Funding for a new park on North Padre Island? Here's what's in the talks.
A planned park for North Padre Island that would transform a largely bare landscape into a regional recreational hub hasn’t yet reached design – but additional funding may speed it along.
The first phase of Commodore Park, if it were to unfold as envisioned, would encompass a range of early amenities such as pickleball courts, playground and trails, city records show.
The construction of those improvements – estimated at about $5 million – are in consideration to be part of the Bond 2024 program. However, the full list of projects to be included in the program’s portfolio have not been finalized, pending additional community feedback and City Council input.
Commodore Park could, in its later phases, eventually include a swimming pool, gymnasium and community center, according to city documents.
Project design hasn’t yet begun, Assistant City Manager Heather Hurlbert said Tuesday, addressing members of the city board that oversees North Padre Island’s tax increment reinvestment zone.
A conceptual design exists for a future skatepark, she said— but added that funding, as well as community support, would play a role in its development.
Records show that currently there is about $1 million available through the voter-approved 2022 bond to launch design, but the funding falls short by about $400,00 – a sum supported by board members to be set aside for the project.
If approved by the City Council, the $400,00 would be drawn from a pool of tax increment funding collected within a “zone” on North Padre Island.
The financing approach uses a certain percentage of new property values to be used within that zone for new investments.
More: Here's what the city, neighborhood agreed to for Harbor Bridge parks plans
More: Which parks, roads may see extra funds? Here's how to weigh in on the 2024 bond program.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: New North Padre Island park in Corpus Christi may see more funds
