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County approves $2.19M park‑shelter contract, accepts shade‑grant and recognizes Plaza Theatre and boxing legacy
Summary
The commissioners approved a $2,186,397.87 contract with Exerplay to install shelters across multiple parks, accepted a $20,000 Texas A&M shade‑coverage grant (with matching requirements), and adopted resolutions recognizing the Plaza Theatre’s restoration and El Paso’s boxing legacy.
El Paso County commissioners on July 13 approved a series of park and cultural items including a park shelters contract, a small state grant to plant shade trees, and two ceremonial resolutions.
Public Works presented a supplemental contract with Exerplay Incorporated to install shelters, benches, grills and trash receptacles across multiple county parks (proposal tabulation No. 78125). Staff said funding of $2,186,397.87 is available in the Prop A park improvement budget; if additional funds for park bathrooms are not secured, a portion of this contract allocation could be used for restroom construction at specified parks. The court voted to approve the contract.
The Budget and Finance division asked the court to accept a Texas A&M Community Trees/Forestry FY26 grant of $20,000 for a parks shade‑coverage project; the award requires a $20,013.51 accounting match, partly in volunteer hours. Tim Fulton, director of parks and recreation, described a planting plan spanning Horizon Hills, Estrella Park and several other sites and said final planting dates will be scheduled in cooler months. The court approved accepting the grant and match plan.
In ceremonial business the court adopted a resolution recognizing El Paso’s historic boxing legacy and another recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Plaza Theatre’s restoration and inviting the public to the Plaza Classic Film Festival (July 16–26). Local organizers, fighters and Destination El Paso representatives spoke about community benefits, youth programs and upcoming events including Ring Wars 23 on July 18.
Votes on the contract, grant acceptance and resolutions were recorded as carried with two commissioners absent on several items.
What’s next: Parks staff will schedule plantings and coordinate volunteer efforts; Public Works will proceed with contract execution and return with any required adjustments related to bathroom funding if additional funds are identified.
