Description:
The Vandergriff family’s charitable donations included land for Arlington Memorial Hospital and city parks. Former Mayor, Tom Vandergriff was instrumental in bringing General Motors to the city. He helped establish Arlington as the entertainment capital of Texas by supporting the creation of Six Flags Over Texas and bringing the Texas Rangers ball club to the city. Tom Vandergriff and Arlington are like Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys. There have been other mayors in Arlington, and there have been other Cowboys coaches, but none will quite measure up to Mayor Vandergriff and Coach Landry. Ever. As Arlington’s longtime mayor from 1951 to 1977, Vandergriff provided critical leadership in helping transform Arlington from a small community of 8,000 people to a vibrant city of nearly 400,000 that's home to the University of Texas at Arlington, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, a General Motors assembly plant and a thriving tourism industry that includes Six Flags Over Texas. Located just a few miles south of downtown Arlington, Vandergriff Park features both the Allen Bolden Pool and the Bob Duncan Center. It has numerous recreation facilities including baseball fields, practice fields and tennis courts. There is also a pavilion that seats approximately 120 people available for rent through the Arlington Parks Department via email or by calling 817-459-5473. Community Park (84 acres) Amenities: - Hike/Bike Trail (1.17 miles) - Grills - Horseshoes - Athletic Fields (Baseball & Softball) - Picnic Area - Playground - Practice Fields - Public Art - Restrooms - Pool - Tennis - Pavilion (30’x60’, seats 130) - Bob Duncan Center - Skatepark Accessible Features: - Tennis Courts - Sidewalks around play area