Way back in the 1970s several families who lived in Allen were tennis players — long gone — thus explaining the existence of the now empty tennis courts at our city park. I suppose there are people living in the area who still play tennis or would like to, but I didn’t see anyone down there using the courts this past summer. However, our park receives a good amount of usage from mostly teens who use one of the older tennis courts to play basketball on. It’s good to see our kids making good use of the courts and the park. But the old lights are about all done.

But we are fortunate to have our City Park. When we moved here in the 60s the “park” looked abandoned. It was no longer being mowed or noticed by the Town of Allen. It was just a piteous site of Poison Ivy, briars, copperheads, and other creepy creatures that wished to live in the park. Illegal dumping by an encroached household really put a curse on it.

One city councilman wanted to do to it as they had done the old town square (over in Old Town). The site of this old square (bounded by B and C streets and Commerce Street) was just another town sore eye. Just like the City Park. Ideas floated at that time were to just clean the old square off, mow it and perhaps develop it as a little park to note where the old town of Cold Springs (later renamed Allen) originated back in the late 1800s. The old hanging tree was dead and gone but hopes to “plant” a new one with an appropriate historic marker rose only to be quickly knocked down as just another bad idea.

But, sadly, the then Mayor had his way. The old Town Square was to be donated to anyone who would build houses on it. The mayor’s idea didn’t turn out too well. Today, there is one occupied house on that square. Not several. It was built and it looks fine. But the other house built on the old “Square” is now abandoned and defines what a sore eye really is.

While the old Town Square issue played itself out, our wellknown city park was saved only after a group of civic minded citizens simply went to work and cleared it up themselves and eventually the tennis courts were constructed, brush pushed out and I think the snakes moved away as the park’s renovation took shape. With help from the school, lights were installed. Later the popular swimming pool was built —thanks to the school and Alfred Darras.

Today the town has applied for help from the Choctaws. Mayor Brannan tells me the Tribe is presently working on this. New playground equipment might be in the works. Meanwhile, as we wait on the Choctaws (who have expressed an interest in our park) I can’t help but wonder, what is it we want? As it is, the natural contours and layout of the park is great. It is a beautiful place. The location is very good. The south boundary is defined by the spring-fed Old Town Branch, where the now antiquated and worn-out playground equipment is. The little branch that runs south in a small canyon gives another welcome visual. A simple new walking trail around this park would be its crowning jewel. We need more places to walk in besides just doing the streets where dog bites are optional.

Many observers say our Park’s War Memorial is a model other communities want to copy. It was designed and built mostly by the hard work of our City Manager and many dedicated donors. It sets a standard too, for as we visualize a new and better Allen City Park.

I might add here that donations to help our park are being accepted and are welcomed by the city. Who knows? It might up our chances for a grant from the Choctaws Nation as they consider our needs. I know the city appreciates your input on this and all matters concerning the betterment of our hometown of Allen.

Meanwhile, let me say I always appreciate hearing from you too and as always, urge you to attend your church this Sunday.

Wayne Bullard, DPh.

cwaynebullard@gmail.com