Reyes-Flores Park
Located at the corner of N. 7th & Bois D’Arc Street, is a nice little park that has only recently come to my attention, while doing a little exporatory driving-around.
The park is nestled in the midst of the “El Barrio Sancudo” neighborhood (Facebook page), home to many Mexican-American families over the years. The neighborhood’s name comes from the comically large mosquitos that surround Cedar Creek in that area. The park has been home to periodic neighborhood reunions where families from several generations have come together for fellowship and festivities.
(excerpt from bigcountryhomepage.com)
According to Alfredo Zuniga, there is a common joke connected to the name.
“There’s been words saying there’s been mosquitos carrying kids away because they’re so big here,” Zuniga said.
There is a sense of pride in this community, said Maria Chia-Leya, whose late mother was previously one of the neighborhood’s oldest residents.
The reunion brings old faces back to the community, said Chia-Leya. “Sometimes you think you haven’t seen them for a couple years, and it’s been like ten years and you’re like, ‘Oh my god has it been that long?” Chia-Leya said. Many former residents such as Zuniga say they have fond memories of the place that raised them.
This park is about five acres, with plenty of open space, a basketball court, playground, pavillion, and several picnic tables.
