Elgin, TX Expands and Expands Three Parks to Improve the Community

Veterans Memorial Park, Thomas Memorial Park, and Morris Memorial Park in Elgin have all received a major facelift with more amenities and more space to meet the growing needs of its community.

Elgin’s Veteran’s Memorial Park expands

The city embarked on a $4.4 million expansion project of the park, breaking ground in 2023. Two-city blocks were added, revitalizing the century-old space. It pays homage to Elgin’s rich history while looking toward the future.

The park features a variety of play elements, including a zipline, all-abilities merry-go-round, swings, a wobble bridge, and a climbing hill. The new playground design also includes a dry creek bed and a hand pump water feature so families can enjoy an interactive gathering spot.

Swinging benches and seating areas were added to encourage visitors to enjoy the park’s atmosphere. And a new stage – inspired by the lively fandango Hispanic Street Dances held in the park from the ‘40s to the ‘60s, adds to the park’s charm. Native Texas plants were chosen to support pollinators and complete the space.

Anchoring the center of the park is a new public art piece, “Synchronicity of Color for Elgin 2024,” designed by local artist and 2018 Guggenheim Foundation Fellow, Margo Sawyer. The installation, featuring fifty unique colors, was created using Elgin Butler Brick.

Thomas Memorial Park’s playground gets an upgrade in Elgin

The new Thomas Memorial Park playground doubled its square footage, incorporating the hill and tower features requested by Elgin’s youth. It features long slides stretching downwards to open fields and an electronic game station. The park is Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and includes shaded structures and seating areas to keep visitors cool during the hot Texas summer months.

Originally built in the ‘70s, the last time the park’s playground was renovated was in 2005 with nearly $250,000 in grant money. The catalyst for the latest upgrade occurred after the city’s Parks Advisory Board reviewed public input. Working with city staff and playground companies, the board designed a modern playground that blends community feedback requests.

Morris Memorial Park creates a new play space experience in Elgin

After three months of public input, Elgin created a play space that satisfies the needs of local families. The space connects the nature theme adults requested with a tower feature voted for by the city’s children. The tower provides shade over the main play area.

The result is a 10-foot tall treehouse-styled playground. The park, initially developed in 1995, has morphed into “the most ADA accessible playground in Elgin,” according to Parks and Recreation Program Manager, Elizabeth Marzec. One of the major renovations that underscores that statement is the new park surface of a bonded rubber mulch; it makes mobility easier for residents that rely on canes, walkers, or wheelchairs – even in the rain.

The new play area also features an accessible four-person seesaw, low and tethered circular swings, an obstacle course, rock wall and a canopy-shaded swing set. A new sidewalk leads around the playground.

“We are excited to provide a new play experience for kids of all ages. This is the second new playground in Elgin since 2020, and we continue to prioritize making accessibility and creative play a priority for our community,” said Mayor Theresa McShan.

Elgin is a great place to work and play

The three new park expansions and renovations in Elgin are just a small part of the commitment that the city makes to its community and in welcoming businesses and visitors. Elgin is an ideal place for job creation and community building in Central Texas. It’s the perfect blend of historic charm and modern expansion. And it’s close enough to Austin but just enough away to maintain a smaller city feel. Learn more here.