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Veterans Memorial Park’s planned growth has received a substantial funding source.
The St. David’s Foundation has awarded a $300,000 grant toward Elgin municipal government’s expansion project at the park. The award was announced at the Feb. 7 City Council meeting.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the St David’s Foundation and their partnership in advancing health and wellness initiatives in our community,” said Mayor Theresa McShan. “This funding is critically important to starting the park expansion and opening Block A in 2023.”
The Veterans Memorial Park Expansion Project consists of four blocks in the heart of Elgin’s Historic District, converting undeveloped city owned vacant lots into modern, accessible, vibrant parkland. Block A includes a train-themed Kompan play structure, swings, balance elements, carousel, zip line, water play feature, accessible bonded rubber mulch surfacing, stage, outdoor classroom, free WiFi, trees, lighting and seating. The block costs $1.3 million and is being funded through the municipality, Certificates of Obligation 2021A, American Rescue Plan Act Funds, T-Mobile, Downtown Elgin Inc., private donations and now St. David’s Foundation’s grant.
“St. David’s Foundation’s mission is to advance health equity through investment and action. Health equity is defined as when individuals and communities have fair and just access to resources and opportunities to reach optimal health,” said Abena Asante, St. David’s Foundation senior program officer. "St. David’s Foundation is excited for this investment to increase park equity in Central Texas to promote social connection, exercise and play. It is good to see municipalities take leadership in their residents’ health and wellness through supporting parks and other amenities that improve the quality of life for the community.”
St. David’s Foundation started to work with Elgin in 2019 with the “Parks with a Purpose” grant for $200,000 to replace aging play equipment in Elgin Memorial Park and install new sidewalks. St. David’s Foundation is currently supporting the Elgin Public Library with a “Libraries for Mental Health” grant for $96,000 over three years. The foundation has also given $80 million in central Texas, including $7 million in Bastrop County and over $600,000 to promote fair and equitable access to health and wellness in Elgin.
“St. David’s Foundation is really excited about this partnership with the city of Elgin to work collaboratively to promote health and wellbeing” said Asante at the City Council meeting.
The Ladies New Century Club established Veterans Memorial Park in 1913. As a part of the 2013-15 Sustainable Places Plan, Elgin purchased additional lots along the Union Pacific Railroad line between Avenue C and Avenue A, making the existing Veterans Park 5 acres.
