Celebrating Lily Cantú
On January 4, 2022, a resolution was adopted by the City Council, officially renaming the North Lakes Park Playground to the Librada "Lily" Cantú Playground. This decision was made in accordance with the City of Denton's naming policy, which provides a set of guidelines for the renaming of City facilities, buildings, land, and other entities.
Numerous applications were submitted to the city in 2020, including the Lily Cantú playground, which underwent a rigorous process of review and evaluation in 2021. Park and Recreation staff conducted several public engagement meetings, and recommendations were received from the Council-formed Ad Hoc Committee, Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board, and City Council, in accordance with the City's Naming Policy.
Librada “Lily” Rose Cantú was a Denton native who spent her childhood playing at North Lakes Park. She attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and Denton High School, where her passion for helping and volunteering with youth in need flourished. Lily was known for her dedication to marginalized and underserved communities, which led to her involvement in the nonprofit sector. After graduating from high school, she joined a nonprofit organization in Peru, where she worked with children with various medical and mental conditions. Lily's impact was profound and far-reaching, but tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 20. During the Council agenda regarding the consideration of the naming of the park, Lily's father, John Cantú, spoke about her inclusive approach to life.
Parks and Recreation staff have identified the Lily Cantú Playground as the first all-inclusive playground, which is envisioned to become a regional attraction. The funding for the construction of this project has been identified as a potential bond-funded project for a potential bond election this upcoming November 2023. The City appointed, Special Citizen Bond Advisory Committee will meet from April-June and provide recommendations of projects to the City Council by July. The master plan design for the Lily Cantú playground will begin this summer with several public engagement opportunities. For more information about Lily's inspiring story, please refer to the sources from the Denton Record Chronicle.
Sources:
Denton City Council names playground to honor Lily Cantú, various other parks | News | dentonrc.com
Lily’s legacy deserving of lasting honor | Opinion | dentonrc.com
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