LOS INDIOS — Local residents will soon see their longtime city park get a makeover and two more parks for the Del Rio and Carizzito neighborhoods.
“I’m very excited because it’s been a very long time that our community has had any resources available for the city to construct parks,” said Rick Cavazos, Los Indios mayor. “These are quality of life and health fitness issues that we want to see our residents enjoying.”
Los Indios will receive a $75,000 small community grant for its community park project. Proposed developments include renovation of the existing basketball court, adding a pavilion and fitness equipment area, landscaping and interpretive signs.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved close to $16 million in competitive local park grants to help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, urban gardens, playgrounds with full accessibility, dog parks, splash pads and sports fields at 37 community parks across the state.
The Small Community Recreation Grants are for park projects in towns of less than 20,000 and were awarded to 13 communities.
Cavazos said the city also received a $500,000 grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation that he says will help build two new parks in the city.
City leaders want to bring a walking trial, exercise stations, playscapes and more for its citizens’ recreational use.
Cavazos said having a park in each of the two neighborhoods makes it easier for residents to get out and exercise near home.
“For some residents, it’s more than a couple of miles away to get to our park in front of City Hall,” Cavazos said.
But city leaders are looking into where to get the land for the new parks.
“If we have to purchase property then it’s going to shave off a little of the funding,” Cavazos said. “Ideally, we would like to see a track of land be donated to the city for the new parks.”
