities, an enclave of Dallas. University Park is one of the most affluent places in Texas based on per capita income; it is ranked #12. In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that University Park was the second wealthiest city in the United States, with a median household income of $198,438 and a poverty rate of 4.2%.WEB,fox2now.com/2018/01/10/the-10-wealthiest-cities-in-the-united-states/, Tribune Media, The 10 wealthiest cities in the United States, 11 January 2018, Addresses in University Park may use either “Dallas, Texas” or “University Park, Texas” as the city designation, although the United States Postal Service prefers the use of the “Dallas, Texas” designation for the sake of simplicity.WEB,zip4.usps.com/zip4/zcl_3_results.jsp, ZIP Codeâ„¢ Lookup | USPS, The same is true for mail sent to Highland Park.

History

University Park began as a cluster of homes surrounding the fledgling Southern Methodist University, which was founded in the then-rural Dallas County in 1915. The university supplied these homes with utility service until 1924, when the growing population could no longer be supported by the school’s utilities. In response, the area’s homeowners first sought annexation into the town of Highland Park, but were refused due to the high cost that would have been required to provide the necessary utility and safety services. Shortly thereafter, Dallas also refused a request for annexation on similar grounds.BOOK, Chang, Yushan, Newcomer’s Handbook Neighborhood Guide: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, October 2006, First Books, 978-0-912301-70-9, 24–25,books.google.com/books?id=131SQLhqScMC&pg=PA25, en, Community leaders organized to incorporate as a separate individual city. According to state law, incorporation required that area residents hold an election on the issue before the new city could be officially formed and recognized. On April 24, 1924, voters approved the measure by a 5:1 margin. Operating under the commission form of government, the city began the work of shaping the new government and addressing the pressing need to establish basic municipal services. To provide for the financial needs of the city, another election was held soon thereafter to authorize the issuance of municipal bonds. Passing by a near unanimous margin, the $150,000 bond issue funded the installation of a new water supply system, street paving, and the construction of a new city hall and fire station. When first incorporated, the city encompassed {{convert|515|acre|km2}}, 380 homes, and 1200 residents.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}As a result of efforts to build and improve the city, University Park grew to a population of over 20,000 residents by 1945 and had become one of the most prestigious locations in the area. In fact, the community’s attractiveness and tax value had risen to such an extent that the city of Dallas now wanted to annex University Park into its boundaries. At the time of the election,{{when|date=February 2024|reason=Taken from this sourcewww.uptexas.org/387/City-History}} even the Board of Commissioners favored the annexation. In the largest voter turnout to that date and still one of the largest in city history, the annexation was denied by a 53% to 47% margin.WEB, City History {{!, University Park, TX |url=https://www.uptexas.org/387/City-History |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=www.uptexas.org}}In 1946 an election to adopt a Home Rule Charter was held, but the measure failed and the city continued to operate as a General Law city. In 1989, voters approved a Home Rule Charter which officially adopted a council-manager form of government and expanded the three member board of Commissioners into a five-member city council.Since the 1940s, the population and area of University Park has stabilized at 24,000 residents and 2,350 acres (4.7 square miles). The city is now surrounded by Dallas on three sides and the town of Highland Park to the south.Originally University Park was a middle class community.BOOK, Gray, A. W.,books.google.com/books?id=LeipDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT138, Poisoned Dreams: A True Story of Murder, Money, and Family Secrets, 2014-09-15, Blackstone Publishing, 978-1-4821-0187-4, en, Highland Park residents spearheaded the creation of the Highland Park Independent School District and asked the neighbors to the north to become a part of the district; taxes were lower since the district included University Park’s population.BOOK, Gray, A. W.,books.google.com/books?id=LeipDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT140, Poisoned Dreams: A True Story of Murder, Money, and Family Secrets, 2014-09-15, Blackstone Publishing, 978-1-4821-0187-4, en, HPISD had no racial diversity in the 1950s and 1960s, when other Dallas-area school districts dealt with racial integration and white flight. The federal court orders to integrate had no effect in HPISD since it did not receive federal money.Gray, A.W. (Poisoned Dreams: A True Story of Murder, Money, and Family Secrets). AudioGO, September 15, 2014. {{ISBN|1482101874}}, 9781482101874. Google Books PT140-PT141. As a result, values of HPISD-zoned properties in University Park rose dramatically and the demographic makeup became wealthier, with smaller houses being replaced by larger ones circa the 1970s.Gray, A.W. Poisoned Dreams: A True Story of Murder, Money, and Family Secrets. AudioGO, September 15, 2014. {{ISBN|1482101874}}, 9781482101874. Google Books PT144-PT145.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|3.7|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|3.7|sqmi|km2}} is land and 0.27% is water.WEB,www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html, United States Census Bureau, 2011-04-23, 2011-02-12, US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990,

