Cameron County Receives Funds to Improve Two Parks

Updated: February 1, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

Cameron County is thrilled to announce that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved funding to establish the Laguna Madre Nature Center and enhance Laureles Regional Park. The Laguna Madre Nature Center will receive an impressive $1.5 million in funding through the Non-Urban Indoor Recreation Grant Program. This facility will be strategically located at the Bejarno-McFarland Memorial Park on the shores of Laguna Madre Bay. The center aims to serve as a vital resource for environmental education, illustrating the ecological significance of the Laguna Madre and promoting vital conservation practices to sustain the region’s environmental health for generations to come.

The proposed architectural design for the Laguna Madre Nature Center encompasses a range of features, including state-of-the-art classrooms, expansive exhibit spaces, and striking panoramic views of Laguna Madre. The center is committed to ensuring inclusive access for visitors of all ages and abilities, making it a welcoming space for everyone. Sustainable design elements will play a key role in the project, incorporating permeable parking surfaces that allow for natural water filtration, energy-efficient technologies that reduce overall energy consumption, rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate the surrounding landscapes, shaded walkways that enhance visitor comfort, and landscaping that utilizes native plant species to support local biodiversity—all reflecting the region’s dedication to environmentally responsible construction and the preservation of coastal water quality. The Laguna Madre Nature Center will build upon existing efforts, such as the South Texas Eco-Tourism Center, which successfully received funding in 2019 from Texas Parks and Wildlife under both the Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Programs.

Laureles Regional Park, constructed by Cameron County in 2010, has also been granted $750,000 in funding through the Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Program. This park is ideally situated within Laureles’s Colonia, nestled between Los Fresnos and San Benito, and spans an impressive 24.14 acres. Developed in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the park features a variety of amenities designed to promote community engagement and outdoor recreation, including two well-maintained baseball fields, a practice field, a basketball court, designated soccer areas, a picnic pavilion ideal for family gatherings, a splash pad for children, scenic walking trails, a playground equipped with various play structures, and convenient restroom facilities. Since its establishment, the park has seen a significant rise in organized youth sports activities, including Little League baseball, youth football, and soccer leagues. It has also become a cherished venue for family outings and community events.

The proposed enhancements for Laureles Regional Park aim to enrich the visitor experience further and foster a deeper connection with nature. Plans include the creation of a nature trail that showcases native vegetation and features informative interpretive signage to educate visitors about the local ecosystem. Additionally, the existing playground structure will be replaced with a more inclusive design that accommodates children of all abilities. A rainwater catchment system will be installed to support the irrigation of a butterfly garden and nature trail, enhancing biodiversity and the overall ecological health of the park. Various improvements will be made to ensure that the park remains universally accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. Through the establishment of the Laguna Madre Nature Center and the upgrades to Laureles Regional Park, Cameron County aims to create inclusive, enriching spaces for all community members to enjoy and experience our region’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.
Photos from the Office of Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr.