Two new projects are in the works for the City of Alamo in 2016. Both the Veterans Memorial Park and the Alamo Nature Park are slated for construction later this year, the Alamo Economic Development Corporation announced this week.
“I think they are going to be a great asset to the communities,” said Melisa Gonzalez, Special Projects Director.
Veterans Memorial Park
The City of Alamo and the Alamo EDC will jointly fund the Veterans Memorial Park project, with each contributing $55,000 toward construction. The park will honor Alamo war veterans in all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
Alamo Nature Park
The Alamo Nature Park will also receive funding from the Alamo EDC and the city, with each contributing $145,900 for a total of $291,800. Additional funding for the park will come from a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant of $400,000.
The Alamo Nature Park will include a splash pad, which is a recreational area for water play with no standing water. A T-ball field, nature trail, community garden and picnic area with sheltered benches will also be part of the park’s amenities. The park will also include necessary park infrastructure, like sidewalks, lighting and a sprinkler system. The EDC said construction should begin in the Summer of 2016, while construction for the military memorial will begin in the fall.
“The City of Alamo and Alamo EDC have focused on projects that improve the quality of life for the community,” said Rafael Tapia, Alamo EDC Interim Director.
What Does This Mean for Alamo?
Dubbed “the Refuge of the Valley,” Alamo has been on the rise with a fast-growing ecotourism sector. The city has worked to preserve natural regions and protect the Valley’s lush and tropical environment, boosting the area’s economy with sites like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
Parks like the soon-to-be-built Alamo Nature Park will provide environmental, aesthetic and recreational opportunities for Alamo neighborhoods. Parks are not only known to attract homebuyers, Winter Texans and out-of-town retirees looking for a place to settle down. They are also instrumental in boosting a city’s economy.
According to research from Texas A&M University, neighborhood parks increase property values by 20%, making them an important part of Alamo’s economic growth. There has been a connection between parks and obesity numbers in the area as well. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, parks in a neighborhood encourage residents to exercise and be active in sports and extra-curricular activities.
Parks also yield environmental benefits as well by decreasing air pollution in urban areas. In an Urban Ecosystem Analysis of Atlanta, Georgia conducted by American Forests, research found that trees eliminated 119 million pounds of pollutants annually, providing a service valued at $47 million.
Join Us in Making Alamo the Best
The Alamo EDC strives to bring economic growth to the city with new businesses and environmental initiatives like the Alamo Nature Park and the Veterans Memorial Park. If you are interested in bringing your business to South Texas, come be a part of what makes Alamo a great place to live.