A bus stop in McAllen will undergo a transformation into a mini play area after the city won a national competition aimed at bringing balanced and active play to children of all ages.
McAllen was one of 50 winners of the Play Everywhere Challenge which was coordinated by the non-profit organization KaBOOM!.
McAllen’s Transit Department submitted a project idea that turns the bus stop at Nolana Avenue and 23rd Street, south of the public library, into a unique play area, according to a news release from the city.
According to the city’s profile on the site, the project will:
- Maintain the current bus stop with a bench and shaded coverExpand the area to accommodate a brightly painted, two-person swing set and one two-person expression swing
- Install over sized musical instruments and “fun fone”
- Paint a maze, easy long jump game, exercise instructions on dots, and a hop scotch game
- Create new trails to accommodate play elements
Houston and McAllen were the only winning cities in Texas, according to KaBOOM!. McAllen will be taking in $40,000 of the $1 million grand prize.
“Efforts that are taking place throughout the city of McAllen to improve the overall quality of life for our residents is very important,” said Project Manager Robert De Leon.
De Leon said the goal is to have the area ready for residents by mid-December.
