Texas Border Business
OLMITO, Texas – Cameron County is pleased to announce the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Olmito Nature Park Phase II Kayak Launch on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at 9538 Hayes Road, Olmito, Texas 78575.
Following the successful grand opening of Phase I in February 2026, the 39-acre resaca-front nature park has quickly become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Building upon the momentum from the successful grand opening of Phase I in February 2026, Cameron County Parks and Recreation is proud to unveil Phase II.
The centerpiece of Phase II is a new kayak launch facility that provides public access to the resaca for paddling and water recreation. Additional improvements include two new fishing piers, a concession area, additional restroom facilities, a Cameron County Parks and Recreation office, expanded permeable parking, wildlife-friendly solar lighting, nativelandscaping, and interpretive signage designed to educate visitors about the area’s unique natural environment.
Phase II complements the extensive amenities introduced during the Phase I opening, including nature trails, park benches, fishing piers, birdwatching overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, educational pavilions, a nature-themed playground, picnicshelters, interpretive signage, wildlife-friendly lighting, expansive green space, comfort stations, and a Cameron County Constable substation. The park has also continued to grow as a recreational fishing destination. In April 2026, the Texas Parksand Wildlife Department stocked the resaca with more than 5,000 largemouth bass fingerlings. As these fish mature, anglers can look forward to catching trophy-quality “Lone Star Bass” in the years ahead.
Made possible through the generous land donation of Mr. Frank Michael McKinney and Mrs. Jane
E. McKinney, Cameron County continues to transform the property into a premier outdoor recreation destinationfor residents and visitors. Phase II represents an investment of approximately
$4.3 million, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Cameron County Certificates of Obligation.
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“I’m thrilled to see this addition to the already much-loved Olmito Nature Park,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. “These new amenities build upon the park’s early success and provide even more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. This investment ensures Olmito Nature Park will remain a vibrant destination for recreation, education, and conservation for years to come.”
“As we enter the hottest part of the summer, I’m excited to introduce a new water recreation opportunity at Olmito Nature Park,” said Commissioner Joey Lopez. “The kayak launch gives families another way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and experience the beauty of the resaca while complementing the many amenities already available throughout the park.”
The architectural and engineering firm for Phase II is Gomez Mendez Saenz Architects, with Holchemont, LTD serving as the general contractor.
Members of the public are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrate the continued expansion of one of Cameron County’s premier nature destinations.
Information source: Cameron County
