South Padre Island officials a
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
After years of planning and permitting, the City of South Padre Island has broken ground on a new wind and water sports park designed to expand public access to the Laguna Madre.
City officials celebrated the start of construction on the Paul “Jibber” Terheggen Wind and Water Sports Park last week. The project, expected to cost more than $2.3 million, will provide a dedicated area for activities such as kiteboarding, windsurfing and other nonmotorized water sports.
The first phase of construction will include a raised access road, two elevated parking areas and designated space where riders can prepare and unload their equipment before entering the water.
The elevated infrastructure is designed to improve access during periods of high tides, which can make existing shoreline access difficult.
The city is targeting an April 2027 opening, although weather conditions could affect the construction schedule.
According to city planning documents, public access to the Laguna Madre has become increasingly limited as development continues along the Island.
Kiteboarders, kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts currently have relatively few designated locations within city limits to launch their equipment.
The city has acquired more than 100 acres associated with the project, providing room for future expansion beyond the initial improvements.
Funding for the park will come from venue tax revenue, a funding source approved by South Padre Island voters for recreational and tourism-related projects.
The project has been under development for several years, with environmental permitting presenting a significant challenge.
City documents indicate that portions of the proposed site include environmentally sensitive wetlands, requiring coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies.
The park is intended to provide a designated launch location while helping reduce damage to surrounding wetlands caused by informal access.
The facility is named in honor of Paul “Jibber” Terheggen, who has been associated with the Island’s windsurfing and kiteboarding community for decades.
With construction now underway, the city plans to evaluate how visitors use the park before determining what additional amenities may be needed.
If the anticipated schedule holds, the new recreational facility could welcome its first users in spring 2027.