RIBBON CUTTING FOR PCT. 1 COUNTY PARKS FAMILY-ORIENTED HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL AND EXERCISE COURT TO BE HELD TODAY

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

When you attend the ribbon cutting for the Mountain Bike Trail and Exercise Court at the Pedro "Pete" Benavides Cameron County Park in rural Browne Road in southeast Brownsville, there are some things Pct. 1 Commissioner Sofia Benavides can guarantee that you won't see.

Visitors won't see miles and miles of concrete. And you won't see elected officials in Spandex outfits riding atop expensive bikes.

What you will see is a facility dedicated to families where they can bike, exercise, and stroll through a nature trail filled with native flora that meanders along an untouched resaca environment.

 "This facility is located totally inside the existing park," Benvides said. "It was built to that our local families can play and exercise together in a safe and secure environment. And no, I don't even own a bike-riding outfit. It wasn't built for me. It's for our all of our county residents and their families."

The development of the project at park, located at 2055 S. Browne Road, started last January and was part of a list of park improvements included in a certificates of obligation issue to fund recreational facilities across the county . The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held today, Monday, October 23, at 5 p.m. A raffle for a mountain bike will be held after the ceremony.

According to Cameron County Parks and Recreation Director Joe Vega, the addition of the Mountain Bike Trail and Exercise Court is a unique addition to the county's park system.

"We invite all families, mountain bikers, and exercise enthusiast like to visit...It's a great enhancement and addition to one of the most beautiful parks in Cameron County," Vega said. "(I) thank the commissioners their leadership and the Texas Parks and Wildlife for its continuing partnership."

And, unlike other hike and bike trails locally, one size does not fit all.

    

The mountain bike trial is approximately 2.5 miles in total length and features three areas of grade-skill level with a beginner, intermediate and advanced level. Each trail-head is marked with an informational kiosk letting riders know where they are and what they can expect ahead. Wayfinding and trail exit signs have also been strategically placed along the trails to help riders navigate their way safely through the system.

The advanced trail, the most challenging of the three, is designed for skilled and experienced riders. It offers wooden ramp obstacles, bumps, bridges and off-set jumps and banked turns. The intermediate trail features less challenging features with winding turns, off-set jumps and banked turns. The beginning trail was primarily designed to introduce novice riders to the sport of mountain biking.  

"There's a trial for bikers at all levels, from those just beginning to learn the basics with obstacles and terrain designed to build course awareness, balance and maneuverability skills," Vega said. "And it's a lot of fun."

Benavides is most proud of the Exercise Court that features 11 workout stations designed for strength and cardio training. Exercise enthusiasts will find a wide variety of workout options that include an elliptical machine, hand cycler, balance steps, tai chi wheels, squat press, cardio stepper, chest-back press, pull-up/dip bars, ab crunch/leg lift machine, a mobility ramp with stairs and assisted row/push up bars designed for ages 13 and older.

The entire perimeter of the court lies underneath a shade structure and is founded on a poured-in place rubberized surface that is handicapped accessible and other safety features for accidental falls.  

"The Exercise Court is centrally located near the playground, splash pad, baseball fields and basketball courts so that grown-ups can use the court and keep an eye on their kids as they play," Benavides said. "The emphasis of this facility is the entire family."

According to the County Judge's Office, the total cost for the Mountain Bike Trail was approximately a one-time expenditure of $371,500 made possible through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Trails Grants Program, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and a portion from the countywide issue of certificates of obligation through the Cameron County Parks and Recreation. The Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) provided construction and oversight at no cost to taxpayers. Benavides said that Precinct 1's and Cameron County Road and Bridge funds were not used to build the facility and remain dedicated exclusively to road improvements and construction.

The $141,700 cost of the Exercise Court was funded by a one-time expenditure by the the county parks department's share of a certificates of obligation issue.

"This outstanding county park...has an array of recreation amenities for the public to enjoy," said County Judge Eddie Treviño. "As a commissioners court, we continue to implement quality-of-life projects for our children, and future generations of children, who can utilize the parks and amenities to have a wonderful and memorable time."