The city of San Marcos acknowledged the Lone Star Legacy Park Award for Dunbar Park with a proclamation, honoring “accomplishments provided to San Marcos by our Parks and Recreation Department.”
“Parks have played an important role in the development of our communities throughout history. Local parks promote community development, provide natural respites and encourage social interaction. As communities were founded, developed and prospered, citizens often recognized the need for an open space to serve the public,” the proclamation stated. “The Texas Recreation and Parks Society is dedicated to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas and awards the honor of the Lone Star Legacy Park designation yearly across the state at their annual conference.”
A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 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.
“Dunbar Park was one of eight parks in 2025 to receive the honor of Lone Star Legacy Park in the fourteenth year of the statewide program,” the proclamation stated. “Dunbar Park was established in 1973 and is 7.3 acres. The area included open space, the Old Dunbar School and Home Economics Building. The main school building was re-purposed into a community center, but then burned down in 1985. The current building, the Dunbar Recreation Center, now stands in its place, with a similar style to the original school building. The Parks and Recreation Department has made many improvements to the park over the years, and Dunbar Park and the Dunbar Recreation Center serve as a refuge for people to spend time outdoors, attend community events, hold private functions, attend programs and much more.”
