A former landfill that was once used to dispose of medical waste in the middle of an East El Paso neighborhood will soon begin a transformation that will turn it into a 6.3-acre neighborhood park. The $1.67 million Cheryl Ladd Park project, which will use funds from the 2012 Quality of Life Bonds approved by voters, broke ground earlier this month.
 |
| A multi-purpose field will take up the majority of Cheryl Ladd Park’s space, with the northern portion (right) having a concentration of amenities. (City of El Paso) |
New amenities planned for the park include a new multi-purpose field, playground areas, a canopy shelter, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, paths, rock walls, lighting and an angled parking lot. The picnic tables and parking spaces with be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Aside from the multi-purpose field, other athletic improvements include a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and exercise equipment. Opposite the basketball court will be a “futsal” court. Futsal, from the Portuguese meaning “hall football,” is a form of soccer played on a hard-surface “pitch” which resembles a miniature soccer field.
The site’s landscaping plan includes an underground irrigation system, new grass, mulch, trees, shrubs, and boulders. The majority of landscaping will be focused on the park area closest to the parking lot, as the soccer field takes up much of the rear park space.
Those living near the area should expect some noise from construction crews, though work will be limited to Monday through Friday. Crews will not begin earlier than 7:00 a.m. nor end later than 9:00 p.m., though work will normally stop at 6:00 p.m. daily.
On days when winds are strong enough to pick up and blow dust around, crews will water the site to minimize blowing dirt.
The City of El Paso has chosen Martinez Brother Contractors of El Paso for the Cheryl Ladd Park construction project which should be completed in April of 2014. The site was designed by Quantum Engineering Consultants with Sites Southwest serving as landscape architect.