Harlingen to renovate Victor Park with $1.5M pool, splash pad project

A popular Harlingen park is set for a $1.5 million makeover that will bring a renovated swimming pool, a new splash pad and expanded recreational amenities to the city’s south side.

On Tuesday, the City of Harlingen registered plans with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to renovate Victor Park.

The publicly funded project carries an estimated construction cost of $1.5 million and is scheduled to begin Aug. 17, with completion expected by March 15, 2027.

The project will renovate the park’s existing swimming pool while adding a new splash pad, which will give families more water recreation options.

Plans also call for the construction of a new parking lot and an outdoor basketball court as part of the approximately 20,000-square-foot improvement project.

The investment builds on Victor Park’s role as one of Harlingen’s largest recreational destinations. 

The 40-acre park is home to the Victor Park Aquatic Center, the Harlingen Rotary Bark Park, five lighted baseball and softball fields, six lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer and athletic fields, a park pavilion, barbecue pits, covered picnic shelters and restrooms. 

The park also connects to the Arroyo Hike & Bike Trail via a sidewalk along the U.S. Highway 77/83 frontage road.

The filing lists the City of Harlingen as the project owner. Roberto Hernandez is listed as the owner’s contact, while Nicholas F. Heybeck is the registered accessibility specialist for the project. No design firm was listed in the filing.