Demographics

{{US Census population|1930= 4200|1940= 14458|1950= 24275|1960= 23202|1970= 23498|1980= 22254|1990= 22259|2000= 23324|2010= 23068|2020= 25278|estyear= |estimate= |estref= PUBLISHER=CENSUS.GOV, June 4, 2015, }}{| class=“wikitable”University Park racial composition as of 2020EXPLORE CENSUS DATA,data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4874492&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2, 2022-05-22, data.census.gov, (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.WEB, About the Hispanic Population and its Origin,www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html, www.census.gov, 18 May 2022, }}!Race!Number!PercentageNon-Hispanic or Latino whites>White (NH)|20,334|80.44%Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans>Black or African American (NH)|350|1.38%Native Americans in the United States>Native American or Alaska Native (NH)|68|0.27%Asian Americans>Asian (NH)|1,936|7.66%Pacific Islander Americans>Pacific Islander (NH)|4|0.02%|Some Other Race (NH)|135|0.53%Multiracial Americans>Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)|1,028|4.07%Hispanic and Latino Americans>Hispanic or Latino|1,423|5.63%|Total|25,278|As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,278 people, 7,593 households, and 6,358 families residing in the city.

Politics

The city of University Park has consistently supported Republican presidential candidates in recent years. The seven most recent campaigns from 1996 to 2020 each earned over 60% of the city’s vote, with the best showing being the 81.44% of the vote won by Texas native George W. Bush in 2000. However, the city’s vote total is getting progressively more competitive, with Donald Trump only taking 63% of the 2020 vote compared to Mitt Romney, who took 81% of the city’s votes in 2012.{| border = “2“|+ University Park city vote by party in presidential elections style="background:lightgrey;“! Year! Democratic! Republican! Third Parties2020 United States presidential electionHTTPS://WWW.DALLASCOUNTYVOTES.ORG/ELECTION-RESULTS-AND-MAPS/ELECTION-RESULTS/HISTORICAL-ELECTION-RESULTS/#ELECTION, Dallas County, TX Elections, 36.08% 4,96662.66% 8,6241.26% 174201630.65% 3,54264.89% 7,4984.46% 515201218.23% 2,10280.62% 9,2961.14% 132200823.43% 2,69575.69% 8,7070.89% 102200420.66% 2,42278.45% 9,1970.90% 105200015.79% 1,76681.44% 9,1062.76% 3091996 United States presidential electionassets01.aws.connect.clarityelections.com/Assets/Connect/RootPublish/dallas-tx.connect.clarityelections.com/ElectionDocuments/1996/11051996/961105%20November%20Final_PctbyPct_Totals.pdf {{Bare URL PDF>date=March 2022}}29.32% 1,31263.11% 2,8247.58% 339

