Preservation Texas Adds Quanah City Park to 2021 list of Texas' Most Endangered Places

The Quanah Friends of the Park Committee of the E. Eugene Johnson Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce that it received notification today that Preservation Texas named Quanah City Park to its 2021 list of Texas' Most Endangered Places. Nomination for inclusion on the list was made by Eugene E. Johnson, President of the Foundation on behalf of the Friends of the Park Committee. While working on new enhancements and improvements to the Quanah City Park as well as promoting community events at the park, members of Quanah Friends of the Park also recognize the significance of the beautiful historic structures in the park.

Friends of the Park is excited that Preservation Texas has chosen Quanah City Park to be included on this year’s list and hopes that inclusion of the park on the list will bring needed attention to the park as the group works to preserve and repair the historic features of the park. Johnson stated that the group had made contact with Preservation Texas as part of its regular activities and was encouraged by the interest that the organization had in what we all know is an amazing park in the city we all love so dearly.

Along with Quanah City Park, the Krupp Building, Old Fort Parker, and five other sites were named on the 2021 list.

In its announcement, Preservation Texas stated, “Construction of the Quanah City Park began as a W.P.A. project in November 1936; the park was dedicated the following year. Historic park infrastructure included stone entrances, retaining walls, tables, picnic benches, and a bandstand.

“As the park nears its 90th year, its historic infrastructure is in need of repair, including reconstruction of portions of the retaining walls that have been lost because of the impact of deferred maintenance and erosion. Restoration of the park's historic features will ensure that its Depression-era cultural landscape remains intact for the people of Quanah and Hardeman County to enjoy in the decades to come.”

Preservation Texas began its list of Most Endangered Places in 2004, which it states, “has served as a reminder that there are some places that must not be lost because they are too important. It has served as a call to action to ensure that treasured sites will endure for generations to come. And through statewide collaboration, it has empowered those working to save them. In all, the Preservation Texas Most Endangered Places program has put a spotlight on over 150 imperiled historic places across Texas. Only 14, or 9%, have been lost.”

Preservation Texas is the only private, nonprofit membership organization in Texas that is dedicated to being a full-service statewide preservation organization.

Friends of the Park is dedicated to the preservation and beautification of as well as promoting activities to improve enjoyment of the historic Quanah City Park located in Quanah, Texas between Fourth and Fifth Streets and between Good and Louise Streets. Friends of the Park has been established as a committee of the E. Eugene Johnson Memorial Foundation, a Texas nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity; EIN 85-1255191. The purpose of the Foundation is to enhance and improve public spaces, including parks, cemeteries, and museums, in Quanah and Hardeman County, Texas, and improve the quality of life of residents through the use and enjoyment of those spaces.

The Friends of the Park Volunteer Corps is a group of citizens that enthusiastically supports the mission of the Friends of the Park committee and works with that committee as well as the City of Quanah for the betterment of the Quanah City Park. This group meets periodically to discuss the status of the park, review and assess needs, and develop plans to accomplish its goals for the park.

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