Recently WalletHub released its study that the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area ranked first on a list of the “fattest” cities in America due to various factors: body type, diet, highest rates of poverty and somewhat limited exercise facilities.
Reflect back the past few decades: Have you noticed particularly in Edinburg when driving around that the neighborhood parks are becoming less but the few existing parks are becoming overdeveloped?
The National Recreational and Park Association recommends 10 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. Edinburg’s Park Master Plan, completed in 2019, lists 18 park facilities for a total of under 325 acres combined, but since Edinburg’s census population estimate for the same year is more than 100,000 the city needs more than 1,000 acres of parkland to meet the NRPA standard, which is roughly three times the current acreage.
So yes, we have limited exercise facilities in our area, which includes walking! Parks are for neighbors to meet and mingle, become a cohesive community, and especially to increase health and well-being and to decrease our status as fattest.
So why don’t we have these health-promoting parks? Is it due to the multiple building variances that are being allowed by City Council past and present? Is it due to conflicting sections of the Uniform Development Code, in which one section states that dedication of one acre of parkland for every 50 dwelling units is required but another section allows developers to pay a fee in lieu of this dedication for most subdivisions and removes a public park for that particular neighborhood area?
Is the city relinquishing its duty to plan a city of parks and green spaces for the enjoyment and health of all the community to the commercial real estate developers — as in evidence currently?
The Uniform Development Code currently is being updated in Edinburg as well as the Edinburg 2040 plan. If you think that all in our community deserve fresh air, green spaces, parks and quality of life to move and be fit, then it is time to make your comments to the city now!
Diane Teter
Edinburg
Vote
red
When voting please consider voting Republican. Especially in Texas. Thankfully our region is getting smarter and we are getting more and more people voting Republican.
There is very good reason to vote Republican. Why would you want to have your taxes increased and to have your money wasted? Just look at states like California and New York. Those states are in trouble. They are bankrupt and going to the dumps because Democrats love to give your money away and waste it on themselves and/or useless programs that they themselves make up only to get abused and no one cares. Most states run by Democrats are in the dumps. The are broke. Folks from those states are abandoning ship and moving to states like Texas that are run by Republicans.
Just look at what Biden has done to the U.S., and he’s just getting started.
So if you are working for your money, be wise and vote Republican. The only folks voting for Democrats are in the “give me mode” or other Democrat politicos voting for their friends.
Make your voices heard and keep Texas red.
M.C. Garcia
Brownsville
