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Cameron County approves conceptual plan for E.K. Atwood Park Phase 2 using RESTORE Act funds
Summary
County approved a conceptual layout and budget estimate for E.K. Atwood Park Phase 2, federally funded by the RESTORE Act, covering parking improvements, restrooms, shade structures, utilities and signage; design team estimates construction under $3 million and completion by January 2027.
The Commissioners Court approved a conceptual layout and preliminary budget for Phase 2 improvements at E.K. Atwood Park on South Padre Island, a project funded through the RESTORE Act.
Sam Garcia of Sam Garcia Architects presented the schematic plan, which concentrates most of the budget on parking rehabilitation using an environmentally friendly permeable-paver system. Garcia said the design includes raising toll-booth clearance to about 16 feet, improving shade and picnic structures, adding eight individual restroom pods and changing stations, upgrading potable water and sewer utilities, extending lighting with energy-efficient fixtures, and improving signage and picnic areas.
Garcia said construction cost is currently estimated at about $2,985,000 including a 4% contingency, which is under the $3 million available RESTORE Act allocation. County staff and architects said approximately 50% of the budget will be used for parking improvements. The design team estimated construction would take about eight to 12 months and target completion by January 2027 to meet grant deadlines.
Commissioners pressed whether the project footprint could be increased to add parking; staff noted that expanding the footprint could trigger dune permits and additional approvals from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the Army Corps of Engineers. Joe (county staff) said the team plans to present the schematic to the Army Corps' joint evaluation meeting on Oct. 7. Commissioners and staff discussed the tight RESTORE Act schedule and cautioned against scope changes that might jeopardize deliverables.
The court moved to approve the conceptual layout. Commissioner Benavides made the motion; Commissioner Lopez seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote. The project team will continue coordination with GLO, the Restore Act administrators and the Army Corps, and staff said they will investigate whether additional parking expansion is feasible within permitting constraints.