Education

Primary and secondary schools

File:University Park July 2016 40 (Highland Park High School).jpg|thumb|left|Highland Park High School ]]University Park is served by the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD).WEB,www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st48_tx/schooldistrict_maps/c48113_dallas/DC20SD_C48113.pdf, 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Dallas County, TX, U.S. Census Bureau, 2023-12-20, As such, it is served by the HPISD’s McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park Middle School (which share a campus located partially in Highland Park and partially in University Park),“City of University Park.” (map) City of University Park. Retrieved on December 7, 2011. and Highland Park High School located in University Park. There are two HPISD elementary schools located in University Park (Hyer and University Park), two HPISD elementary schools located in neighboring Highland Park (Armstrong and Bradfield) and one elementary school located in the city of Dallas (Michael M. Boone Elementary). All five elementary schools serve sections of the UP city limits.WEB,www.hpisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=924382&type=d&pREC_ID=1827335, Boundary Maps, Highland Park Independent School District, 2021-04-18, - PDF map - Compare this map to municipality maps.A small portion of University Park west of North Central Expressway is in the Dallas Independent School District. It is however not zoned for residential purposes.WEB,uptexas.org/DocumentCenter/View/148/City-of-University-Park-Zoning-Map-PDF, Zoning Districts, University Park, 2023-12-20,

Colleges, universities, and institutions

File:MoodyColiseumEXT.JPG|200px|thumb|Moody ColiseumMoody ColiseumSouthern Methodist University is located in the city of University Park. The Meadows Museum, which houses the largest collection of Spanish art in the United States, can be found on the campus. The George W. Bush Presidential Center, the presidential library for George W. Bush, can also be found on the campus, and was opened in 2013.All of Dallas County (University Park included) is in the service area of Dallas College (formerly Dallas County Community College).WEB, EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 130. JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICTS,statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm, 2024-04-01, statutes.capitol.texas.gov,

Public libraries

(File:University Park July 2016 19 (University Park Public Library).jpg|thumb|left|Preston Center Plaza, which houses the University Park Public Library)The new University Park Public Library location is the second floor of Preston Center Plaza.WEB,www.uptexas.org/Library/Library-FAQ, Library FAQ, 2013-02-14, dead,www.uptexas.org/Library/Library-FAQ," title="web.archive.org/web/20130215042624www.uptexas.org/Library/Library-FAQ,">web.archive.org/web/20130215042624www.uptexas.org/Library/Library-FAQ, 2013-02-15, Retrieved on February 13, 2013. The old location was the first floor of a Chase Bank building at the southern end of Snider Plaza, at the intersection of Daniel and Hillcrest.“Hours & Location {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201130956www.uplibrary.org/universitypark/hours.asp |date=2012-02-01 }}.” University Park Public Library. Retrieved on November 29, 2011. The owner of the former building, Albert Huddleston, charged the city $1 per year to use the building space, as of 2009.WEB, 2009-02-20, UPPL - Friends of the Library for Park Cities,www.uplibrary.org/html/friends.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20090220222625www.uplibrary.org/html/friends.html,">web.archive.org/web/20090220222625www.uplibrary.org/html/friends.html, 2024-04-01, web.archive.org, The library opened on June 7, 2001, as the University Park Book Bank in Snider Plaza. Before this, the town had no library. Residents could pay to use the Highland Park Public Library or the Dallas Public Library. On April 1, 2002, the book bank became a municipal library.

