City leaders marked the start of the project Thursday, July 9. The city expects to celebrate the reopening of the redesigned Heritage Plaza in about two years. Plans include a performance stage, turf and game lawns, a small playground, shaded seating, restrooms and additional parking. Back Alley Plaza will also receive a smaller stage, lawn space and seating. Several familiar pieces of Midlothian history will remain, including the Larkin Newton Cabin, the Heart of Midlothian brick paver artwork and the park’s vintage neon sign. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Justin Coffman reflected on what Midlothian’s heritage truly means: *As beautiful as this park will be, our heritage is not found in buildings, or monuments, or physical landmarks. Our heritage is found in our people. It's found in the families who choose to build their lives here. It's found in the neighbors who know each other’s names. Volunteers who give their time. Business owners who invest in our community, teachers who shape our children, churches that serve, and citizens who intentionally make Midlothian more than simply a place to live. It's about the people who will make this place a place that we are proud to call home.* The project is part of the city’s broader plan to make downtown Midlothian more walkable and create more space for entertainment and social gatherings. Renderings and additional project details are available through the city’s Heritage Park Master Plan page: https://www.midlothian.tx.us/982/Heritage-Park-Master-Plan