By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
City council members approved accepting a $750,000 state grant toward the construction of an
all-inclusive playground for a north Del Rio sports park.
The city council during its June 24 meeting approved an ordinance authorizing and directing the
city manager to accept the grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The grant
funding will go towards an all-inclusive park for kids with disabilities at the William S. Nixon
Sports Complex located off Kings Way.
Councilman J.P. Sanchez made the motion to approve the ordinance, and Councilwoman
Carmen Gutierrez gave the second.
A presentation about the playground project was given at the June 24 meeting by Janice
Pokrant, the city’s planning and zoning director; Scot Carcasi, the city’s operations and
compliance manager; and Michael Garcia, assistant to the city manager.
The park will be named Nicky’s Dreamland, and Pokrant talked about the history of the project
and said the park is in memory of Nicholas Pena. Pokrant told the council that Sabrina Pena,
Nicolas’ mother, initially launched the project with the vision of an all-inclusive playground that
would be accessible to any child, regardless of physical capabilities.
“The mission of (Nicky’s Dreamland) is to create a space that removes barriers, fosters
understanding and brings children of all abilities together through shared play and educational
experiences,” Pokrant said.
Garcia spoke next and talked about the grant process. He said the local grant application for the
$750,000 was submitted in August 2023.
Garcia also said he attended a Texas Parks and Wildlife event early in 2024 and spoke for the
city of Del Rio in favor of the project. He then said the Texas Parks and Wildlife staff agreed to
offer a two-year extension of the grant if the city accepts the grant funding.
Garcia then said city staff has been seeking outside funding for the project from other members
of the community and different agencies. He said they are also looking for sponsors and waiting
for answers from the local maquiladora association as well as H-E-B and Walmart.
“Not only will this be a park for this community, but there (will not be a park like this) in this
region. (The park) will not only be serving the city of Del Rio but . . . the surrounding areas,”
Garcia said.
Carcasi spoke next and showed the council the map of where the park will be built and what it
will look like. He said he is excited about the park and mentioned how it will be “huge for the
community,” allowing all kids to play together.
Carcasi said the city can collaborate with the local public school district, which could use the
park for school programs, classes and other educational purposes. Carcasi also mentioned that
people have donated to the official website for the Nicky’s Dreamland project.
Gutierrez was the first council member to speak and she asked if the city owns the land where
the park will be built, and Carcasi confirmed the city does own property. She then asked what
the total amount will be for the project, and Carcasi said the city will have to raise $1.1 million
and complete the project within five years.
“The other thing that will count towards the $1.1 million is that some of the work is being done
by city staff, so those hours and that cost count as a cash contribution for that match,” Carcasi
said.
Gutierrez asked if the project can be done in phases, adding that she would hate to see
“something start and not finish if (the city) doesn’t get the full funding.” Carcasi said they are
anticipating to raise a lot of funding to push the project towards completion.
“(Is the park) needed? Absolutely, but it is not going to fall on the city to find that money,”
Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez then asked when the project will begin construction, and City Manager Shawna
Burkhart said the project will begin when the initial $750,000 is received by the city.
Garcia mentioned city staff is “actively seeking funding” and meeting with groups on a daily
basis to make sure the project is successful.
“(City staff) has a group that is providing updates on the different project entities,” Garcia said. “We are very passionate about this.”
Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus asked if city staff had reached out for help from the Val Verde
County Commissioners Court, and Carcasi said they had not yet met with the county. Carcasi
then said the June 24 presentation and the grant funding mentioned at the meeting are both
part of a milestone for the project to show the community that the city is supporting the project.
Councilman Randy Quiñones and Mayor Al Arreola both thanked Garcia, Carcasi and Pokrant
for the hard work they have accomplished. Arreola said the council will support the project. He
said there also needs to be “capital improvement” to fix the streets near where the park will be
built.
The council unanimously approved the ordinance. Council members and community members
who are in support of the park then joined together for a group photo.
