San Juan, Texas is a growing town of 35,000 near the Mexican border and approximately 5 miles east of McAllen, Texas. After years of planning and community engagement, the 9.5-acre development sought to bring needed youth sports and recreational amenities to the north side of San Juan, where programming and park facilities had been lacking. The $8 million project took place in two phases, encompassing expansive outdoor amenities and abundant parking, as well as a 25,000-sq-ft recreation center that houses two indoor basketball courts, classrooms for year-around programming, and offices for the San Juan Parks and Recreation Department.

Working closely with ERO Architects, M2L designers brought deep expertise in placemaking, environmental sensitivity and community-focused design to the project. Outdoor amenities included two soccer fields, a basketball court, a pool area and adjacent splash pad, a shaded picnic pavilion surrounded by playgrounds, a covered outdoor fitness area, and walking trails. M2L designs were informed by tremendous community and stakeholder feedback to create colorful and inclusive spaces for all ages and abilities that celebrate the local culture and enhance community identity.