Lester Daniel Lacy was a natural leader with boundless energy for improving the lives of his friends and neighbors. And for L. D. Lacy that meant everyone in Oklahoma City. Lacy began his working life as a school principal, but after nine years he left to found a bank that made it possible for working people to get housing loans. Later he formed a second bank called Friendly National Bank because he believed friendliness was the single greatest quality a person could have. Lacy was active in no fewer than a dozen community organizations, often serving in leadership roles, including more than a decade on the city park board. Throughout his many decades as a leader, L. D. Lacy never had a desk or a private office – because he didn’t think offices were very friendly.

L. D. Lacy donated the land for this park to the City of Oklahoma City for use as a park and the city council named it in his honor in appreciation.