Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County Precinct 4, led by Commissioner Ellie Torres, in partnership with Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD), officially broke ground Wednesday morning on the new South East Park, a major investment in recreation, health, and community connectivity in southeast Edinburg.
The park will be located on S. Chavez Road between Betts Elementary and Esparza Elementary on land made available through the district’s partnership with the County. The collaboration allows the space to serve both students and the broader community.
| The South East Park represents a total investment of approximately $4.5 million and will feature: |
| • Splash pad |
| • Walking trails |
| • Inclusive playground |
| • Basketball courts |
| • Soccer fields |
| • Baseball fields |
| • Covered picnic tables |
The park is designed to enhance quality of life and expand recreational opportunities for families in one of the fastest-growing areas of the city.
“This park represents what strong partnerships can accomplish,” said Commissioner Ellie Torres. “By working alongside Edinburg CISD and building this park on district property, we are maximizing public resources and creating a shared space that will serve students during the school day and families after hours. We are investing in health, safety, and the future of our community.”
In addition to serving as a community gathering space, the park will provide valuable opportunities for schools to host family engagement events, field days, wellness initiatives, and outdoor academic activities. The inclusive playground will support adaptive and special education activities, ensuring students of all abilities can play and learn together.
ECISD leadership emphasized the long-term impact of the partnership.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to student success and community well-being,” said Dr. Mario E. Salinas, Superintendent of Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. “By allowing this park to be developed on district land, we are expanding opportunities for our students while strengthening the connection between our schools and the families we serve. This park will truly become an extension of the classroom.”
Several additional infrastructure projects are also underway in the surrounding area to enhance safety and accessibility. With approval from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Precinct 4 secured two construction funding awards totaling $530,000 for intersection improvements at Canton Road and Cesar Chavez. The projects are currently in the design phase, with engineering services provided by GDJ Engineering and CobbFendley. Planned upgrades include safety lighting, four-way LED flashing stop signs, lane widening, and the addition of dedicated right and left-turn lanes to improve traffic flow and community safety.
Additionally, Precinct 4 announced plans for a future hike and bike trail beginning at Doolittle Road near UTRGV Vaquero Stadium. The trail will follow the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 system, pass under the Cesar Chavez roadway, and extend east to Canton Road, running along the east side of the park. The trail will provide convenient access from the park’s parking lot, allowing walkers and cyclists to easily connect to the regional pathway.
Together, the South East Park and surrounding infrastructure projects represent a comprehensive investment in recreation, mobility, and safety for Precinct 4 residents.
You can watch the recorded groundbreaking ceremony on Precinct 4’s Facebook Page.
