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Waco honors longtime Councilwoman Alice Martinez Rodriguez; city unveils park sign and plans all-inclusive park in District 2
Summary
Council and community leaders paid tribute to outgoing Councilwoman Alice Martinez Rodriguez, unveiled a sign and announced the future 'Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park,' described by city staff as the largest single-park investment in Waco history and the city's first all-inclusive park.
The Waco City Council and community leaders on May 20, 2025, honored outgoing Councilwoman Alice Martinez Rodriguez with a slideshow, remarks from colleagues and advocates, and the unveiling of a sign for a park that will bear her name.
Elaine Mateo, president of the Hispanic Leaders Network, opened public remarks by congratulating Isabelle Lozano and praising Rodriguez’s community leadership. Mateo said Rodriguez’s work on language-access programs and leadership-development initiatives helped “ensure Spanish speaking neighbors are not just seen but heard.” Maria Macias, speaking for the Hispanic Leaders Network and Syntex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also recognized Rodriguez’s decades of service to District 2.
City Manager Bradley Ford introduced an unveiling for the park sign and described the future facility to the council: the sign “will actually go out on-site in the next couple of days, in District 2,” and he characterized the project as “the largest investment that Waco has ever made in a single park in our history.” Ford also described the park as the city’s “first all inclusive park.” City Attorney Hamilton, City Secretary Michelle Hicks and other staff and council members offered remarks thanking Rodriguez for her service.
Rodriguez, who served nearly three decades on the council, spoke briefly and repeatedly thanked her family, staff and constituents, and noted that the work of the council depends on teamwork between officials and staff. She said she has represented District 2 with a focus on parks, children and community projects and expressed pride in the city’s willingness to open spaces and opportunities for Hispanic leaders.
The meeting included presentations from city staff, recognition from civic groups and a reception following the business meeting. Councilmembers and community leaders emphasized Rodriguez’s role in advancing projects in District 2, citing improvements and projects such as the South Waco Community Center and other neighborhood investments that speakers said were part of her legacy.
