Mesquite, TX – April 6, 2021 – The City of Mesquite has earned the special recognition from Texas Recreation and Parks Society, as City Lake Park was one of only eight Texas parks honored in 2021 with a prestigious Lone Star Legacy Park designation.
Elizabeth Harrell, Director of Parks and Recreation, said, “Each year, the Texas Recreation and Park Society designates a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas as a Lone Star Legacy Park. These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on their grounds. A Lone Star Legacy designation is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park in the state of Texas.”
The award was presented at the April 5 City Council Meeting. Mayor Bruce Archer said, “This really is a proud moment for our community. A lot of us grew up swimming, playing basketball and baseball, and fishing at City Lake Park. It is the centerpiece of our parks system and part of the historic fabric of our community. We are so grateful for the efforts of the Parks and Recreation Department to achieve this wonderful recognition.”
Construction on Mesquite’s City Lake Park began in 1947 after the property was donated by N. E. Shands along with Anson and Raymond Holley. It was the first property set aside in the community to be used for recreational purposes. Community leaders envisioned the park to be a central gathering point for the community because of its location just south of downtown Mesquite. The proposed plan for the park was six acres that included a lake, a community building, picnic areas and a public swimming pool.