Groundbreaking ceremony held for expansion of Presidio recreational facilities

The Trans-Pecos Pipeline may have once been a controversial topic, but now that it’s up and running surrounding towns like Presidio are already reaping the benefits.

On Tuesday, the city held a groundbreaking ceremony for its plans to expand its recreation center -- a project that wouldn’t be possible without Energy Transfer Partners.

Within the next year the city’s recreation center will be transformed into the new and improved Presidio Athletic Center.

“I’ve been in Presidio for 30 years, that’s a long time for generations of kids to grow up without much in a way of a place to go to have fun,” said Mayor John Ferguson. “This is fantastic and it’s really a transformation of Presidio.”

Right now the center is only equipped with a softball field and swimming pool.

But come this time next year the community will have access to soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts and even a skate park.

However, the crowd favorite so far seems to be a brand new playground set, which will be the first of it’s kind in town.

“I have 10 grandkids and when they come to visit in the summer, oh my God we need a place to go, we’re always hanging out in the pool, so these playgrounds are going to be awesome,” said longtime resident Alma Martin.

Some residents admit they were hesitant at first about the 148-mile long Trans Pecos Pipeline, but having seen the opportunities it’s created, they wouldn’t want it any other way.

“The City of Presidio has a great vision that will last for the citizens, particularly the kids, for decades to come and we want to make sure to provide a seed for them to make their vision become a reality,” said Rick Smith, the Vice President of Engineering for Energy Transfer Partners.

Energy Transfer Partners say they will continue to fulfill their promise of being a good neighbor.

In the coming weeks, the will be holding a meeting to see what designs and equipment the community would like to have.

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ORIGINAL REPORT:

A groundbreaking was held Tuesday for the expansion of the City of Presidio recreational facilities.

$1,067,000 was donated to the city from Trans-Pecos Pipeline, LLC last week to help with the construction.

Soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a playground and more parking and restrooms will all be included as part of the 10-acre expansion.

You can watch the ceremony on Facebook

here

We will have more on the groundbreaking tonight on CBS 7 News at 6.