Les and Marge Treat Park
Les and Marge Treat Park is centrally located in Crosbyton, situated directly south of the Crosbyton Primary School building (part of the Crosbyton Consolidated Independent School District campus). Because of its location, it effectively bridges the gap between public municipal grounds and the school district's facilities.
Traveler Notice: While it is absolutely acceptable to visit this park, please note that it is primarily a school facility. Avoid visiting during school hours (weekdays between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM during the school year from mid-August through late May) to respect school safety protocols. The park is perfect for use during evenings, weekends, and summer holidays.
The Namesake: Who Were Les and Marge Treat?
The park is named in honor of L.E. "Les" Treat and his wife, Marge Treat, who were prominent, long-standing figures in the Crosbyton community.
- Les Treat: Les was a highly respected educator and served as a principal within the Crosbyton school system during the mid-20th century. He was heavily involved in civic duties, the local church, and community service. His impact on the town was so significant that in 1974, he was awarded the prestigious title of "Citizen Through the Years" at the Crosbyton Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
- Marge Treat: Marge was equally active in the community, dedicating her time to youth development. Local newspaper archives from the 1960s and 1970s note her extensive work with the local schools, church youth groups, and serving as a co-captain for the local Girl Scout organization.
Park History & Development
The park was established as a collaborative community betterment project. The primary driving force behind the park's funding and construction was the Crosbyton Lions Club.
The Lions Club has historically been the backbone of Crosbyton's civic projects. When the city and school district wanted to create a dedicated recreational area near the Primary School to honor the Treats, the Lions Club stepped in and contributed $5,000 toward the cost of the park's construction—a sizable community grant for the era. The club members physically and financially participated in laying out the grounds.
Features & Amenities
Because it is attached to the Crosbyton Primary School footprint, Les and Marge Treat Park functions both as a public park and an extension of the school's recreational space.
- Tennis Courts: The park area features local tennis courts. The Crosbyton Lions Club was instrumental in funding and constructing the very first tennis courts for the Crosbyton schools, which are located in this immediate vicinity.
- School & Youth Integration: Situated just south of the elementary building, the park’s green spaces are heavily utilized for student recreation, school field days, and youth sports.
- Community Green Space: It serves as a quiet, neighborhood-friendly green space where local children can play safely away from the busier Highway 82, offering shade and open grassy areas for families.
Visiting as a Traveler
If you do visit outside of school hours, keep in mind that it is a hyper-local neighborhood park, not a typical "tourist destination." It will be very quiet and residential. It is a great spot if you have your own tennis rackets and want to play a match, or if you have children who need a safe, enclosed green space to run around and burn off energy away from the busy highway.