CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Although, the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department has completed 12 major projects so far this year, there is one project which has caused a lot of excitement in the community that has been delayed until the end of this year.
The Watergarden, the Packery Channel, the Cole Park Playground and the splash pad are a few of many projects the city has completed so far this year.
Robert Dodd is the Director of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department and said his team is working hard to make sure the remaining projects are finished by the end of this year.
"We're trying to make this city very vibrant and inviting and enjoyable to our citizens as well as our visitors," Dodd said. "And we're continuing to work. I'm excited we were able to finish a lot this year."
The anticipated opening of Bill Witt Aquatic Center was scheduled for August 2024 but weather has delayed this project from being completed. Dodd said the ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for late 2024.
"We can work from the inside but, you know, not a lot of the outside stuff gets going. A 20 minute downpour in the southside can lead to a 2 or 3 day delay," Dodd said.
Other projects estimated to be completed by December 2024 include Hans & Pat Wildlife Refuge Playground, Wooldridge Park Playground, Airline Park Playground, and Salinas Park Playground.
"We got stuff going on at Wooldridge Park, Arline Park, you know by the end of the month the Salinas Park will have a new fall zone area in their playground," Dodd said. "It's just something we spread this out through the city, we see a need that we need to continue to do this."
Dodd said that the new bond that will be voted on in November, includes nearly $38 million dollars to fund new Parks & Rec projects planned for the following year.
"We have some boat ramps for design, we have some trail systems in Saint Andrews Park that are on there, we have $5 million dollars going to Commodore Park out on the Island. That's going to be a big asset for us when we get that," Dodd said.
To stay up to date with Corpus Christi Parks & Rec projects, visit their website here.