The details
Park improvements cost about $205,714, and were funded by Community Development Block Grant and park improvement funds.
The improvements to the park included replacing playground equipment, adding shade and turf, and extending the sidewalk to create an ADA-compliant loop around the park, according to a news release.
The inspiration
The park was also re-dedicated to its namesake, Paul Wenceslaus Peña who grew up in San Marcos and attended San Marcos Baptist Academy. Upon graduating he attended United States Military Academy West Point and graduated in 2004. Peña died in January of 2010 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan when enemy forces attacked his unit, according to a news release.
His awards and decorations include the following:
- Bronze Star Medal
- Purple Heart
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Cecilia Peña—Paul's mother—told Community Impact that she was "overwhelmed" with all the love and support the community has shown her.
"It's a good feeling to have people around, and they allow me to talk about Paul and good times," Cecilia said.
