Santa Maria to Receive New Community Park

Updated: February 10, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

Cameron County recently celebrated an exciting milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, February 3, 2025, for the development of the highly anticipated Santa Maria Community Park! Nestled in the small community of Santa Maria, this park is conveniently located near the southwest corner of Cameron County along U.S. Route 281 (Military Highway) and aims to provide essential recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.

For nearly 39 years, the people of Santa Maria enjoyed the benefits of a small community park located on property owned by the Diocese of Brownsville. However, the land reverted to the Diocese in 2021, leaving the community without a space dedicated to health, educational, and recreational activities. Recognizing this gap, Cameron County took decisive action in 2023 by acquiring a new, 10.83-acre tract of land that will be transformed into a flourishing community park filled with unique amenities tailored to the needs of the local population.

The Santa Maria Community Park will boast a remarkable range of features. Families can cool off at a vibrant splash pad, while sports enthusiasts will appreciate the modern, covered basketball court, as well as lighted soccer and baseball fields, perfect for evening games and local tournaments. Children will revel in state-of-the-art playground equipment designed for various age groups, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

In addition to these thrilling recreational opportunities, the park will offer picturesque walking trails surrounded by lush landscaping, providing residents with a refreshing space to engage in outdoor activities like jogging, walking, and biking. Picnic shelters will create inviting spots for gatherings and family outings, while thoughtful amenities such as solar lights, bike racks with a convenient repair station, ample parking facilities, and accessible restrooms will cater to visitors’ needs. A concession building will provide refreshments and snacks, enhancing the overall park experience.

Weather permitting, construction is anticipated to be completed within 10 to 12 months, paving the way for the grand opening of this essential community hub.

Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm during the ceremony, stating, “We are dedicated to providing safe and accessible outdoor spaces for children, families, and community members in Cameron County. We are proud and excited to deliver this much-needed park to the Santa Maria community, a place where everyone can gather, play, and enjoy nature.”

Commissioner Gus Ruiz also shared his excitement, proclaiming, “We are thrilled to finally break ground on this project! The residents of Santa Maria and Bluetown have eagerly anticipated this park and can’t wait to explore all the wonderful features it will offer.”

Parks Director Joe E. Vega took a moment to express gratitude for the project’s supporters, saying, “I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., the Commissioners Court, and Texas Parks and Wildlife for their unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our county residents and visitors by creating vibrant parks and recreational spaces in our communities.”

The ceremony featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, State Representative Oscar Longoria, Dan Reece, Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Parks Manager, and Dr. Joseph Villarreal, Superintendent of Santa Maria ISD. The event also spotlighted talented students from the Santa Maria Independent School District, who provided inspiring performances and shared heartfelt remarks.

The total construction cost for the park’s development is approximately $6,121,297, funded through a combination of grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Cameron County Certificates of Obligation.

This exciting project involves a collaboration of expert firms: Gomez, Mendez, Saenz, Inc. is responsible for the architectural design, while Green, Rubiano, & Associates Inc. handles structural engineering.

Ambiotect Engineering takes care of civil engineering, and Ethos Engineering manages MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineering. The construction will be carried out by Peacock General Contractors, Inc., and for specialized elements, Archer Construction will oversee the building of pavilions and shade structures, ExcerPlay Inc. will create the splash pad, and Park Place Recreation will provide top-notch playground equipment.

The Santa Maria Community Park promises to be a nurturing environment where families can create cherished memories, engage in healthy activities, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Photos by Commissioner Gus Ruiz, Pct. 4 Facebook page