The City of Waco held a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday for the new Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park.
The 30-acre park is expected to be completed in Fall 2026. It will include an all-ability playground and skate park, sports and multi-use courts, a family pavilion and more.
In addition to the park’s name in honor of longtime councilmember Alice Rodriguez, each of the park components will also be named for other South Waco Hispanic leaders.
City Manager Bradley Ford told the crowd gathered that this park represents the first time the city has recognized Hispanic leaders in such a profound way.
"Generations will never have to wonder what the impact of Hispanic Waco has been, because they will look and see it in real life," he said. "The stories will be there to tell the story."
It’s a history former councilwoman Alice Rodriguez told the crowd she’s excited to share.
"South Waco has a lot of history because our families and our grandparents all worked to help Waco become what it is today," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, who the park was named for, served on the Waco city council for nearly three decades. At the ceremony Saturday, she encouraged all Waco residents to take full advantage of the park once it is completed.
"South Waco and our other residents in the City of Waco need to come and enjoy this park, make fond memories and have a good time here at this park," she said.
Rodriguez spearheaded the idea after a South Waco mom told Rodriguez she was driving to Temple so her disabled child could play on an all-ability playground.
At just over $25 million, the park represents the largest park investment in city history.
City officials say the construction should last about 14 months and expect the park to open in Fall 2026.
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