Olmito Nature Park opens in Cameron County

Cameron County held a ribbon-cutting Saturday for the new Olmito Nature Park at 9538 Hayes Rd, now a 40-acre site featuring trails, overlooks, playgrounds and a constable substation. Phase one of the project received $6,521,692 in donations and officials said they plan to add more recreational water activities in coming years.

Cameron County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday to mark the grand opening of Olmito Nature Park at 9538 Hayes Rd. The park was developed to preserve and showcase the natural features of Olmito, officials said. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. spoke about the park’s role in the county park system and its value to the local community. The project began with a six-acre donation and grew with additional public and private support. Park details: - The park is now a 40-acre community space that includes nature trails, park benches, fishing piers, birdwatch overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, educational pavilions, a nature scape playground, picnic shelters, interpretive signage, wildlife-friendly lighting, green open space, comfort stations, and a constable substation. - The site address is 9538 Hayes Rd in Olmito. - The initial land gift was a six-acre donation from Frank and Jane McKinney. - Additional contributions came from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, federal funding, the American Rescue Plan, and non-profit organizations. - Phase one donations totaled $6,521,692 for the project. Summary: The opening adds a public green space and a range of recreational and educational amenities to the Cameron County park system. Officials reported that, after completing phase one, they plan to expand the park in coming years to include more recreational water activities.