[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E136-E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               McKINNEY, ``AMERICA'S CRAPE MYRTLE CITY''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2014

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit 
organization created to elevate and preserve the beauty and appeal of 
one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas, McKinney.
   Established in 1998, the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney Foundation 
began with the vision of showcasing the premier flowering plant of the 
south, the crape myrtle, throughout our community in a deliberate and 
meaningful manner. After the foundation gained official 501(c)(3) 
status, the foundation in partnership with the City of McKinney 
established the World Collection Park to feature every variety of crape 
myrtle on seven acres of city parkland. The World Collection Park 
officially opened for enjoyment in 2011, and as of 2013, nearly 22,000 
crape myrtles have been planted by the foundation, City of McKinney, 
and other partners.
   Not only does the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney Foundation serve 
as an agent to enhance the aesthetics of the city, it has established 
programs, such as an annual Run the Trails of McKinney Fun Run and 
``McKinney Crape Myrtles and Me--Watch Us Grow!'' an annual science and 
art contest for McKinney ISD elementary schools, to further involve the 
community in its city's development.
   I commend the City of McKinney on their time, energy, and efforts in 
making McKinney a better place to live for my fellow Texans. Promoting 
a higher quality of life is something we simply can't put a price on. 
That's why I support the City of McKinney to officially register as 
``America's Crape Myrtle City'' and

[[Page E137]]

press forward towards their goal of planting 50,000 crape myrtle trees 
throughout McKinney.
   God Bless all your efforts and God Bless Texas. I salute you.

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