Lions Park: Built for Inclusivity
Story by Abigail Vela
Edited by Santana Peralez
If you’ve ever taken a stroll through the North Conway in Mission, you may have come across the newly improved, all-inclusive, and accessible Lions Park.
This redesigned park is designed for children of all ages and abilities. It boasts many innovative amenities, including a splash pad, multi-generational basketball courts and an accessible zipline!
Lions Park’s 5 million-dollar renovation began in 2021, with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department funding 1.5 million dollars towards the project. Though the park was originally slated to open in Summer 2024, a number of delays caused the opening to be pushed the opening back to October 2024.
Why Inclusive Parks are Important to Our Communities
As of 2024, more than 1,100 inclusive playgrounds exist nationwide, with more being added each year.
In a 2024 report, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), shared that they found that 97% of park goers reported a sense of inclusion and belonging at their parks. However, out of the 97% of visitors reported, 73% of respondents thought parks were easily accessible. Furthermore, only 50% of respondents felt that parks were inclusive to people of all abiities. The survey did find that “respondents who experienced safety, accessibility and inclusivity visited parks and recreation spaces, on average, more than those who did not have these experiences.”
The survey also showed that people identifying as White experienced accessibility, safety, and inclusion more than people of color. Approximately 57% of respondents reported parks being inclusive to all races and ethnicities.
The data shows that there is a need to offer more inclusive parks throughout the country, or (as seen with Lions Park), to transform already existing parks into more inclusive, safe, and accessible places for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. However, it’s important to note that the reason why inclusive parks are ultimately important is because everyone deserves the ability to experience joy and play!
Lions Park: A Barrier-Free Environment
In January, the Progress Times reported that Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza expressed the city’s commitment to equality and equity, mentioning that Lions Park is a place to “play together without barriers.”
This commitment to equality and equity included the elements and signs seen around the park. They feature English, Spanish, Braille, and American Sign Language to help create a barrier-free environment.
The park also includes a bike training area for toddlers, a 25-foot tower with a slide, swings created to include children in wheelchairs, and a musical section filled with chimes and drums so children can explore their inner musicians.
Inclusive Parks in the Rio Grande Valley
Lions Park is only one of several all-inclusive parks throughout our region, highlighting the RGV’s commitment to accessibility.
Bring your families to play at the following inclusive and accessible parks throughout the Rio Grande Valley:
Lions Park: 1500 E Kika De La Garza Loop
Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Inclusive Park: 3000 E Dicker Rd, Hidalgo
Inclusive Park at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary: 2901 Incarnate Word Ave
Orchid Park at Main Library: 4001 N. 23rd St.
Los Encinos Park: 2900 Sarah Ave.
Vanguard Academy Beethoven City Park: 2215 S. Veterans Blvd.
Alaniz Villagomez All-Inclusive Park: 423 N. Tower Rd.
Gibson Park: 301 S. Border Ave.
Pendleton Park: 1427 Morgan Blvd
Amalie L. “Amy” Koppel All-Inclusive Playground at Lon C. Hill Park: 1217 Fair Park Blvd.
Hunter Park: Intersection of 3rd St. and McGregor St.
We Hope You Find Your Active
Find Your Active (FYA) was a short campaign Trucha created to help people get active!
From dancing to hot girl walks and everything in between, the RGV is packed with ways to stay moving and have fun while doing it.
Check out the ways you can get active throughout the year:
- Join Zumba & Twerk Classes!
- Learn about the Active Clubs in the RGV!
- Learn to Work the Pole!
- Build Community and Safety with the Walkin’ Gals!
- Get swept off your feet with RGV Aerial!
- Expand your Hobbies!
