By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – Clearly touched by the attention and honor, former Taylor Mayor Donald Zub took in the view at a neighborhood park that now bears his name.
“This will be here for the rest of my life,” Zub said, shortly before cutting the ribbon on Aug. 7 at a playground on Haig Street.
The small park between William and Dudley was treated to a makeover last year, one of many public areas that volunteers – the Kennedy High School baseball team in this instance – spent painting, cleaning and restoring. City officials said grant funds were further identified which paid for a new playscape, fencing and signage.
Among the amenities was a sign which christened the lot Zub Park in honor of the former mayor. Zub and his family have lived in the neighborhood since 1962 after having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Zub’s service to the community included four years on city council before being elected mayor in 1977, a post he held until 1981.
Mayor Rick Sollars confirmed the renaming during a city council meeting earlier this month, and said quality-of-life improvements are expected to continue.
“Why this park?” Sollars asked rhetorically during the dedication ceremony. “You have to start somewhere.”
Sollars said grant funds have been secured for the city to invest in one or two neighborhood parks per year, efforts that complement continued volunteer projects throughout the city.
“We’d like to expand this program to other ‘pocket parks’ in the city,” Sollars said.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])