Board approves interlocal lease with City of Edcouch to develop recreational fields on district land

The Edcouch-Elsa ISD Board on April 13 approved an interlocal agreement that allows the City of Edcouch to develop roughly 7.5 acres adjacent to David Ybarra Middle School for recreational use, including soccer and baseball fields, a pavilion, lighting and a restroom, while preserving the detention-pond portion of the original 15-acre layout.

Eddie Saenz, representing the city, and Mayor Vergilio Gonzales told trustees that HUD funding is secured for engineering and phased construction; the city plans to pay rent and fund necessary renovations. "We have earmarked significant amount of money that that we want to use to improve it and use it immediately," the mayor said.

Board members discussed access, irrigation, parking, and protections to ensure the district can reclaim land if needed. Trustees asked that landscaping and trees be included; the mayor agreed. The city said fields will be available for district use and that the parks-and-rec department will prioritize youth scheduling. Board member Mr. Torres moved to accept the interlocal agreement; Ms. Tanguma seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

The board also approved a related housekeeping item to expand the city's improvement boundary to incorporate youth soccer fields, a pickleball court, additional parking and walking-trail widening.

Next steps: the administration will finalize agreement language with city attorneys and return details of the phased construction schedule and maintenance responsibilities to the board for final approval.