Uvalde Memorial Park Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

City of Uvalde Marks Completion of Citywide Playspace Initiative

admin — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:29:31 +0000

Press release from the City of Uvalde

Top Picture by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-17-26

This build marks the completion of the citywide playspace initiative, ensuring that all playspaces identified at the start of the partnership in 2022 have been built or renovated. As a result, every child in Uvalde now has access to a quality place to play near where they live or go to school.

As KABOOM! celebrates its 30th year, this milestone reflects the joy of kids, communities, and partners, while reinforcing a continued commitment to community healing and long-term investment in youth.

Today’s children face increasing pressures—from limited access to playspaces and nature to rising mental health challenges and screen time—making play more critical than ever. KABOOM! envisions a world where safe and amazing places to play exist for every child in America so that kids can grow up happy and healthy.

This new playspace represents progress made possible through collaboration between City of Uvalde, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust, and KABOOM!, and reflects a shared commitment to protecting childhood and strengthening community well-being.

This new playspace with City of Uvalde, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust, and Mars is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity – the reality that far too many children – especially children of color – do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.

Community members led the creation of the playground, from design to installation. In February, kids from the City of Uvalde shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 5,000 children to enjoy each year.

The City of Uvalde has a population of over 5,000 children under the age of 19. Providing play spaces in neighborhoods across the city gives caregivers more accessible options, especially for those without reliable transportation. These neighborhood parks are also valuable for grandparents and families who can walk to enjoy the outdoors together. Beyond recreation, these spaces encourage physical activity, support social interaction, and help children build important communication skills. We are proud to have completed this project as a space for the entire community to enjoy.

To learn how partners can join KABOOM! in their efforts to end playspace inequity, visit https://kaboom.org/become-a-partner/.

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Playground at Memorial Park will be temporarily closed beginning the week of April 13

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:02:27 +0000

03-24-26

Press Release from Gloria Von Resma, Parks and Recreation Manager

The playground at Memorial Park will be temporarily closed beginning the week of April 13. During this time, existing playground equipment will be removed to make way for an upgraded play space.

This exciting new project is being made possible through a partnership with KABOOM!, with funding provided by the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust and Kellanova.

Construction of the new play space is scheduled to take place the weekend of May 14–16. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to enhance this recreational area for our community.

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City Council approves grant application for new trail to connect UMH property with Uvalde Memorial Park

admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:42:12 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Picture by Robinson

07-09-25

The Uvalde City Council approved a resolution authorizing a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife
for a trail from Uvalde Memorial Hospital to Memorial Park.

According to the resolution’s background information it states the following:

‘The trail is proposed to be on property entirely owned by the hospital until it gets to Memorial Park and links up with the existing park trail on the Leona River. The hospital will provide the matching share for the grant in the form of money and property.”

A citizen, Roy Mata, spoke during the discussion portion of the item asking if the City would be responsible for maintaining the new path which according to UMH Chief Executive Officer Adam Apolinar. half of the one-mile trail would be concrete, and the other half would be gravel. Mata also brought up potential liability and if the city would be responsible for any accidents or injuries on the trail. Mata went on to say the hospital should compensate the city in some way and that the money the City would spend to maintain the path would be better used in paving a portion of a particular street on the north side of town.

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History in plain sight: Uvalde Memorial Park’s historic bandstand likely to be about 100 years old

admin — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:05:49 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Picture submitted by a friend

06-21-25

Just a way past the main entrance of Uvalde Memorial Park lies a stone structure with steps leading to the top. It appears to have windows that was sealed with concrete many years ago. When I recently asked a friend if she could take a picture for me for this article, my friend asked if it was near the Uvalde Swimming Pool? I answered saying, “No, it is located just past the main park entrance. You’ve probably seen it 1000 times. “

Being a person fascinated with history, I decided to do some research at the El Progreso Memorial Library on what I describe as a bandstand where locals from times past would go to listen to a live musical ensemble play live music before there was television. There is a park called Tillis Park located in my hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas with an old stone pagoda roof on it with sealed windows which could have been where drinks and snacks were sold.

Both Uvalde’s Memorial Park Band Stand and Fort Smith, Arkansas Tillis Park Pagoda are structures which were likely built in the 1920’s. You know something is old when one’s parents and perhaps grandparents have no memory of it being open or used.

