For Immediate Release
January 28, 2025
Contact: Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Cameron County Judge
CAMERON COUNTY TO HOLD GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT SANTA MARIA COMMUNITY PARK
Cameron County will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. for the construction of the Santa Maria Community Park. Santa Maria Community Park is located in the community of Santa Maria. Santa Maria, located near the southwest corner of Cameron County on U.S. Route 281(Military Highway), currently has no access to recreational facilities. The park will be situated on approximately 10.83-acre tract of land and will be maintained and operated by Cameron County Parks & Recreation Department.
For approximately 39 years Cameron County operated a small community park in Santa Maria on property owned by the Diocese of Brownsville. In 2021, the park property reverted to the Diocese leaving the community without a park that provided health, recreational and educational opportunities. In 2023, Cameron County acquired property to develop a park for the residents of Santa Maria and surrounding areas. The park will have new park amenities and opportunities that have not been available in Santa Maria before.
The new Santa Maria Community Park will include a splash pad, covered basketball court, a lighted soccer field, lighted baseball field and playground equipment. The new park will also include trails, picnic shelters, landscaping, solar lights, bike racks and repair station, parking, concession building, restrooms and other supporting amenities. Weather permitting; the construction should be completed in 10-12 months.
“We are committed to providing safe outdoor spaces for the children, families and community members in Cameron County to enjoy and are excited to be bringing this much needed park to the Santa Maria community. This park will give members of Santa Maria and the surrounding communities a place to enjoy, stated Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Commissioner Gus Ruiz stated, “We are excited to finally break ground on this project as the people of Santa Maria and Bluetown have been patiently waiting and are eager to enjoy the new park once its constructed.”
Joe E. Vega, Parks Director stated, “I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., the Commissioners’ Court and Texas Parks and Wildlife for their continued support and dedication to improving the quality of life for our county residents and visitors by providing great parks and recreational spaces in our communities.”
The Santa Maria Community Park groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 33034 River Drive, La Feria, Texas. Special guest speakers include Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, State Representative Oscar Longoria, Dan Reece, Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Parks Manager and Dr. Joseph Villarreal, Superintendent Santa Maria ISD. The ceremony will also include performances and remarks from students with the Santa Maria Independent School District.
The total construction cost for the development of this park is approximately $ $6,121,297.00. The park is being funded by grants from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Cameron County Certificates of Obligation.
The architectural firm working on this Project is Gomez, Mendez, Saenz, Inc. The structural engineering firm is Green, Rubiano, & Associates Inc. The civil engineering firm is Ambiotect Engineering. The MEP engineer is Ethos Engineering. The general contractor is Peacock General Contractors, Inc. The pavilions and shade structures contractor is Archer Construction. The splash pad contractor is ExcerPlay Inc. The playground contractor is Park Place Recreation.
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