Mesquite receives statewide honor for its ‘centerpiece’ park

City Lake Park in Mesquite was one of eight parks recognized this year by the Texas Recreation and Park Society. It earned recognition alongside three other North Texas parks in Cleburne, Denton and Fort Worth.

The Mesquite park received the Lone Star Legacy Park award, which is given to parks that “hold special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas,” according to a news release.

The park was the was constructed in 1947 and later expanded in the 1950s and `60s as the city’s population grew. In 2020, the park added an extra acre of land during the construction of Mesquite’s veteran’s memorial.

The award was presented during Mesquite’s council meeting Monday. “A lot of us grew up swimming, playing basketball and baseball, and fishing at City Lake Park,” Mayor Burce Archer said in the release. “It is the centerpiece of our parks system and part of the historic fabric of our community.”

Hulen Park in Cleburne, Quakertown Park in Denton and Log Cabin Villiage in Fort Worth were also recognized, according to an announcement from the Texas Recreation and Park Society.

“These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on their grounds,” Director of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Elizabeth Harrell said.