Crestwood in Mesquite in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
City Lake Park
A post-World War II population boom transformed the metroplex, including Mesquite, with a population then numbering about 1,600. In 1947, as new roads and subdivisions connected previously rural communities, the city's first park was developed. Local bank president N.E. Shands, along with Anson Holley and Raymond Holley, donated 12.5 acres to create a recreational and gathering place near downtown. Plans called for a six-acre lake, community building, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. Dallas County agreed to furnish the labor and equipment to excavate the lake basin.
In October 1947, the City of Mesquite appointed its first park board to oversee the project. Mayor Sam Rutherford moved a surplus building from Camp Maxey (near Paris, Texas) for the community building, and citizens donated plumbing, electrical and other work to make it ready for use. The community building later evolved into Lakeside Activity Center, a popular rental facility for the city. The lake provided recreational opportunities and flood control for nearby neighborhoods. The pool was upgraded over the years and has become the city's only aquatics center. Mesquite Cemetery, which dates from 1878, abuts the park. Other amenities, including a baseball field and playgrounds, have grown along with the city in the decades since the park's establishment.
Seventy years after the creation of City Lake Park, the City of Mesquite Parks System consisted of 76 sites, including athletic fields, picnic areas, and connections to a trail system. City Lake Park remains a much-loved and used facility in the heart of the community.
Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 2018 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 20078.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 32° 45.753′ N, 96° 35.994′ W. Marker is in Mesquite, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in Crestwood. Marker is on Lakeside Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mesquite TX 75149, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mesquite Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Public Education in Mesquite (approx. ¼ mile away); Holley-McWhorter-Greenhaw Families (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sam Bass Train Robbery (approx. 0.3 miles away); City of Mesquite (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Methodist Church of Mesquite (approx. half a mile away); CCC Company 850 (approx. half a mile away); First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mesquite.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 2, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. 4. submitted on April 14, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.