Boat ramp, park to open in RH

(Courtesy photo)

By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com

RIO HONDO, TX—Local officials hope that a new park and boat ramp will fast become an area hotspot for residents and visitors alike.

The City of Rio Hondo launched a soft opening for its latest attraction to much acclaim. On Dec. 31, the City announced that town leaders named the park Speckled Sea Trout Park after a local inquiry asking the public for potential names.

The City added that the park is pending inspection by the Texas Department of Licensing and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The park consists of a fishing pier, a play structure, a pavilion, and a walking trail for the public to enjoy.

While the community appears to be rallying around the City’s venture, the park’s name has drawn a stir online, as residents such as Virginia Lee Torres took to Facebook to voice her disapproval. “When did we get a vote on the name? It’s a ridiculous name,” she posted.

Esperanza Vera wrote, “Rio Hondo should have kept its name, the park is in RH.” Meanwhile former area Constable Robert Lopez suggested, “It should’ve been the Catan (alligator gar) Park since people usually fish for catan there.”

A City press release noted that trees and paying kiosks are pending and will be completed by Feb. 28. The park is slated to open by the end of January.

In Sept. 10, 2024, the Rio Hondo City Commission approved several fees regarding the park.

The commission approved a $5 fee for park admission per day. The pavilion user fee will be $250 per event for six hours of use. A deposit of $100 is required and refundable upon the removal of any trash from the event. The user fee for “rough overnight camping” is $20 per night. The agenda noted that non-profit organizations are exempt from rental costs.

Recreational vehicle parking space will be $30 per day, or $200 per week for a maximum of two weeks. The agenda also states that there must be a deposit of $50, which can be refunded upon the clean-up and removal of trash. The agenda also noted that all city leaders and volunteers will receive an annual pass during their term.

For more information on the park, contact the City of Rio Hondo at (956) 748-2102.