City targets mid‑May openings for splash pad and Mayfest park phase 1; Veterans Memorial moves to design selection

City Manager Sylvia reviewed parks work for 2026 and said phase 1—Fireman's (Elgato), Fisherman's splash pad and Mayfest Park—aims to be online by mid‑May, though some parking and finishing work may extend into later phases. She said Delgado Park will be used as a laydown area for equipment to save costs and that crews expect pieces of equipment to begin arriving at the end of the month.

On the Fisherman's splash pad, Sylvia described design choices intended to make the play features toddler‑friendly and accessible, including an expanded ADA restroom and additional shade and seating. "As of yesterday, we were still deciding if it was a clownfish or a bass fish," Sylvia said, describing selection of kid‑friendly art and color swatches. She added Veterans Memorial Park design is complete enough to proceed to a call for artists, with the parks board to select finalists in February and coordinate placement near the American Legion.

Staff also flagged a feasibility study for a par‑3 golf course, hotel and convention center due in early February and said Texas Parks and Wildlife had recommended denial of the par‑3 grant in this cycle; staff will resubmit with the completed feasibility documents.