Congratulations to the City of Seguin and the Department of Parks and Recreation!  

From the Seguin Gazette

Walnut Springs named a Lone Star Legacy

Bob Thaxton | Posted: Friday, March 2, 2012 12:00 am

The Texas Recreation and Park Society has presented the city’s Parks and Recreation Department with an award designating Walnut Springs Park as a Lone Star Legacy Park.

The award presentation was made Wednesday night during opening ceremonies of the society’s 2012 Institute and Expo held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

Seguin was represented at the presentation by Tim Patek, director of parks and recreation; Crystal Miranda, parks superintendant; Mary Jo Filip, Main Street director; and District 6 City Councilman Steve Tschoepe.

The group attended the event and then drove back Wednesday night.

Patek said the city submitted its application for the award in January and was among 13 cities that applied. Of those, nine were chosen for designation this year as Lone Star Legacy Parks.

“A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas,” TRAPS says in its description of the Legacy Park program. “These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on their grounds. Designation as a Lone Star Legacy is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park.”

Legacy Parks must be at least 50 years old, designated as a public park and must meet at least one of the following four criteria: Representing distinctive design and/or construction; be associated with historic events or sites; be associated with events specific to the local community or state; and be the location of unique natural features.

Applications were evaluated by a panel of seven judges who applied points for each criterion. Points were tallied and applications with the highest scores were awarded the Legacy Park designation.

All parks designated as Legacy Parks will be featured in marketing materials including rack cards, the society’s website, public service announcements and other collateral materials. “These materials will be used to promote the parks and their communities as a part of heritage tourism,” TRAPS said.

Patek said city officials are hoping to have a plaque installed at Walnut Springs Park describing its designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park.