Mesquite Freedom Park


On September 11, 2001, the world joined the United States of America as our country watched in shock as the nation’s ideals and freedoms were attacked. In 2011, the Mesquite Fire Department was entrusted with a historic piece of steel from one of the Twin Towers destroyed on 9/11. The 15-foot long, 575-pound twisted beam is the centerpiece of Mesquite Freedom Park.  With the support of the local community, the City of Mesquite created this outdoor place of gathering, reflection and celebration of freedom on the North Lawn of the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Avenue. A park dedication ceremony was held on September 11, 2016 as our country marked the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

Videos

Watch a recap of the Mesquite Freedom Park Dedication.
Watch a Survivors Story: The story of Genelle Guzman-McMillan, last civilian survivor rescued from the Twin Towers.
Watch the presentations at dedication ceremony by State Senator Bob Hall as well as Texas House Representatives Cindy Burkett and Kenneth Sheets.
Watch Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Archer's presentation at the dedication ceremony.
Watch Moving History, the story of bringing the beam to Mesquite.
Watch June 2015 Fundraising Kick-off Event.
Watch Mesquite Freedom Park PSA.


Audio

Listen to Mesquite Mayor Stan Pickett, Mesquite Police Chief Charles Cato and Mesquite Fire Captain Travis Greenman reflect on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 during a special broadcast on KEOM.



Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mesquite Freedom Park?
The City of Mesquite was entrusted with a historic piece of steel from one of the 9/11 attacks that challenged our country’s freedoms. A 15-foot, 575-pound twisted beam recovered from one of the Twin Towers is the centerpiece of Mesquite Freedom Park. The park will be a place in Mesquite to celebrate the freedoms of art, music, education and assembly. It will also serve as inspiration to share with the next generation about the importance freedom plays in the daily lives of our country. Mesquite Freedom Park will offer an opportunity for the public to touch a piece of world history and to remember the significance of 9/11 as well as other attacks on our country’s freedoms. Mesquite Freedom Park is located on the North Lawn of the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Avenue in Mesquite, Texas. For additional details on 9/11, visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum website.

Who owns the park and operates Mesquite Freedom Park?
Mesquite Freedom Park is owned and operated by the City of Mesquite.

How did the City of Mesquite acquire the steel beam?
In 2011, Mesquite acquired rights to the steel beam from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey through their World Trade Center Artifact Program and became only the third city in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to participate in the historic program. 

Who designed the park?
The park was designed through a collaborative process of City staff and community leaders. The park uses tridents symbolic of the steel structures that were part of the original Twin Towers facade. The design firm of David C. Baldwin Inc. was the Landscape Architect firm for the project. The park was constructed by general contractor, Innovative Hardscape Services, Inc. Also, Southwest Nurseries donated a portion of the plant material for the project and Phillips Lawn Sprinkler donated labor to restore the irrigation system. 

How much did the project cost and how were funds raised?
Approximately $135,000 dollars was raised for the design, construction and implementation of Mesquite Freedom Park. These funds were donated by local corporations, foundations, non-profit organizations, civic clubs and residents. Donations of $10,000 were graciously provided by Agape Home Healthcare, AMBUCS, Baker Brothers Plumbing and Air Conditioning, Dallas Regional Medical Center, Fuel City Mesquite, In memory of Clara Ray Riggs, Mesquite Arts Council, Mesquite Firefighters Association, Mesquite Rotary Club, Mesquite Service League, Oncor and Union Pacific. Additional large contributions of various levels were kindly donated by Mesquite Fire Corps, Mesquite Retirees Association, QuikTrip, Southwest KIA of Mesquite and Town East Heating and Air Conditioning Company. Also, countless individuals made monetary contributions towards the fundraising efforts for Mesquite Freedom Park.

What are the future plans for the park?
There are conceptual plans to include amenities which will host art, music and a variety of special events that evoke the freedoms of our country.

Is the park open to the public?
Mesquite Freedom Park is open to the public. Similar to other city parks, it is open from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Can organizations hold events in the park?
Mesquite Freedom Park is open to organizations who are interested in using the park for a special event or gathering. For more information, please contact Mesquite Arts Center at 972-216-6444.

How may I make a tax-deductible contribution to the maintenance and future plans of the park?
To make a tax-deductible contribution towards the future of Mesquite Freedom Park, please contact the Mesquite Fire Department at 972-216-6267 or donate online.

Donors