Parks and recreation

The City of University Park operates several parks. They include Burleson Park, Caruth Park, Coffee Park, Curtis Park, Elena’s Children’s Park, Germany Park, Goar Park, Linear Park, Smith Park, and Williams Park.“Parks Map {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040721184836www.uptexas.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=page&PageID=000337 |date=2004-07-21 }}.” (Map) City of University Park. Retrieved on November 29, 2011.Burleson Park was named after James B. Burleson, who served as the Mayor Pro-tem and the city commissioner. University Park mayor H. E. Yarbrough dedicated the park on September 5, 1947.“Burleson Park {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130416011823www.uptexas.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=page&PageID=000297 |date=2013-04-16 }}.” City of University Park. Retrieved on November 29, 2011. Elena Children’s Park was named after Mary Elena Franklin, a girl who died at the age of three in an automobile accident on August 2, 1997. Over 500 corporations, families, and foundations contributed to the park.“Elena’s Children’s Park {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120915083111www.uptexas.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=page&PageID=000313 |date=2012-09-15 }}.” City of University Park. Retrieved on November 29, 2011.The Holmes Aquatic Center, within Curtis Park, has a {{convert|50|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us}} pool, {{convert|1|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us}} and {{convert|3|m|0|adj=on|sp=us}} diving boards, a water slide, and an accessibility ramp. The park also has a pool for younger children and a {{convert|1500|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} sprayground. University Park residents and residents of the Highland Park Independent School District are permitted to use the park.“Pool {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616032056www.uptexas.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=page&PageID=000106 |date=2006-06-16 }}.“City of University Park. Retrieved on November 29, 2011. The city operates six tennis courts available only to University Park residents. Parks with tennis courts include Burleson, Caruth, Curtis, Germany, Smith, and Williams.“Tennis Courts {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616032007www.uptexas.org/index.cfm?FuseAction=page&PageID=000105 |date=2006-06-16 }}.” City of University Park. Retrieved on November 29, 2011.The Moody Family YMCA is in University Park.WEB,www.ymcadallas.org/locations/moody_family_ymca, Moody Family YMCA, YMCA Dallas, 2021-04-25, MOODY FAMILY YMCA 6000 Preston Rd Dallas, TX 75205, It was formerly known as the Park Cities-North Dallas Branch YMCA.WEB,www.ymca.net/states/tx.htm, Texas, YMCA, 1997-11-11,www.ymca.net/states/tx.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/19971111085023www.ymca.net/states/tx.htm,">web.archive.org/web/19971111085023www.ymca.net/states/tx.htm, 2021-04-25, 1997-11-11, Park Cities-North Dallas Branch YMCA 6000 Preston Rd Dallas, TX 75205-2020, Circa 2014 its previous building was to be demolished, and the YMCA leased {{convert|15000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} in Preston Center for the period until its new building would open.WEB, Repko, Melissa,www.dallasnews.com/news/2014/05/07/park-cities-ymca-to-move-into-temporary-space-in-preston-center-during-construction/, Park Cities YMCA to move into temporary space in Preston Center during construction, The Dallas Morning News, 2017-05-07, 2021-04-25, It received its current name after the Moody Foundation donated $8 million in 2013 with the new name on the new building.WEB,www.dallasnews.com/news/2013/11/12/park-cities-ymca-gets-8-million-donation-from-moody-foundation/, Park Cities YMCA gets $8 million donation from Moody Foundation, The Dallas Morning News, 2013-11-11, 2021-04-25,

Gallery

File:University Park July 2016 30 (University Park City Hall).jpg|City HallFile:George W. Bush Presidential Center 121 - jpfagerback - 2013-04-28.JPG| George W. Bush Presidential Center

Notable people

• John Hinckley, Jr., would-be assassin of President Ronald Reagan grew up in University ParkWEB, Wolf, Julie,www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/biography/reagan-hinckley/, Biography: John Hinckley Jr., American Experience, The American Experience, PBS, September 19, 2013, and a graduate of Highland Park High SchoolNEWS, John Hinckley Jr. brings infamy to Lubbock,www.lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml, 2008, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, August 5, 2013,www.lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml," title="web.archive.org/web/20130925143644www.lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml,">web.archive.org/web/20130925143644www.lubbockcentennial.com/Section/1959_1983/hinckley.shtml, September 25, 2013, dead, mdy-all,
• Colin RidgwayMichaud, Stephen G. “Killers Among Us.” Dallas Observer. Thursday March 28, 2002. Retrieved on March 31, 2016.
• Doak Walker, 1948 Heisman Trophy winner at SMU, 1945 graduate of Highland Park High School

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website}}
• University Park, Texas at the Handbook of Texas
• McCulloch Intermediate School/Highland Park Middle School
• Robert S. Hyer Elementary School
• University Park Elementary School

{{Park Cities}}{{Dallas}}{{Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex}}{{Dallas County, Texas}}{{Texas}}{{authority control}}