Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2005

Collin County Youth Park renamed Myers’ Park and Event Center

(McKinney, TX) -- The Collin County Commissioners Court approved a name change for the Collin County Youth Park earlier today to better reflect the character and origin of this unique county park.

The park is located on 165 acres northwest of McKinney. It is a combination of acreage donated to Collin County by John and Winnie Myers for the education and recreational use of residents of Collin County. It also includes additional acreage purchased with 1999 Bond funds.

John and Winnie Myers were committed to Collin County having a facility for youth agricultural programs to exhibit and demonstrate. The original donation of 76 acres in three gifts beginning in the late 1960’s established a permanent home for the 16 county FFA and 4-H youth programs in Collin County. The Youth Park Advisory Board along with the Commissioners Court determined the best way to honor and remind residents of the foresight and generosity of this civic minded couple was by naming the park after them.

“Without people like John & Winnie Myers the agricultural heritage of Collin County could be forgotten,” says Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes. “It is also extremely significant to have a 165 acre park in growing northwest McKinney! Re-naming the Youth Park after John and Winnie Myers is the obvious thing to do and I am so glad we are able to honor their civic mindedness. The park is a jewel that will continue to benefit Collin County for generations with recreation opportunities, event space plus the educational heritage of our agricultural roots.”

Park & Event Center Manager Linda Dixon is pleased with the name change. “Not only does it honor those who gave so much to Collin County; it also allows for a more descriptive name for this diverse park.” Myers’ Park & Event Center is the home to horse and dog shows, meetings, seminars, numerous wedding and other family celebrations as well as community events, such as Forever Free, Ducks Unlimited and Habitat for Humanity’s Taste of Collin County.

“An integral part of the park’s success should be attributed to the Youth Park Advisory Board. Without their support and involvement, the park would not be the crown-jewel it is today,” says Commissioner Jaynes.

The facilities at Myers’ Park & Event Center include a Show Barn complete with an indoor arena, a Stall Barn, Reception Hall, Gazebo, Pole Barn, and Outdoor Arena. In addition, 35 acres of Myers’ Woods and the “Back 40” are available to groups for camping. The Collin County Farm Museum, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the agricultural heritage of Collin County, is also located at the Center and will be managed by the Collin County Historic Society beginning October 1st.

For information on facility rental or park information, contact Dixon at Myer’s Park & Event Center at 972-548-4792 or mpec@collincountytx.gov.

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