By DAVID TUMA
The Belton Journal
Construction has started on the Standpipe Park on the South end of Belton.
The historic standpipe itself is visible from miles in any direction and sits on city property in the Southwest part of town. It is one of the few of its kind left in the country. Years ago, water towers were made of concrete and put on a hill. The fact that the standpipe is still left standing is amazing.
Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded the City of Belton a $750,000 grant which will fund half the project.
The other half will come from the federal government’s ARPA Community Aid Funds which the City of Belton received, for the rehabilitation of the Standpipe.
There will be a walking trail, an open playground, area open spaces for ball fields, and seating with the overall area lighted. The Standpipe itself will be lit up. There will also be lights on the top that can be changed for certain significant events. Some of the lighting will be aimed at the Standpipe from the ground.
The playground equipment will be handicapped accessible.
“This park is going to be a tourist draw. There will be restrooms and limestone blocks to create a small amphitheater. Storyboards will be throughout the park explaining the history of the site. I think it will be one of Belton’s best neighborhood parks. This will be a great addition to this area of town,” said Matt Bates, Assistant City Manager for the City of Belton.
“It is close enough to downtown to be a part of the Imagine Belton Plan,” he added.
There will also be a bio-swale for drainage in the park. The trail will have lights like those along the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail. Existing trees on the site will be retained and a butterfly garden will be added to the area. Parking will be added on three sides of the park. A soccer field will be added along with an open play area.
