Tag Archives: memorial park

The City of El Paso is pleased to announce that Memorial Park received the Lone Star Legacy Park Award by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) during the association’s annual state conference hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department.

“It’s always so meaningful when we are able to recognize one of our precious historical resources,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Novak. “To be recognized by the TRAPS for statewide attention is of great importance to our community.”

Memorial Park is one of six Texas parks to receive the honor this year. The park is located in central El Paso and is managed and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Originally called Veterans Memorial Park, it became an official City park in 1920. It is named in honor of the soldiers and sailors who served in the “Great War.” Memorial Park has an indoor pool, a senior and garden center, a playground, tennis courts, and a softball field. Across the street is the Municipal Rose Garden with more than 1,500 rose bushes.

Other cities in Texas to have parks that received the Lone Star Legacy award this year include, Rosewood Park in Austin, Trinity Park in Fort Worth, McGregor Park in Houston, Jackson Park in Temple and Holland Lake Park in Weatherford.

TRAPS is an organization founded 82 years ago with a membership of over 2,000 professionals which is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas.

Memorial Park is the second City park to receive the Lone Star Legacy Park Award. In 2015, TRAPS recognized San Jacinto Plaza with the same award.

A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the community and the state of Texas. To qualify, a park must be at least 50 years old and meet the following criteria

• The property represents distinctive design and or construction
• The park is associated with historic events or sites
• The park is associated with events specific to the local community/state
• The park is home to unique natural features

This weekend, as part of National Parks and Recreation Month, the Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to have some outdoor fun at the “Meet Me at the Park.”

This year’s event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Memorial Park, located at 3105 Grant.

The free event includes a jumping balloon, tug of war competition and water games along with performances by the Parks and Recreation leisure classes. In addition, there will be informational booths from the Texas Parks and Wildlife, El Paso Public Library and Texas Kids Dental.

Parks and Recreation Month is an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) that encourages people to explore A Lifetime of Discovery at area parks and recreation centers. The Parks and Recreation Department has a number of events planned during July.

For more information on the “Meet Me at the Park” event and Parks and Recreation Month, call (915) 212-000392 or visit the Parks and Rec Website.

The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an “Outdoor Adventure Campout” this Friday, July 14.

The annual in-the-city adventure runs though 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, at Memorial Park located at 3100 Copper Avenue. Camp spaces in the park will be on a first come-first served basis.

The campout encourages participants to stay overnight in the park and will include swimming across the street at Memorial Pool, in addition to a variety of family oriented activities.

Families must provide their own tents, food, refreshments, (no alcohol) and supplies. Registration fee for the campout is $5 per child (17 years of age and younger) and $10 per adult.

To register or for additional information, call the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department at (915) 544-0753 or online.