Dallas Cowboys great and Super Bowl champion Drew Pearson presented Mayor Herbert A. Gears with the Most Valued Player Award at a NFL-sponsored luncheon Jan. 24. The gold football-shaped award, now on display at City Hall, recognizes the City of Irving for its community eco-events in anticipation of the Super Bowl’s descent upon North Texas.
“To have the NFL recognize the City of Irving for its efforts to enhance the community is something that our entire community can be proud of,” said Marsden. “Our city leaders and staff are to be commended for not taking nature for granted and going to great lengths to enhance the beauty of our city.”
The city hosted a tree-planting event at Bird’s Fort Trail Park where volunteers helped plant 100 trees along the Trinity River. The event also featured games for all ages including a Fun Zone where fans tested their football skills and abilities. Irving was one of 12 participating cities in the NFL’s Super Grow XLV program. This cooperative effort resulted in the planting of 6,500 trees across the North Texas region.
This latest recognition adds to the city’s growing list of environmental awards. This past year, Irving was recognized as a Tree City USA and was named a Scenic City by Scenic Texas. Irving’s commitment to the environment is realized on an ongoing basis by environmentally driven events and initiatives, including the formation of a volunteer Tree Board led by Marcy Brown Marsden.
