In Parkview Addition, there’s a benevolence committee, a
helping hands committee, a grants committee, a citizens on
patrol committee, a community watch committee and a
committee that sets up all the committees.
When you buy one of the homes in this tree-lined, curvy and
hilly neighborhood north of Abram Street and east of
Meadowbrook Park, you’ll get a knock on your door.
That would be the welcoming committee.
“We like to greet our new neighbors personally,” says
Shirley Patterson, Parkview Neighborhood President and
resident of 44 years. “We’re not one of those neighborhoods
where you just wave. We really get to know one another.
We’re close.”
So close that on National Night Out, more than 80 residents
came out to greet Mayor Robert Cluck and Police Chief Theron
Bowman.
Parkview’s relationship with Arlington stretches back to
1947. The tidy brick homes of 1200- to 1500-square feet
sprung up around Meadowbrook Park, which the neighborhood
overlooks. That view of the park gave the neighborhood its
name, Patterson said.
Residents are prideful that many of the 205 homes are
original, with some original owners, the oldest being
98-year-old Lucy Key, who along with late husband Harold are
named for Key Elementary.
Evelyn Turner bought her home in 1950. “I’ve always loved
the quietness here,” said Turner, who raised a son and
daughter in the house. “It’s not a lot going on. The kids
can play. Everyone is just so nice.”
Parkview has a tucked-away feel. The neighborhood is
bordered by Abram on the south, Stadium Drive on the west,
General Motors on the east and the railroad tracks to the
north. You can drive right by and not know it’s there. About
775 people live in Parkview, give or take, and its monthly
Parkview Gazette newsletter keeps everyone in the
neighborhood informed.
“We’ve become very multicultural over the years so
communication is important,” Patterson says.
Parkview’s non-profit designation is allowing them to seek
grant money from foundations such as the Arlington Tomorrow
Foundation. They’ve already put up street toppers and now
want funds to build a fence along Stadium Drive and
construct an entrance at Abram and Circle Drive.
One of the bright spots of Parkview is the Neighborhood
Garden, a tranquil spot next to Patterson’s house where
neighbors can relax on benches, play checkers, enjoy the
native plants and even walk a small trail. It’s so beautiful
a wedding was held there on July 4.
“With the Rangers, the Cowboys Stadium and Six Flags, we
feel we’re the best located neighborhood in Arlington,”
Patterson said. “We’re isolated enough to have quiet and
peace but are still close to all the action.”
