Historic Time Capsule Unearthed at Turner Park

Historic Time Capsule Unearthed at Turner Park

Published on August 05, 2026

A piece of Grand Prairie history resurfaced recently during renovations to Turner Park.

While preparing the site for a two year-long rehabilitation project, the Parks, Arts & Recreation Department unearthed a 28-year-old time capsule buried back in March 1998.

At the time, the park pavilion was known as the Ruthe Jackson and Vernon Jackson Outdoor Learning Center. It was the Grand Prairie Garden Club, led by former City Council Member Ruthe Jackson, that buried the capsule to celebrate Texas's birthday month.

While time and the elements took a toll, several historic treasures survived intact:

• An original copy of the Grand Prairie News from March 1998
• A booklet featuring a biography of Grand Prairie's first mayor alongside city stats dating back to 1885
• A document listing the mayors honored at the Outdoor Learning Center
• A collection of commemorative Texas lapel pins

This unexpected discovery offers a wonderful window into our community's history as we continue building Grand Prairie's future!

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