Local nonprofit asks Eagle Pass ISD to lower gym rental fees to increase youth participation

Luis Padilla, who said he runs a nonprofit called Play for God Organization, addressed the Eagle Pass ISD board during citizens communication on Feb. 11 seeking reduced rental rates for school gyms to expand youth participation.

Padilla told trustees that his organization brings teams from outside Eagle Pass and from local communities and Mexico, and that higher rental costs have reduced the number of teams and youth able to participate. "We run a nonprofit organization. It's called Play for God organization, and we rent out the gyms. Cece Wynn High School," Padilla said. He described that the program once attracted more than 100 teams—"That's over a thousand youth involved"—but attendance has since fallen to about 35 teams and he attributed the decline to rental price increases.

Padilla asked the board to consider further fee reductions and broader access to district gyms: "I would love to come to that same agreement that we could use more gyms," he said, noting that past events used multiple campus gyms and that expanded access would allow more children to play.

Board president Jorge Herrera responded, "Thank you, sir," and the board moved on to recognitions. The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting.

Why it matters: Rental costs for school facilities can affect access to organized youth activities in the community. Padilla described both reduced participation and a desire to expand the program but did not specify a requested fee or a formal proposal for a fee waiver or subsidy.

Clarifying note: Padilla described past participation numbers and current team counts; he did not provide a specific dollar amount he was requesting be reduced and the board took no formal vote on the request at this meeting.