FAQs • Mesquite, TX • CivicEngage

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.

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Mesquite Freedom Park

1. 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. 9/11 Memorial Museum

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. How much did the project cost and how were funds raised?: Approximately $130,000 dollars were 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, Mesquite Service League, Oncor and Union Pacific. Additional funds were kindly donated by Mesquite Fire Corps, Mesquite Retirees Association, QuikTrip, Southwest KIA of Mesquite and Town East Heating and Air Conditioning Company.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.