The largest public recreational park in El Paso County may be in line for up to $72 million in improvements if county voters this coming November give their approval to a large new bond proposal.
Located at 6900 Delta Drive, the 400-acre Ascarate Park, which was opened in the 1940s, is particularly known for its 18-hole golf course, aquatic center, and both playgrounds and picnic facilities.
But now, proposed projects for the park could see the building of an amphitheater, splash pad, and walking loop trail, among other improvements.
Funding for the Ascarate Park work would come out of a possible $350 million bond that El Paso County Commissioners are thinking about putting together for the November ballot, a bond that could pay for many dozens of other public infrastructure projects.
Among additional projects being considered: water and wastewater system improvements that could cost $96 million; the $54 million renovation of the historic El Paso County Coliseum at 4100 E. Paisano Drive; and $46 million in improvements to the county’s Juvenile Justice Center at 6400 Delta Drive.
Altogether, commissioners have been looking at a list of some 100 projects that might be funded by the $350 million bond, although reports indicate that the list may be pared down in the near future.
In deciding on the project list, but ultimately whether to call for a bond election, commissioners are confronting the choice of either asking county voters to approve a new level of indebtedness, or delaying projects that could cost more in the future as the price of construction materials and labor continues to accelerate.
By Garry Boulard