My first step was to look up archived copies of the Uvalde Leader-News issues from the year 11927. The year was a tip I received from Mendell Morgan.

While I did not find any direct news of the construction of the band stand, I did find two articles about a huge May Day festival at Uvalde Memorial Park held in early May of that year. It was reported there were 1000’s of people that attended, and mohair was prominently featured at the event.

My next move was to contact Susan Anderson who is a well-known local historian.

Anderson shared the following information with me:

“I have read that the rock from the old city hall was used to make improvements at Memorial Park including the bandstand. A bid for tearing down the old city hall was approved March 28, 1930. The bids for constructing the current city hall were opened May 1, 1930.

In August of 1930 a contract was approved to build a band stand at Memorial Park. The entry gate was built with funds from the 1927 May Fete and dedicated on November 11, 1927 in memory of the WWI dead. “

No firm construction date pinned down, the 100-year anniversary of the old band stand may have already occurred or will occur in several years’ time. It might be an opportunity for the city to host a band ensemble concert on the old structure on perhaps a cool day in the spring or the fall.

With what appears to be a window or windows on the old bandstand, I speculated that there might be some type of time capsule contained in the inside of the structure if indeed the interior is hollow.

While I’m not recommending damaging the structure to find out, with modern technology and permission from the City, it might be possible to determine if the structure is hollow and if so, could a non-invasive or minimally invasive technology be employed to determine what, if anything, may be resting inside?

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Homeless camp(s) along Leona Riverbed now a “County Matter”

admin — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:31:24 +0000

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

01-23-25

Recent rumors of stray dogs, possible animal mistreatment and homeless encampments along the Leona River prompted the Uvalde Hesperian to revisit the pathway along the Leona riverbed just South of Uvalde Memorial Park Wednesday morning, January 22nd.

Along the way down the path, a shopping cart full of aluminum cans and a single Crocs shoe was found along with a few articles of clothing hung from branches.

The Uvalde Hesperian encountered two City of Uvalde employees who stated they were following up on a report of a wounded deer being chased by a dog.

“Are the homeless camps back?” the Hesperian asked. One of the workers said there was a camp, but it is farther down stating, “It’s a County matter now.”

About a year ago, this same area, owned by the City of Uvalde had a few homeless camps consisting of make-shift tents, and campfires. This prompted City Officials to order those occupying the space to leave or face penalties.

The Uvalde Hesperian did see a sizable homeless camp about an 1/8 of a mile down the path from Uvalde Memorial Park.

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Weekend Uvalde: Volleyball Tournament at Uvalde Memorial Park

admin — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 01:12:25 +0000

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Witness reports woman arrested near the 300 Block of East Main Street Wednesday Morning: Another incident occurred near the same location Thursday

admin — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 22:41:30 +0000

Picture Credit: J. Anson Bills

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Police were on the scene near the entrance of Memorial Park along the 300 Block of East Main Street Wednesday Morning about 10:30 AM where a woman was arrested. According to a witness report.
a rifle may have been involved.

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

About 11:15 on Thursday Morning, Uvalde Police were reported to be in pursuit of a suspect near the Ssgt. Wille de Leon Civic Center. During a pursuit, the fleeing suspect allegedly threw a handgun away. According to reports on the local police scanner, police were looking for the discarded weapon.

T he Uvalde Hesperian is busy working on gathering more information on these two stories.

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Homeless campers issued “Notice to Vacate” by the City

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:11:05 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Tuesday morning March 26th, the Uvalde Police Department officers posted a “Notice to Vacate” on its Facebook Page, an indication the City of Uvalde was taking action to clear the homeless encampments

which exists just south of Uvalde Memorial Park about a 10th of a mile down a dirt road along the Leona River. Upon seeing the notice on Facebook, the Uvalde Hesperian went to Uvalde Memorial Park and saw four Uvalde Police Department units parked on the parking lot nearest to the location of the campsites. Several officers were seen returning to their units. According to one of the officers, the campers were served the aforementioned notice to vacate, giving the approximate half dozen to a dozen homeless campers notice they must pack up and leave.

The officer continued staying and the department has received numerous complaints from a nearby neighborhood, businesses and the Uvalde Memorial Golf Course.

The Uvalde Police Department posted the following on its Facebook Page:

“Effective 04/05/2024, 10 days from now, the City will be enforcing Texas Penal Code 48.05, which prohibits camping in certain public areas. This measure is in place to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of our public spaces for all residents.

