Mesquite, TX

Originally a small farming town, Mesquite-now home to more than 136,000 residents-is billed as the "Rodeo Capital of Texas." Located 13 miles east of Dallas, Mesquite is culturally diverse, which lends an ethnic flavor to the activities and foods found in the city. The city takes its name from a tree that once covered much of North Texas.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Mesquite's central location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the proximity of rail and road shipping make it an attractive center for business. The city has also developed tax incentives and infrastructure benefits in an effort to attract and retain business to the area.

Top employers in Mesquite include the Mesquite Independent School District, Town East Mall, United Parcel Service and the City of Mesquite. During the last decade, the city has constructed more than 10 million square feet of manufacturing space, leasing the new facilities to corporations, such as Georgia Pacific, Unilever and Benjamin Moore Paints.

Local medical needs are met at the Dallas Regional Medical Center and the Mesquite Specialty Hospital.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Major neighborhoods in the proximity of the city are Lawson, Park View and Edgemont Park. The city accommodates about 46,400 houses with a little more than 44,000 occupied houses. Out of these occupied houses, about 66 percent are owner occupied.

Currently, Mesquite's Downtown does not function as an attractive, pedestrian-friendly environment. However, the city has undertaken a revitalization effort to revamp its downtown, the original central business area. Mesquite's history is evident in much of the Downtown architecture and structure of the old buildings. The original Town Square and old train depot remain as reminders of the city's past.

Mesquite is home to six recreation centers and three senior citizen centers. The recreation centers offer classes to the community throughout the year and sponsor events, such as the Movie in the Park series, the Mesquite Quilt Show, and the Doggie Splash Day. Athletics programs include basketball, volleyball, football, and track. The senior centers offer games, exercise, meals, and entertainment for those 55 and older.

BEST BETS

• The Mesquite Arts Center is the cornerstone for arts in Mesquite. The Center supports a range of disciplines, including music, theater, visual arts, and literature. Facilities include a 500-seat concert hall, the Black Box Theatre, large and small art galleries, and a rehearsal hall.
• Celebration Station offers multiple options for family fun. The game room features over 100 arcade games, air hockey, and pool tables. Visitors can take a swing at the batting cages, race on the go-kart track, or test their skills at laser tag or paintball. The park also features miniature golf, a rock-climbing wall, and rides.

EVENTS

• Since it began in 1958, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has grown to become the premier event in Mesquite. The rodeo is open every Friday and Saturday night from April to September. Traditional events include bull riding, barrel racing, chuck wagon races, and steer roping. The rodeo is held at the Resistol Arena, an indoor stadium that also connects to a convention center, exhibition hall, and hotel.
• At The Pumpkin Fest at City Lake Park, guests can celebrate the fall season with crafts, costume contests, food booths, and rides. Live music rounds out the event.
• The Haunted Trail dares visitors to venture into the haunted woods of Camp Rorie-Galloway.
• Christmas in the Park sets the holiday spirit with holiday treats, festive crafts, and a visit from Santa.

FAMILY FUN

• The Mesquite Golf Course is an 18-hole public course owned and operated by Mesquite City. The course offers a pro shop, a practice range, and a bar and grill.
• Mesquite has three disc golf courses available at Paschall Park, DeBusk Park, and Porter Park.
• The Westlake Tennis Center features six lighted courts and three covered courts; it also offers group or individual instruction. Players may also sign up for leagues. There are over 20 additional tennis courts at parks throughout the city that can be reserved at no charge.
• Adjacent to City Lake Park, the City Lake Aquatic Center offers water slides, a sprayground for children, and a pool large enough for laps. Swimming is also available at Town East Pool and Evans Pool.
• Seven fishing ponds located at parks throughout the city are periodically stocked with fish.

GETTING AROUND

The phrase "All roads lead to Mesquite" came about because of the major highways that intersect at Mesquite: I-635, I-30, I-20, SH 352, and U.S. Highway 80.

Air travel is facilitated by the Mesquite Metro Airport, which caters to both private and commercial flights. The Metro Airport also offers flight instruction, airplane rental service, and scenic tours. Dallas Love Field is within 15 miles, and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is within 30 miles.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) service is not available in Mesquite, but the city provides its own paratransit service for elderly or disabled citizens in need.

EDUCATION

Post-secondary education is available at Eastfield College, the Texas & University-Commerce Mesquite Metroplex Center, and the Texas Engineering Extension Service.

The Mesquite Public Library opened in 1963 and serves over 376,000 visitors each year. The library collection includes print books, audio books, DVDs and videos, and reels of microfilm.

LOCAL MEDIA

The Mesquite Tower is a landmark, 510-ft. tall lattice tower that serves as a tower for the radio station owned and operated by the Mesquite Independent School District, which provides an opportunity for high school students throughout the district to gain real-world experience in the field of radio communication. Student DJs are on the air from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days.

Other media include the Mesquite News and an online edition of the Plano Star that is specific to Mesquite.