Commission hears plans to revitalize park
Brownsville District 3 City Commissioner Roy De los Santos says creating a task force to focus on improvements to La Posada Park is “an excellent idea because this is the type of project that warrants focus.” ARISBETH RODRIGUEZ/THE RIDER PHOTOS
On Tuesday, the Brownsville City Commission listened to a Parks and Recreation Department presentation on proposed plans for La Posada Park and the results of community engagement.
Public comment began with historian and Brownsville native Lawrence Fernandez speaking in favor of the proposed project and likening it to San Antonio’s Alamo and Riverwalk attractions.
“The project … is so incredibly beautiful and so much potential for Brownsville,” Fernandez said. “I hope that you embrace it.”
Damaris McGlone, Brownsville Parks and Recreation director, said the park, located in the city’s Southmost area, is home to the largest grove of Montezuma Cypress trees in the United States, which has been undergoing reforestation since 2013 under the direction of Fernandez. Also in the works is the reintroduction of water to the resaca and involvement of Texas Historical Landmark Commission in registering the historical bridge that goes over the body of water.
“We currently have been working on a building assessment and visioning, so basically years of engagement from our parks department, but also from our stakeholders and from the community around the area,” McGlone said.
She went on to present two layout design options for the park, both of which were renderings meant to spark a vision rather than final concept ideas. The layouts included a community garden expansion, resaca overlooks, nature trails, a pavilion and a playground.
Eva Garcia, a member of the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, said the department conducted surveys in the community around the area and found that “people want to enjoy nature … especially in urban areas.”
“This park provides that opportunity for, you know, us, in our urban spaces,” Garcia said. “Southmost is one of the poorest and densest areas in our community. [We want] to give them a space where they can enjoy nature.”
Other respondents prioritized a space to gather with families and enjoy events.
“So we do have some bicycle and pedestrian facilities coming into the area,” Garcia said. “But I think a lot of that pristine habitat along the resaca is where they would like to have some walking trails … playgrounds for kids … nature viewing and then, exercise equipment.”
In-person community engagement efforts by the department revealed other requests for recreational amenities, such as paddle boats, canoeing, art installations, soccer and football fields, a dog park and a pool, all of which were included in proposed plans. Parks and Recreation also hopes to restore historic structures on site and install security.
“[The project] would be a phased approach,” McGlone said. “… We understand the fiscal position that the city is in. We also understand that this is an asset that has been near and dear to the heart of Brownsville. And so, we wanted to look at [the budget] and we did a high end and a low end.”
For the proposed phases between now and 2026, the budget could be between $3.8 million and $5.7 million.
“Again, this is an entire wish list and this can be edited as … we go down the line on that,” McGlone said. “And just, another thing … is really looking at what grant opportunities are out there. [Are] there fund-raising opportunities?”
Garcia and McGlone asked the commission about creating a task force that would focus on the park.
“I think a task force is an excellent idea for this, because this is the kind of project that warrants focus,” said Roy De los Santos, District 3 city commissioner.
City Commissioner At-Large “B” Rose Gowen agreed, adding that the commission should create a concrete timeline as to when the task force should return with its findings and plans.
