CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Hillcrest Area Park Improvements project was put on hold for several years due to the Harbor Bridge Buyout Program but the city is ready to finally move
The council will re-present the project at the city council meeting Tuesday.
Back in December of 2015, the city entered a four-party agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi, TxDOT, and the city housing authority to implement the mitigation requirements of TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration in the Hillcrest area.
Assistant City Manager for the city of Corpus Christi Neiman Young said this renovation project is a big deal for the community.
"You know this is not just about quality of life, it's about revitalization, and it is about economic development.," Young said. "And it's going to create those type of opportunities in that area."
The four Northside parks included in the project are Washington Coles Park, T.C. Ayers Park, Ben Garza Park, and Dr. H.J. Williams Park.
Resident Henry Williams has a special connection to this project. Dr. H.J. Williams Park was named after his father, who was the first black physician at a Corpus Christi hospital and also played an important role in the early Civil Rights Movement in the city.
"It makes me feel really good, we need that. We need the identification of those that have been historically important in the building of the neighborhood," Williams said.
Arthur Lane has served as the senior pastor at St. Mathew Baptist Church for 21 years. He said this project is important to continue the legacy of former community members.
"So I think it's a wonderful honor of recognition for them and then it will be a blessing, a memory for generations coming up after them," Lane said.
This project is estimated to cost 21 million dollars. This is the biggest investment the Hillcrest area has ever seen but Young said it's worth it to bring the community closer to the city.
"In addition it allows for the community to no longer be cut off from the city," Young said
For Williams the history of his community is important and he believes this project is a step closer to preserving the legacy his father and other leaders have left behind.
"It's important to preserve our history for the present generation, remembering the past and focusing on the future. Very important," Williams said.
Young said the project design is 90% completed and the city expects the plans to be delivered to them next month. After a bidding process, the project is expected to start construction in September or October.