The city of Mineola has been awarded a Scenic City designation.

The award was announced at the Texas Municipal League conference in Dallas Oct. 5.

In its first attempt at the designation, the city was awarded bronze level, which is the second of five levels.

It joins Nacogdoches as the only East Texas cities with the designation.

The mission of the Scenic City Certification Program (SCCP) is to support and recognize Texas municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public spaces. The SCCP provides a proven, highly-regarded tool to Texas cities for assessment, evaluation, and recognition of infrastructure standards.

The program was developed and implemented to establish a foundation of cohesive scenic standards and land planning practices that advance sustainability through environmental conservation, ecosystem management, infrastructure, planning and environmental education. The SCCP provides city leaders and community members community with innovative tools and educational resources used for the development, implementation and evaluation of landscaping plans and infrastructure standards

The SCCP is used to maintain and enhance ecologically sensitive areas, shared community spaces, parks, walkable sidewalks and the scenic roads that connect all Texans. The implementation of SCCP is expected to enhance the scenic quality of outdoor spaces and, as a result, improve the well-being of all residents of Texas.

Evaluation reviews every applicant’s existing ordinance and code language in these areas:

● Streetscapes

● Sign controls

● Parks, trails and open spaces

● Litter and graffiti prohibition

● Lighting standards

● Utility and cable line programs

● Design integrity

● Landscaping

● Dumpster screening

● Unique municipal features

● Special programs

The certification lasts for five years, and cities can update ordinances and reapply for a higher level.

“It’s the efforts of citizens, staff, mayors, councils, city leaders, and organizations in this town over the years that have made Mineola what it is now, and they have set standards, guidelines and plans in place for that progression to continue in the future,” said marketing director Owen Tiner. “We look forward to raising our level of recognition in the coming years.”