Feedback — San Benito Assistant City Manager Diana Garza answers questions asked by citizen Ester Rivera Hernandez during a Community Input Session at San Benito Fire Station #1 last week. (Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
In an ongoing effort to solicit community feedback, the San Benito Parks and Recreation Department issued a survey on the City of San Benito-Government Facebook page on April 21.
Three days later, the City, comprised of approximately 25,000 residents, also hosted a Community Input Session event at San Benito Fire Station 1, located at 1201 S. Sam Houston Blvd, with around a dozen people attending.
City leaders said to shape the future of parks and recreation, it was prudent to know how the existing trails, sports, green space, and other things could be enhanced for the betterment of its community.
“Your voice helps guide improvements and unlock grant funding. Let’s build a park system that fits our community’s dream,” the Facebook post read.
Around 20 Facebook responses were made during a one-week period. More lighting along trails and parks, and opening up restrooms appeared to be the main concerns.
Among the other things that were put forward by citizens were an animal park, children with disabilities parks usage, more trees, and basketball courts.
“I hope everyone commenting is doing the survey. These are all great inputs, but comments won’t be heard,” Riley Garza commented. “What matters is you voice these opinions in the survey and submit it.”
Some citizens used the opportunity to complain about the City’s efforts not being concentrated on upgrading streets that need attention, and poor drainage.
Citizen Eddie Joroba didn’t mince words in his comment about what city leaders should prioritize.
“We have the worst streets in the Rio Grande Valley, barely above Third World, and you’re asking about parks?” he commented.
At the Community Input Session that was held for a couple of hours and began at 5:30 p.m., several city departments were represented so citizens could speak to someone in person.
Among the departments available were the Cultural Heritage Museum, police department, finance and utilities, library, code compliance, planning and development, human resources, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and parks and recreation.
Assistant City Manager Diana Garza explained to Ester Rivera Hernandez, who attended the session, the importance of a CDBG application workshop that was held April 30.
“It would have been nice to have more people here, but I know, for myself, it’s hard to find time to meet with the City about issues that concern me,” Rivera Hernandez said.
Garza also had a pamphlet regarding an ongoing Covid-19 water utility, rental, and mortgage assistance program that residents may obtain for assistance by calling (956) 541-4955.
Information about brush/bulk pickup schedule and what are and aren’t acceptable items were available in paper form.
The museum/cultural center also had a list of events in paper form with May 31 being highlighted as the closing date for the “Mujeres Raices” exhibit. Director Aleida Garcia invited artist Adrian Rodriguez, with Serkit Studios, to the event, producing artwork while inside the fire station.
Children with the Delgado family played inside a bounce house that was set up adjacent to the firehouse. Policemen also took photos with youth next to a wall marker displaying their height.