By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Something fun has been added to Del Rio’s G.I. Forum Park: a new splash pad was opened to the public on Tuesday, May 14, at 201 E. Garza St.
Families, city council members and representatives of Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the company that designed the splash pad, were present at the grand opening Tuesday ceremony.
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez said construction on the splash pad began in March, and the project was completed the week prior to the grand opening.
The idea for this new splash pad began when former District III
International attended the grand opening of the G.I. Forum Splash Pad located at 201 E. Garza
St. on Tuesday, May 14.
Councilwoman Alexandra Falcon Calderon said she wanted to see another splash pad in her south Del Rio council district, and she brought up the idea to the previous city manager, Matt Wojnowski, in November 2020.
“It’s not only for this area of District III, but it is also for the entire community; it is for the entire city to partake in. I am really grateful to see this come about and now see the end results,” Calderon said.
City Operations and Compliance Auditor Scot Carcasi said what makes this splash pad different from the one at Del Rio Rotary Park is that it uses recycled water and works on a recirculating system.
City Communications and Marketing Director Peter Ojeda said this splash pad is one of several upgrades the city has made at G.I. Forum Park. He noted new sidewalks have been added, and a new canopy for the volleyball court is being worked on. He said these upgrades are much needed for the park and the neighborhood.
