Community celebrates “Lincoln Park Day” by unveiling new mural

The 10th Annual Lincoln Park Day was held Sunday, to dedicate the newest mural and celebrate the Mexican-American culture.

In 2009, the City of El Paso proclaimed September 20th “Lincoln Park Day.” Yet, The Lincoln Center remains closed. But that didn’t stop the Lincoln Park Community from gathering to celebrate Lincoln Park Day. Lincoln Park Conservation Committee member Hector Gonzalez said the committee has always celebrated the last Sunday of September.

“All different groups come together,” Gonzalez said.

The committee unveiled a new mural. This year’s mural was created by the El Paso Community College’s Art Student Society. The mural is titled “Chuco Culture.”

Eight of the park’s 43 murals and the Lincoln Center are in jeopardy. The Texas Department of Transportation planned to demolish the building in order to create a connecting path between I-10 and the Cesar Chavez Highway. TXDOT also cites safety issues with the building.

The move by TXDOT sparked protests by the community back in May. Supporters argued the center was crucial to preserving El Paso’s Mexican-American culture. Since then, city council has held countless meetings in order to determine the center’s future.

Gonzalez said although the center remains closed, they’re working to find a solution.