Murzin Named UP Citizen of the Year

Chris Murzin, whose crusading efforts have been chronicled in our papers several times, was named the 2008 University Park Citizen of the Year today. Here’s the full release from the city:

Chris Murzin (pictured with his family) has been named the City’s 2008 Citizen of the Year. Chris has been at the forefront of local accessibility issues to help better the lives of those who are disabled or physically challenged.

As the parent of a child with special needs, Chris is acutely aware of how difficult it can be for those who are in a wheelchair or who are otherwise physically limited to go from place to place without difficulty. A former board member for United Cerebral Palsy in Houston, Chris and his family moved to University Park in 2006. Since that time he has helped the City to identify and improve the accessibility of curbs and sidewalks in numerous locations. He has also discussed similar accessibility matters with HPISD officials and PTA members.

Chris was nominated for the honor by a fellow resident. An attached letter read in part, “Perhaps his most significant contribution to date is his coordination of a citizen-based fund drive to build a barrier-free playground at Coffee Park.” In assessing the need for such a facility in University Park, Chris points to the estimated six million children nationally – more than one in ten – who have a disability which makes it difficult or impossible to play on traditional playgrounds. Adults with disabilities also face difficulties playing with or supervising children due to these same design and accessibility shortcomings.

Traditionally, resident and corporate donations have funded park playground equipment in University Park. Due largely to the cost of a poured-in-place rubberized surface, for wheelchair accessibility, the cost of installing a barrier free playground at Coffee Park is estimated at $300,000. In launching the fund raising effort and also to increase community awareness, Chris recently coordinated a “What’s the Buzz” event to collect donations from residents for haircuts and nail treatments. Chris and his friends will help raise more money for the barrier-free playground project on Independence Day morning when they participate in the City’s first “Firecracker Fun Run.” Race registration fees will also be donated to the project.

In appreciation for his service to the community, immediately following the annual Park Cities July 4^th Parade, which he and his family (wife Christina, son Jack, daughter Caroline, and son Dutch) will ride in, Chris will receive a plaque from Mayor James “Blackie” Holmes during a brief ceremony at the Goar Park Gazebo.

The Citizen of the Year Award was initiated in 2005 by the City Council to heighten public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the City’s quality of life. The City acknowledges that while such residents aren’t fueled by a desire for civic recognition, their efforts, whether aimed at protecting our local environment, beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth or raising money for various worthy projects, all demonstrate a level of citizenship that helps make University Park such a special place to live.