El Paso Community Center renamed in honor of sports legend Wayne Thornton
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- His name has been known in the El Paso community for decades: from his weekly column in the El Paso Times to his involvement in local sports. Now, Wayne Thornton's name will be known for years to come, proudly presiding over the old Grandview Community Center.
The City of El Paso rededicated and renamed the center in Thornton's honor Friday.
Crowds gathered to dance and sing at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Senior Center Choir, Austin High School Color Guard, and Thornton's family were all present.
"I mean every person he's touched, every person he's talked to, it's an amazing feeling to see his name and see him honored the correct way," Thornton's long-time friend Hawk Scott said.
Thornton retired from the City's Parks and Recreation Department in 2020 after 43 years.
His contributions included developing the holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony event.
In addition to the new name, the community center also received a $3.5 million building upgrade, including a gaming room, gymnasium, and a pickleball courts.
"I'm very honored to be able to have the name of the Wayne Thornton Community Center at Grandview named after myself," says Thornton. "It's really a legacy of being named after my family too because they meant so much to me and my life."
