Harlingen selects Harrison/Arlington soccer complex for Texas Parks & Wildlife trails grant filing; MPO planning and construction applications also authorized
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Summary
The commission chose a park trail project (referred to as Harrison/Arlington Soccer Complex) for a Texas Parks & Wildlife Recreational Trails grant application and authorized two Rio Grande Valley MPO grant applications — a planning grant to connect multiple trails and a construction grant for a multi‑mile Arroyo trail segment.
The Harlingen City Commission voted Jan. 15 to submit a Texas Parks & Wildlife Recreational Trails grant application for a trail project at what staff described as the Harrison Park / Arlington Soccer Complex (also referenced as a soccer park option). Parks and special projects staff had presented two candidate projects: a loop trail at Victor Park that would link to the Arroyo Colorado Hike & Bike Trail, and an existing/expanded trail at the soccer complex. After discussion, commissioners directed staff to proceed with the soccer complex project for the February 1 grant deadline; staff said construction cost estimate for the Texas Parks & Wildlife application would be approximately $300,000.
Separately, the commission approved a resolution to submit a planning grant application to the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for a planning study to connect multiple high‑priority trails (Dixieland Reservoir, Lincoln, Valle Vista and links to Lonscee/Loncee Hill Park and Victor Park). Assistant City Engineer Roberto Hernandez explained planning would cover trail width, lighting (including solar lights), and consultant studies; the planning application would examine a consistent 8–10 foot trail where feasible.
The commission also authorized submitting a Rio Grande Valley MPO construction grant application for a larger phase of trail construction (phase 4) along the Arroyo Colorado corridor, with a preliminary budget estimate of about $3.28 million and features that include solar lighting, amenities, four pedestrian bridges and approximately 4 miles of 10‑foot trail. Commissioners asked staff to ensure trail segment lengths are presented in clear round numbers for users and to avoid design that would require takings; one commissioner raised concerns about potential impacts on adjacent private property and eminent domain for phases not in the current MPO application (staff said the current application covers phase 4 only and should not require taking private yards). The motions to submit the TX Parks & Wildlife application and the MPO planning and construction applications passed by voice vote.
