City Parks Program a Winner for La Feria

“Something for Everybody”

One of the things making life so livable and enjoyable in La Feria is the increasing number of beautiful parks available to the public year-round. At present, the count is six with the new Unger Park under construction as we speak. However, that is soon to change as you will see from remarks by La Feria’s City Manager, Sunny K. Philip.

He assures that the City Parks Program is “alive and well, and will have something for everybody.”

The City Manager was the principal speaker at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new UNGER PARK located at 330 South West Street. The well-attended event took place on the grounds of the park on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. It was attended by city elected officials and administrators, other dignitaries, contractors and interested citizens.

The program got underway with the exciting, soaring sounds of Mariachi music provided by the El Mariachi Mundial. The music set the upbeat tone of the whole event. After their spirited concert of favorite Mariachi melodies, Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr. welcomed the crowd, recognized the dignitaries present, and then presented the key speaker.

In his Project Presentation, City Manager Sunny K. Philip explained that the new public park was a Project funded through grants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and local matching funds from the City of La Feria. He commented interestingly that the funds received from Austin come from a tax on sporting goods bought in the state.

He explained to the crowd that the park plan was developed for the enjoyment of our children and adults, and was based on an “Orange” theme to celebrate the history of the Citrus industry in La Feria and the Rio Grande Valley.

The total cost of the new park is to be $243,000.00. Of that, he explained: $100,000.00 is from grant funds. $143,000.00 is city money. It will contain playground equipment, swings, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and horseshoe courts. “There will be something for visitors of all ages.” he said.

Later, Mr. Philip answered a couple of questions about the history of this particular property designated as a park. He said that the l.1 acres oval-shaped piece of land was designed in 1909 to be part of a master city plan including the now being developed Unger property. In the 1909 master plan, another 1:1 acres oval property, just like it, is set aside on the east side of town for a park.

And about the name of our new west side park? The name of the park was taken to honor a former city administrator of some 50 years ago by the name of Tony Unger—thus, UNGER PARK. So, now you know.

The City Manager later announced to LA FERIA NEWS that property has been acquired to develop a new triangular public, recreational park on West Street to be known as NORTH WEST PARK. The funds for this new project are coming from the bond issue approved by the City Commissioners January 2015. “After that,” he said, “we’ll be looking to develop the oval-shaped property on the east side. However, NORTHWEST PARK will probably come first.”

La Feria elected officials supporting the new UNGER PARK, included: Victor Gonzalez, Jr., Mayor, Esmeralda Lozano, Mayor Pro-Tem; John Eduard Betancourt; John Hernandez, Commissioner; Julian Guevara,Jr., Commissioner; and Olga H. Maldonado, Commissioner.

Coming in for special recognition by Mayor Gonzalez was former mayor, Steve Brewer. Mr. Brewer took part in the planning and requests for funds by the state during his tenure.

The former mayor was present for the Ground-Breaking ceremony.

Commenting on the benefit for the city, City Manager Philip, said, “These areas will attract visitors and whole families to visit La Feria and enjoy the facilities. Young and old will be able to walk to this new UNGER PARK,” he said. “Not only will it make life enjoyable, it will also promote health and wellness.”

Philip added one final thought about security: “La Feria has always been known as a compassionate city trying to improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors–and their safety. That is why we are providing ample lighting, a curfew, and regular patrols by city police units.”