The City of Magnolia was presented the 2011 Municipal Excellence Award in Public Works for cities with a population less than 25,000 by the Texas Municipal League (TML). The award was given for Magnolia’s efforts on its Unity Park project located on Unity Park Drive between FM 1488 and Nichols Sawmill Road.

TML is a voluntary association of more than 1,115 Texas cities. Its primary objective is to serve the needs and advocate the interests of Texas cities and it is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S.

As a member of TML, Magnolia earned the award for public works due to the fact that Unity Park includes 30 acres of much-needed recreational areas for the city’s residents and visitors.

Pictured (from left to right) are top row; Magnolia Economic Development Coordinator Deborah Rose Miller, Magnolia communications Tana Ross, bottom row; Montgomery County Pct. 2 Operations Manager Charlie Riley, Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana, Councilwoman Patsy Williams and Magnolia 4A Economic Development Corporation President Jonny Williams.

At the recent TML Annual Conference and Exhibition held in Houston, TML noted that the park offers a composite of the area’s natural beauty, including water, woods and slightly changing elevation. The park also includes walking trails, a pond and habitat restoration area, a wetland overlook, interpretive exhibits, a shaded playground area, splash pad, picnic tables, a 7,500-square-foot covered pavilion with a kitchen and restrooms, an amphitheatre, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pit and a competitive skate park.

“The land for the park was particularly selected because it has several features that offer a concentrated composite of the area's natural beauty and character including water, woods and slightly changing elevations. This park was thoughtfully developed to enhance the quality of life for all local residents,” according to the City of Magnolia.

July 4, 2010 marked the opening celebration and commemoration, with the dedication ceremony and opening of Unity Park, followed by Magnolia's first ever fireworks display with live entertainment, games and food.

According to the City of Magnolia, more than 4,000 people attended the opening of Unity Park.

TML recognized Magnolia for saving more than $2 million on the Unity Park project due to assistance and cooperation from the county, school district and citizens. Magnolia also received a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The City of Magnolia, through its 4A Economic Development Corporation,  4B Community Development Corporation, Magnolia Historical Society, Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department, Magnolia ISD, the Chamber of Commerce and many other civic and community organizations, worked together for several years to bring the dream of a fabulous new city park to a reality, according to the cities’ website.

“Unity Park will be a place for all ages to experience nature, exercise, family outings and celebrations,” TML stated.

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