By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
A residence at 5804 Yucca Circle and SPI Hardware were named South Padre Island’s July Yard/Landscape of the Month winners during the Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful Committee’s July 15 meeting.
The Yucca Circle home received the residential recognition, while SPI Hardware earned the commercial award for improvements made around the business.
Committee member Susan Francis also recommended exploring shade options for the island’s pickleball courts. SPI Parks and Recreation Manager Debbie Huffman said she would examine possible coverings and their costs to determine whether the project would be financially feasible.
Huffman said the planned pickleball courts near Water Tower Park should receive some afternoon shade from nearby structures and the water tower. The existing courts behind the museum were described as especially hot. Although a pergola has been installed there, it provides limited relief, and the city may consider adding shade cloth.
Work also continues on the restroom at the existing pickleball park. Officials discussed holding a grand opening after that work is completed and a separate groundbreaking for the planned courts near Water Tower Park.
At Lis Memorial Park, members discussed natural alternatives to chemical weed control. Committee member Roberto Gaitan said Port Isabel students had studied a vinegar, salt and water mixture that could potentially control unwanted grass without harming nearby vegetation. Gaitan offered to obtain the students’ formula so members could further review their findings.
Residents interested in gardening may apply for one of five community garden plots at Butterfly Park. The upcoming growing season will run from August through January 2027, and the application deadline is Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Interested gardeners may contact Huffman at 956-761-8168 for information and an application.
The plots will be assigned through a drawing at the committee’s August meeting. The community garden offers two growing periods each year: August through January and February through July.
During the discussion, SPI City Council member Aarin Hartwell asked whether an award is presented for the best looking garden plot. Members said there is currently no award, although photos of the gardens are periodically featured in the city newsletter.