Quality of Life

El Paso County Commissioner Pct. 2
Veronica Escobar

Quality of Life
One year ago we appropriated over $2 million for significant improvements to Ascarate Park. We made various improvements last year to the golf course, and this summer, we finalized the cleanup of the old Western Playland site. Although we faced many obstacles along the way, the cleanup was completed and the area is ready for renovation. Improvements and investments have occured throughout 2008. As we continue to work on the park, I will be meeting this week with the City of El Paso to begin a formal conversation about the possibility of the City managing Ascarate as well as other parks that belong to the County. New County Commissioner Anna Perez will join us in the conversation and we'll include a discussion about the Sportspark as well. This conversation will help us determine how to move forward on the big ticket investments.

There is tremendous potential in consolidating our efforts to provide the community with well-maintained parks. If we can move toward a consolidated parks system, one that fully funds and staffs our quality of life amenities, the ultimate beneficiary is the taxpayer. Parks are an important part of our ability to provide recreation, green space, and overall quality of life for residents. Amenities such as public parks are also essential to our economic development efforts. We have to do the right thing to ensure we have the best parks we can have. If the City's interest in our park assests has diminished, then I will ensure that the County agressively completes the $2 million of investments as quickly as possible and commit to adequately funding our park in the future. I'll be sure to keep you posted on this effort.