Mission is making strides toward building their first all-inclusive park.
The city of Mission held two workshops this week to discuss the progress made on the transformation of Lions Park, located at 1500 Kika de la Garza Loop, and other proposed projects. Upon completion Lions Park will be an all-inclusive destination for children and adults.
On Monday Sept. 21, architect Charlie Garcia III from ARKiiFORM, LLC, and City Manager Randy Perez presented some schematics of the potential changes to be made to Lions Park.
So far the project is broken down into two phases – phase one is Lions Park which encompasses the southern part of the land – south of the baseball fields, baseball hut and the Mission Community Center building. Phase two is the construction of the community center.
Currently, Lions Park houses two baseball fields, a playground, two picnic tables, six covered picnic shelters, a Scout Hut, the community center and the Texas Citrus Fiesta office. The redesigned Lions Park is proposed to feature amenities accessible to all, new restrooms and parking, a walking trail, basketball fields, an all-inclusive play area, a renovated play area for toddlers, a splash pad and a training area for bicycles.
“We’re leaving it open for now,” Garcia said. “We’re talking to a play consultant with a certain budget, and if he can fit three play areas in the budget that is determined, that would be beneficial, or one play area that is extravagant.”
Garcia said they were also proposing gutting the buildings used for the older food pantry and golf club and creating large, canopied play areas. He also noted they were proposing a three-hole mini golf area, which council debated.
Currently, the estimated cost for phase one of the all-inclusive Lions Park is $2.5 million. Council suggested some changes be made to the design, including replacing the proposed mini golf area with an additional basketball court or volleyball field and a complete rebuild of the proposed canopies rather than gutting the buildings and using existing structures.
“This is definitely something to look forward to not only for our residents but our surrounding communities,” Perez said. “This is going to be a unique park in our area, and we’re excited to add this amenity to our city.”
The cost estimate will change depending on the suggestions brought forth by the council.
Following discussion, Garcia took the suggestions from council and said he would restructure the plans made in the next 30 days. At that point, he, the city council and staff will meet again to discuss the next phases of the project.
On Tues. Sept. 22, the city held an additional workshop to go over other potential projects for Mission. Perez presented again, giving details on the scope of some projects and their projected cost estimates.
Among the several new projects listed for 2020-2021 include capital overlays on streets, parks, the water district and drainage. Other projects that are ongoing were also included, such as the roofing projects for the Speer Memorial Library and Mission Historical Museum and the renovation of the Birdwell Tennis Center and Bannworth Park.
Perez presented potential bond election projects for 2021, including a Boys and Girls Club facility on the West side of the city ($5 million), a West side swimming pool ($3 million), the relocation of Fire Department Station 2 ($3.5 million) and an animal shelter to be either relocated or built new ($1.5 million).
