Cameron County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday to commemorate the completion of phase two of the Olmito Nature Park, marking the official opening of the park’s kayak launch.

While the kayak launch was the main attraction, phase 2 of the project offered a multitude of other improvements. Among them, two new fishing piers, concession area, more restrooms, expanded parking, county Parks and Recreation office, wildlife-friendly solar lighting, native landscaping and interpretive signs.

The grand opening of the 40-acre park was celebrated back in February and is located on land donated to the county by Frank M. and Jane E. McKinney in 2019.

The vision was brought forth and executed by Commissioner Joey Lopez of Precinct 2. In a quote to the Brownsville Herald, County Judge Eddie Treviño gave credit to Commissioner Lopez stating “this was a vision that Commissioner (Joey) Lopez had since he took office, trying to develop a park in Precinct 2.”

While great progress has been made so far, future phases of the project will include a nature center as well as thirty RV sites.