We understand that homelessness is a complex issue, and our aim is to balance the needs of our entire community while also providing support and resources to those in need. To assist individuals affected by this enforcement, we urge anyone experiencing homelessness to connect with local shelters, outreach programs, and social services for assistance and support.

For those who require additional information or assistance, please reach out to the Uvalde Police Department.”

According to Councilman Chip King who had gone down to the camps a few weeks ago accompanied by Mayor Cody Smith, he said, “Basically most don’t want to leave.”
King stated, I offered to pay to put them on a bus to San Antonio where there are homeless shelters and other services but few seemed interested.

King had researched the property maps and confirmed the homeless campers are situated on city-owned property.

Chip said he and other city officials along with the Uvalde Police Department came up with a plan based on what they could do legally to remove the campers.

One of the first campers known as Mike, who is originally from Michigan set his camp up there out of necessity. According to Mike, who lived in his truck, it was parked in the parking lot of a nearby Dollar General Store and while he was in town, the manager of the store called the cops and had them tow his truck away back in the fall of last year. According to Mike, he tried for several months to try to come up with the three to four hundred dollars needed to get his truck back from the impound lot. The Uvalde Hesperian met with Mike Tuesday evening, March 26th and he said he lost his truck and all of his possessions because he couldn’t come up with money needed to get his truck back.

Mike said, while he has been living there, he has worked to clean up the trash and clear the trail area for bikers and others.

Mike, who has some health problems, gets some help from locals and also finds food and other items by dumpster diving. When asked what he will do when he finally has to pack up and leave the site, he said already has a plan in mind. He said word got out about him camping there and others started setting up campsites too. One neighbor of his, he said, was using drugs and was possibly bi-polar. A few months ago, the neighbor thought Mike broke into his tent. The neighbor came over and confronted him and at one point held a knife against Mike’s throat. Mike reported the guy and he is no longer there.

Mike said there have been many locals who have come to the area looking for illegal drugs or to hang out thinking it’s a party scene. He also said when word got out about the encampments, many locals would walk down the trail to gawk at the campers.

He went on to say he has received help from numerous people in town but others are just mean.

While visiting the site. The Uvalde Hesperian saw several other homeless people passing along the dirt trail.

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Uvalde City Councilman Chip King gives update on the homeless camps along the Leona River

admin — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:30:31 +0000

Uvalde City Councilman Chip King

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian ; Top Photo by the Uvalde Hesperian

Along the banks of the Leona River to the south of Uvalde Memorial Park, there are at least two homeless camps set up with possibly more further down the river.

In a previous City Council meeting, Pastor Gilbert Limones of Casa El Shaddai addressed the Uvalde City Council in November 2023 asking for the City’s assistance in helping Uvalde’s homeless population. See story here

Uvalde City Councilman Chip King and other city representatives recently visited the area just South of Uvalde Memorial Park and shared this report with the Uvalde Hesperian.

“We went down there last week and found only two small camps. One was occupied by a man from Michigan who does not want any help and the other was occupied by a man from Uvalde. The man from Uvalde has since left leaving only the man from out of town,” King said.

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2022 Uvalde Park Shooting suspects face additional murder charges in Bexar County

admin — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:42:02 +0000

Source: Kens5

Picture by Robinson at Uvalde Memorial Park following the 2022 park shooting

According to a report from Kens 5 News in San Antonio, two men who had been arrested in connection to the 2022 Uvalde Memorial Park shooting have been charged with murder of Joe Anthony Guerra in April of 2022.

“On Monday, police made another arrest connected to the same house. According to an arrest warrant, 18-year-old Donavan Hill was taken into custody in connection to a brutal armed robbery that happened at the Basse house in March 2022.

And it’s not the first time Hill has had a run-in with law enforcement.

KENS 5 has confirmed that Hill was also arrested in connection to a shooting in Uvalde that happened a few months after the armed robbery.

Two different crimes happening in two different counties, and now Hill is facing charges in connection to both.

The trail of evidence came together last week when federal agents from the FBI and ATF raided the home off Basse Rd.

It’s the same house where investigators said Hill, who was 16-years-old at the time, allegedly attacked a man who went there on March 19, 2022, to buy a rifle magazine,” according to the Kens5 report.

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