San Gabriel Park splash pad, skate park, festival space opening delayed until July

The new festival space will host the Rotary Club’s Field of Honor event this November, with plans to welcome more events and festivals in the coming years, Garrett said.

The big picture

Georgetown’s Parks and Recreation Department has been making improvements to San Gabriel park over three phases that were funded through the 2008 bond.

Over the past 16 years, the 175-acre park has been transformed to include a disc golf course; playgrounds; a spring habitat; a sunken garden; accessible trails for walking, biking and hiking; and more improvements.

What’s next

The city plans on undergoing one final phase of park improvements in the coming years, but the funding source and improvement plan remains uncertain.

The department decided to scrap a food truck area originally planned for Phase 4 as it would negatively impact the environment, Garrett said.

The department also decided to remove replacing a low water bridge that runs across the San Gabriel River from the list of Phase 4 improvements and complete it as a standalone project.

The PARD will request $1.4 million to be included in Georgetown’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget to fund the new bridge.

This summer, the department will select a consultant who will work with staff and meet with community focus groups to identify priorities for Phase 4. Garrett said early ideas for the final phase include soccer or baseball fields, additional parking or more restrooms.

Phase 4 will likely be funded through a bond that goes out to voters in the coming years.