El Paso County broke ground on improvements to the area’s Agua Dulce Skatepark Sept. 18.
For many residents on El Paso’s Far Eastside, city parks aren’t as prominent compared to other locations in El Paso. El Paso County Commissioner of Precinct 3 Iliana Holguin shared how the park was chosen from a master plan project and input from the community.
“So, once we had the park’s master plan, that was the blueprint for what we knew had to be done and what the next steps should be,” said Holguin. “And so, the county basically decided that we needed to make that investment.”
Parks are incredibly important to any community, especially in remote areas. In a community where infrastructure isn’t as up to date with the rest of the city, the Agua Dulce Colonia was recognized to seek upgrades.
“Of course, these kids deserve the best possible park facilities that we can give them, regardless of where they live and so that was one of the reasons behind the county contracting to do this parks master plans.” said Holguin.
The skatepark is expected to include several new amenities for local skaters such as a quarter pipe, an A-frame, a flat rail, a grind ledge and a hipped bank. While skaters can anticipate a new region to kickflip, citizens can expect new improvements to the park’s basketball court as well.
El Paso County Administrator Betsy Keller shares that the Commissioners Court has been working on investing in parks for several years and is happy to finally witness that change will occur in the Colonia region.
“This is what we want for our community,” said Keller. “We want people to have the access no matter where you live. You shouldn’t have to live downtown. You should be able to live anywhere in our community and have amenities such as parks.”
While the Agua Dulce Park is now in the process of renovations, other parks across the county are expected to see some revamps.
Holguin shared that funding for the skatepark’s renovations comes from a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant awarded in 2021.
El Paso County Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Fulton shares what the upgrades mean to the Agua Dulce community.
“It’s an important infrastructure and I think when you have your local government reaching out to you saying, ‘What would you like to see in your park?’ and that type of involvement, I think it makes them feel good about their community,” said Fulton.
Leaving the residents of the Agua Dulce community in anticipation, many are eager to utilize this new expansion to the “colonia.”
The project is expected to be completed by April 2025 and is located at 15371 Kentwood Ave., for any local or resident who wishes to visit and enjoy the soon upgraded park.
Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected]
