CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi City Council is moving a step forward in getting a first look at some of the proposed changes for northside parks.
There are also plans to develop an area that includes the site of what was once Booker T. Washington Elementary School.
It's all part of an effort to ease the impact of construction the new Harbor Bridge has had on some of the city's oldest communities.
"I know these two neighborhoods like the back of my hand," said Lamont Taylor who grew up in the Hillcrest and Washington Coles area. It is an area he said was once filled with rich history for the predominately black neighborhoods.
"Good to know there is some positive stuff that is on the way so we've waited 8 years, here we are still waiting for them to finish these works, we'll be waiting," he said.
Taylor is cautiously optimistic about the city's plan to build or upgrade parks in the area.
The Harbor Bridge Parks Mitigation area project is one way the city hopes to promote economic development and revitalization in the Hillcrest and Washington Coles neighborhoods.
The plan begins with the addition of Washington Coles Park, which would serve as an entryway to the walking and biking trail that will span the length of the new bridge.
It would also include the city's second owned amphitheater and a food truck court. It could attract some of the activities that currently utilize Cole Park or other outdoor spaces and bring them to this area as well, like annual walks and 5K runs.
Tina Butler is with the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE).
"We see the nice amphitheater but if you have no residents here who are these parks for? That is the main question, you are beautifying a certain area, when we were living here we couldn't get that type of stuff done now that there are no families here, or very few now the city is beautifying that area," said Butler.
Butler said it is important for those who know the area best - to have their voices heard.
"If the city is listening, we would like to be involved," she said.
Through a series of crosswalks, the park would then be connected to T.C. Ayers Park. Not only would it include a memorial to the park's namesake, but also a stage area and a large green event lamp with overhead lighting.
From there, it's an easy walk to Dr. H.J. Williams Park where playgrounds and exercise stations will be built along with the new restrooms. There will also be a resurfaced basketball court and a new trellis added.
"It's important for Henry Williams. The park is named after his father.
"it looks like a good beginning to me," he said.
He also wants to make sure the history of this area is preserved going forward.
"It's important to continue the building work of this neighborhood because its a great part of our city and we don't want to forget that," he said.
Last but not least, Ben Garza Park has also been targeted for improvements in the project. It will include new landscaping, playgrounds and renovations to nearby baseball fields.
The cost for the entire project will reach around $14.3 million.
The city has already identified nearly $6 million in money previously set aside for this purpose.
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