Council accepts $553,000 donation for Riverside Park splash pad; foundation to receive naming recognition

The Victoria City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a $553,000 donation from the Marcia Shanklin Foundation to fund a splash pad and related improvements at Riverside Children's Park.

City staff said the donation reflects cumulative gifts dating to 2018; city officials told the council the foundation had been patient while staff worked through leadership transitions and competing priorities. City Manager Jesus Garza said design drawings for the splash pad and park improvements will be presented to the council in the coming month and that foundation representatives would participate in the design process.

Foundation remarks: Myra Starkey, speaking for the Marcia Shanklin Foundation, recalled Marcia Shanklin and the group's focus on projects benefiting children. "Marcia would be so proud," Starkey said, noting the foundation began donating toward a splash pad in 2018. Another representative thanked the council and community for the partnership.

Council action: A council member moved to accept the donation; a second followed. After brief remarks the mayor called the vote: "All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item E1 passes." The motion carried and the resolution was adopted.

Context and next steps: Garza said city staff will return with design documents and that the city plans to involve the foundation in design review. The council did not discuss construction schedule or maintenance funding at the meeting; staff said they would present the design for council consideration next month.

Ending: The council accepted the donation and directed staff to bring design information to a future meeting so the project can move to formal design and construction planning.