Parks director outlines upgrades: Huntington Fields conversion to soccer, pond improvements, pools and pickleball nearing completion

Parks and Recreation Director Danny Diaz reported a series of maintenance and improvement projects the department has completed or is advancing, including converting Huntington Field from a baseball diamond to a soccer field currently being used by the Red Crown soccer team.

Diaz said the parks maintenance crew includes 29 employees (1 park superintendent, 1 parks ground supervisor, 2 maintenance technicians, 21 groundskeepers and 4 part‑time maintenance workers). He listed the department’s responsibilities: 28 parks, 40 canal banks, 15 right‑of‑way islands, 39 sports fields, 26 miles of multi‑use trails and 20 city buildings.

On Huntington Field staff repaired locker rooms, the press box, merchandise room, VIP area and restrooms; they pressure‑washed the facility and cleared overgrown trees and addressed erosion around the pond. Diaz said staff will install a pond fountain, renovate a pier (currently out of service for ADA reasons) and add shaded structures, benches and duck feeders near the pond. He said the baseball‑to‑soccer conversion began about a month and a half ago and that two soccer games have already been played at the converted field.

Other projects reported to the commission included: - McKelvey Park: clearing brush at the Business 77 drainage outfall and plans to install a waterfall pump, landscape and shaded seating. - Punito Pocket Park / Stewart Place Pocket Park: construction and preliminary layout work, including bioswales, native plants, a walking trail and exercise equipment. - Dixieland Park: new basketball court construction expected to begin next month. - Pickleball courts: 90% complete at the community center; staff estimated play could begin in about two weeks, weather permitting. - Pools: pressure‑washing and painting of Victor Pool and Longsy Hill Pool; staff working with aquatic supervisors to promote year‑round use where feasible. Diaz said the splash pad (at the Loxiupa Pool area) and pool were expected to be operational by the following Friday (staff estimate).

Commissioners and other speakers praised the work but raised operational issues. One commissioner commended the Huntington Field conversion and urged a post‑season review to identify improvements needed for continued use by the Red Crowns. Another commissioner and a member of the public noted long concession lines and limited concession supplies at recent games; staff acknowledged the need for better concession support and monitoring. Commissioners also asked about staffing levels; Diaz acknowledged the department is behind on some work and that budget season presents an opportunity to address staffing needs.

Why this matters The projects affect recreation, youth sports, stormwater and neighborhood amenities across Harlingen. Improvements at Huntington Field create a new venue for soccer and family entertainment; pool and splash-pad openings impact summertime access for residents. Staffing and vendor support (concessions) were raised as near‑term operational concerns.

Clarifying details and timelines - Parks maintenance staff total: 29 employees (1 superintendent, 1 supervisor, 2 technicians, 21 groundskeepers, 4 part‑time workers). - Huntington Field conversion: commenced ~1.5 months ago; two soccer matches already played. - Pickleball courts: reported 90% complete; staff estimated about two weeks to open, weather permitting. - Pools and splash pad: staff estimated both could be operational by next Friday (staff estimate reported in the meeting).

Speakers and roles - Danny Diaz — Director, Parks and Recreation (staff report). - Multiple commissioners and a member of the public offered praise and operational concerns; transcript did not identify every commissioner by name when they spoke during the parks report, so some comments are attributed to "a commissioner" or "a member of the public" when the speaker was not named on the record.

Next steps Staff will continue construction and maintenance work; budget‑season discussions were flagged as the moment to consider additional staffing. The commission requested follow‑up on post‑season needs at Huntington Field and on concession support at events.