A citizens’ idea for a new park was presented to the Mineola City Council during their regular February meeting last Monday at Mineola City Hall.

Manuel Dominguez, a member of the class of 2006 from Mineola High School, presented his idea for a community park where the old city water tower used to be in the Buchanan Street area. A vacant triangular plot of land remains where the water tower was located. It is bordered by Hogg, Buchanan and Second Streets.

“Today I’m here to propose a park,” Dominguez said to the council. Dominguez referred to a master plan adopted last year in which more than 60 percent of respondents stated more parks were needed in Mineola. He had gathered signatures from residents and local businesses about the proposal and he was proposing to construct a pavilion with restroom and playground and picnic tables.

He said he has one main supporter who told him he would provide him with manpower, time and use of his equipment. Some of the local business owners also are willing to donate their time and trucks to help on the project. Dominguez said that if the city approved the idea, he would take care of the maintenance. He said all he would ask is for a large dumpster and a few “slow for children signs.”

“I was mainly going to do the park pretty much on donations,” he said. “I’m not asking the city for any money to do anything. I’ll do everything myself.” He plans to file for a 501(c)3 designation so donations that are made can be tax deductible.

Mayor Rodney Watkins commended him for his efforts noting, “You’re taking on a lot there.” He said the council couldn’t vote that evening but said “we’re definitely in support of having parks and additions.” He said the city would need to see plans and the council would need to approve it. He encouraged him to work with City Administrator Mercy Rushing and the city staff.

Rushing said that Dominguez will go before the Parks Board who will decide upon his plan and pass it on the council that makes the final decision. She said that while the city has someone who wants to take care of the property now, “eventually this will be a city property and eventually our street department or whoever will also have to help with it.”

Ward 2 Alderman Kevin White asked if the city had checked the soil since the water tower used to be on the property. She said she can check with the city’s engineer on that matter. Ward 2 Councilperson Jayne Lankford also commended Dominguez and said that when the school used to be in the area, there were swingsets there. “I think you have a great idea.”