Commissioners hear update on Ascarate Park renovations and Paso del Norte trail progress
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Summary
County officials and parks staff outlined Ascarate Park improvements, possible lake dredging and progress on a countywide 75-mile Paso del Norte trail. The court received the presentation and commissioners praised ongoing work and community programming.
El Paso County officials provided a presentation on Ascarate Park improvements, maintenance and the broader Paso del Norte linear-trail initiative during the Commissioners Court meeting on June 16.
Parks director Tim Fulton and other staff described planned renovations funded through previously approved bonds, including a festival area on the former Western Playland footprint, new picnic and walking areas, additional tree plantings and improvements to park infrastructure. Officials said engineering analysis showed the lake’s clay liner remains intact and that dredging and targeted sediment removal — rather than a full drain — may be adequate to restore water quality and depth.
County staff also discussed athletic-field maintenance and a sharp increase in youth sports participation at the county’s sports park. Parks leaders said recent hiring — including a new golf-course superintendent — and targeted maintenance practices aim to reduce water use on turf and improve playing surfaces.
The presentation included an update on the Paso del Norte trail program, which seeks to stitch existing paths into a countywide network of roughly 75 miles connecting Dona Ana County, New Mexico, to Hudspeth County on El Paso’s eastern border. Staff noted incremental connections already completed, and that the Playa Drain Trail segment runs nearly seven miles from Ascarate Park to the Lower Valley.
Commissioners praised staff work on tree plantings and park programming, and asked staff to continue outreach to adjacent neighborhoods and partners as construction and maintenance projects proceed. No formal vote or appropriation was required for the briefing.
Speakers: Tim Fulton (Director, Parks & Recreation); Commissioner David Stout; Ben Vaezz (maintenance manager referenced)
Authorities: none cited.
Discussion vs. decision: The item was a briefing; commissioners did not take new budget action. Staff will continue planned work and report back on project milestones.
Ending: County staff said work will continue through phased implementation and urged community members to use the parks and trails as improvements roll out.
