Mysterious Church Park Not Owned By Town
For years I’ve driven past the large empty semi-triangular lot that is created where Preston Road turns into Oak Lawn Avenue and Armstrong Parkway turns briefly into Lakeside Drive. I’ve often wondered as I wait for the light to change at the Armstrong and Preston intersection during my morning commute what exactly that lot is for. Is it a park? Is it undeveloped real estate?!
On Palm Sunday I made a journey around the parks of Highland Park with fellow staffer Michelle Saunders in pursuit of photographing all the lush green spaces that dot our community. After looking at a town map I noticed the mysterious lot in question was labeled Church Park. Dutifully Michelle and I stopped there for photos. I thought that perhaps it was called Church Park because Third Church of Christ, Scientist borders the lot.
After laying on the ground to take a photo of the most distinguishing characteristic of the lot, the weeds, I realized if this was a park it wasn’t much of one.
Yesterday the Director of Town Services, Ronnie Brown, called to discuss Highland Park’s parks with me. I asked him about Church Park and the mystery was solved. The town had leased the lot from the Third Church of Christ, Scientist for a period of time as it was considered being made designated park land. But at some point, he wasn’t specific, the lease expired and it turns out I had been traipsing around private property.
It’s always nice to solve a mystery, but now I’ll have to find something else to ponder over in the mornings. Any suggestions?
You could figure out who has been making the HPHS threats.
-Who designed the cluster that is the Mockingbird/Tollway intersection and how it got approved.
-What the true definition is of a park for both HP and UP; how is the median on University across from HPPC considered a park? If I own a vacant lot, can I donate it to the city to have them turn it into a park ala the Hitz. Park at the corner of Hillcrest/Lovers?
Avid Reader, you are my kind of people. The Tollway/Mockingbird intersection was MUCH better 5+ years ago before they tore it up and messed it up.
Can PCP start a public education campaign to convince drivers to turn on their left turn signal well before they attempt to turn into the SMU campus at Mockingbird and Abbott? And will everyone join me in supporting summary execution for those that fail to do so?