By ARABELLA SERRATA
Staff Writer
The Texas Parks and Wildlife [TPWD] Commission recently approved millions of dollars for several
projects within Cameron County.
According to their official website, they granted a $1.5 million non-urban indoor grant for improvements
at the Laguna Madre Youth Center.
Jared Hockema, Port Isabel City Manager, spoke at a TPWD Commission meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23,
where the grants were announced. Hockema added that such renovations have not taken place since 2018.
Hockema clarified that the funds have not officially made their way to the city yet.
“The Commission voted to award it [the grant] to us [the city]” said Hockema.
He said the grant money could take “six to twelve months” to roll in, and additional planning for the
project would push progress to at least 18 months prior to construction.
In his speech, Hockema expressed a desire to make the facility more accessible to disabled parties and
“bring the outdoors in,” to enrich the youth in the ecosystem surrounding them.
“Over time, in our society, we’ve increased our focus on accessibility. There are people of all abilities,
and that is reflected in the projects that we do as a city,” said Hockema.
He also added that there will be new installments to the classrooms that will emphasize “nature
education.” And will “help educate the youth about the importance of nature and let them learn about nature
differently,” said Hockema.
Hockema stated that some new elements for the center include pickleball, computer and virtual reality
gaming, general exercise, and fitness. There are also plans for recreational activities aimed at senior
citizens, such as bingo. The University of Texas School of Public Health will also provide public zumba,
yoga and other exercise classes. There will be additions to the front of the building, a new gymnasium and a
redesign to the interior of the center.
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