The man whose efforts were in the forefront of the establishment of the Mineola Nature Preserve was memorialized Saturday with the dedication of a pier in his honor.

Though a wooden pier had offered a serene observation point for preserve visitors for many years, it finally succumbed to the elements and was recently replaced with a much studier metal and Hardie board structure on Grandpa’s Pond.

A ceremony attended by family, friends and city officials unveiled Bo’s Pier in honor of the Mineola mayor who died June 22, 2023.

Born in Golden, he graduated from Mineola High School and after serving a 26-year career in the U.S. Navy, returned to his home town to serve on the school board and city council before becoming mayor.

It was during that time that much of the work to establish the nearly 3,000-acre park was accomplished.

As Mayor Jayne Lankford acknowledged, “He had a love for Mineola that not many people had.”

She listed the attributes of a naval commander and said that he had utilized all of those in service to the city.

“He will always be a part of Mineola history,” she added.

City Manager Cindy Karch said citizens reap the benefits of his work every day.