MEXIA, TX — The City of Mexia has big plans for its city park.
The state of Texas kicked in half a million dollars towards it's more than $1 million price tag.
The project includes something for everyone, and could even make money for the city.
Nothing excites Emma Kate Rodriguez more than playing softball with her friends.
"It makes me really excited to go against other people, to show my talent," Rodriguez said.
She'll soon get to show off that talent to new people.
Texas Parks and Wildlife granted half a million dollars to upgrade Mexia City Park. The city's Economic Development Corporation kicked in another half million and other donations brought in $48,000 to correct the park's shortcomings and make big improvements.
"There's times when some of the infield, it's a little lower than normal, sometimes it rains, does kinda sink in some," said softball coach Jesse Rodriguez.
That'll get fixed, the park will get more new benches, a new basketball court and Mexia's first regulation soccer fields.
The plan also calls for turning a drainage ditch, which runs through the park into a creek, and adding a walking trail around the perimeter of the park.
Mexia's recent purchase of the old National Guard Army and surrounding areas made the additions possible.
But a new softball-baseball complex will get much of the focus.
"We're building this park, the sports complex for the kids in Mexia in mind, but we're building it in a way, we can also hold tournaments, bring in teams from out of town,” said park committee chairman and city council member Scott Condon.
Teams from out of town would eat at Mexia's restaurants and shop in its stores.. boosting sales and jobs.
But more than anything, the coach says the park's makeover will bring something extra to his team.
"It would mean a tremendous amount of pride that comes to Mexia," said Jesse Rodriguez.
Pride for which he says, it's hard to put a price tag.
The city still would like donations to help pay for upgraded facilities like concession stands and restrooms, beyond what its plan calls for.
