City’s Unger Neighborhood Park Now Open to the Public

“Something for Everybody”

The Grand Opening of the recently completed Unger Neighborhood Park adds to the reasons that make life so livable and enjoyable for La Feria families. The new theme park increases the number of beautiful parks available to the public year-round. At present, the count is seven with the new Unger Park now a reality. City Manager Sunny Philip assured the gathered crowd at the event that the City Parks Program is “alive and well, and will have something for everybody.”

The City Manager was the principal speaker at the Grand Opening 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, March 22, 2016 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—the City Manager, Sunny Philip.

 

In his Project Presentation, the City Manager 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 and for the redevelopment of this historic neighborhood.”

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.

 

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 new Unger

Park 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. “We’re working on that now,” he hinted.

Mayor Victor Gonzalez said, “Kids and children are the future of our community. We need to insure the will of the far-sighted city commission that made this comprehensive plan decades ago for the benefit of all our citizens is carried out, and we have done it.”

Oh, yes–about the name of our new Westside 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.

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.”