The Floyd-Casey Stadium served as Baylor University’s home stadium for sixty-seven years, until the university moved to the new McLane Stadium in 2013.
In the following years, the city gained the stadium in a land swap with Baylor. In 2016, the city demolished the stadium – that land has since been approved for mixed use, including 72 acres for housing and commercial use and 30 acres for a park.
The city committed $25 million to design and build the Floyd-Casey Park, making it the largest monetary investment for a park in city history.
On Tuesday, Parks and Recreation director Jonathan Cook provided a timeline and design update to the City Council.
"We’re in the final stretch of construction documentation.. and moving quite along in that regard," he said.
"We are hoping to get under construction the start of this summer," Cook said.
Once construction starts, Cook estimates it should last just over a year.
"Parks are for people and people can enjoy parks in different ways. But how do we activate on a daily basis," Cook said. "It’s really important to make sure we’re maximizing that investment."
In addition to the current Hart-Patterson track facility, the park will include a new walking trail, picnic area, pavilion, splash pad, an all-wheel skate park, pickle- and basketball courts, and an all-inclusive playground.
"We’ve been talking a long time about the need for Waco not just to have some inclusive elements and different playgrounds, but an inclusive park – something that meets all abilities," Cook said.
To meet this goal, the playground will be constructed with features like smooth surfaces, brail and bilingual play components, and a pendulum swing.
"It’s not just the playground, but making sure that there are other features of the park accessible as well," Cook said.
The park sits in District Two. Council member Alice Rodriguez, who represents the district, said the park grew from a simple request.
"I was approached by a parent and they said they had to take their kids to Temple to play in the park for handicapped and challenged kids," Rodriguez said.
After the presentation, Rodriguez fought back tears as she shared her excitement over the project with the council.
"This is gonna be the crown jewel for the city of Waco and I am so happy it’s happening in District Two," she said.
The project is expected to open in 2026.
Project updates for the Floyd-Casey park can be found at www.waco-texas.com/parks.
