[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10810]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING RICHARDSON PARKS AND RECREATION FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                             THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, the Richardson area was 
first settled in the 1840s and 1850s as a pioneer community called 
Breckinridge. The town of Richardson was founded in 1873 next to the 
Houston & Texas Central Railway tracks, was named for the railroad 
contractor E. H. Richardson, and became a thriving community of farms, 
stores, cotton gins and churches. Richardson remained a sleepy farming 
community until the 1950s.
  With the arrival of Collins Radio and Texas Instruments, Richardson 
became a popular location for college-educated professionals. Known as 
the ``Electronic City'' and later the ``Telecom Corridor'', Richardson 
continues to grow and prosper, with many diverse cultures, faiths and 
populations adding to its vibrant mix of high-tech business and 
educational opportunities.
  In Richardson's rich history, citizens have enjoyed the finest 
offerings a community can have with exemplary schools, first class 
parks, excellent library, sophisticated transportation, all managed by 
a well run local government. Many people who lived in Richardson chose 
this community because of its quality of life.
  In 2009, Richardson proudly celebrates 50 years of Parks and 
Recreation Services that has served its citizenry with the finest of 
trails, parks, festivals, recreation programs, senior citizen 
activities, and tourist attractions all wrapped in a well manicured 
city. During its 50 years the Richardson Parks and Recreation 
Department has provided families greater quality of life through first 
class programs that have become a tradition, and a source of pride 
within the community.
  This is evidenced by greater real estate values and first class 
economic development proving that Richardson is not only a great host 
to a business and industry, but a great place to call home.
  Congratulations are in order as Richardson Parks and Recreation marks 
50 years of service to the community.

                          ____________________