Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park Development Project

Aerial view of the Hart-Patterson Track and Field Complex and surrounding parkland.

The Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park project reimagines the Hart-Patterson track facility and the Waco Creek Corridor into a vibrant regional park. The new park will serve as a recreation hub for surrounding neighborhoods and visitors while supporting the expansion of the Waco City-Wide Trail System.

Spanning approximately 30 acres of city-maintained parkland — formerly home to Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium — the park will breathe new life into the area along Waco Creek. This project reflects Waco's commitment to revitalizing the city by creating a dynamic, community-centered destination. With green spaces, modern recreational facilities, and areas designed for connection and enjoyment, the park will be a space for everyone to gather, play, and thrive.

Project Description

The Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park project aims to transform the former site of Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium into a vibrant, mixed-use regional park designed to meet the community's diverse needs.

Project goals include:

Create a regional destination park accessible to individuals with diverse physical abilities.
Revitalize the Waco Creek Corridor to improve ecological health and provide residents with enhanced access to natural environments.
Serve as a hub for metropolitan trail connections, linking the city-wide trail system to encourage outdoor activities.
Integrate the surrounding wetlands into the park's identity and develop strategies to mitigate flooding events.
Provide rentable pavilions and facilities for community use.
Upgrade the Hart-Patterson Track Complex to provide improved facilities for athletes and community members.
Celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community and cultural history of the surrounding neighborhoods with a heritage trail connecting the park to the South Waco community.
Embrace Waco's vibrant artistic scene.

Naming of the Park

During the Waco City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, Waco Mayor Jim Holmes unveiled Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park in honor of Councilmember Rodriguez’s legacy and dedication to the South Waco community. Councilmember Rodriguez served on Waco City Council for more than 26 years, beginning in 1991. During her tenure, she made a significant impact through many initiatives, including her work with the Cotton Palace Ballfields, the Floyd Casey Housing Development, the Hispanic Heritage Trail Taskforce, and the Hispanic Heritage displays at South Waco Library.

Schedule

The project design commenced in June 2023, with public engagement activities such as open houses and surveys to gather community input. The conceptual vision plan was completed in March 2024. The design and construction documents are currently being constructed, with bidding and groundbreaking anticipated in 2025.

February 2025: Final Construction Documents
March - May 2025: Permitting and Bidding, Contracting
June 2025: Notice to Proceed / Construction Start
Estimated Construction Timeline: 12-15 Months
September 2026: Estimated Project Completion

Community Engagement

Public input and engagement opportunities, including open houses and surveys to gather community input, were included throughout the design process. The first open house was held in October 2023 and a second one took place in December 2023.