By Matthew Guzman
Pop quiz: What do Southwest University Park, the El Paso Streetcar, and the proposed Downtown deck plaza have in common?
Answer: Quite a bit, actually.
Each project has faced a loud chorus of critics. First come the complaints about spending, then the finger-pointing at “the oligarchs,” followed by the same tired questions: “Who even wants this?” and “Who would even use it?”
This cycle repeats in El Paso like a bad habit passed down through generations.
Take the ballpark. As the keystone in the city’s plan to revitalize Downtown, it was met with backlash at every turn – from the site selection to the mascot. People suddenly became fiercely protective of the unsightly and non-historic City Hall building that was slated for demolition. And while the city did take on some bond debt to fund the stadium, it has unmistakably fulfilled its purpose: sparking private investment, creating jobs and drawing people Downtown.
By 2016, the stadium had catalyzed $38 million in privately funded construction, 238 new residential units, 411 hotel rooms, 4,000 jobs, and 122,000 square feet of office space. Between 2016 and 2023, El Paso’s GDP rose from $29.3 billion to $48.6 billion. And sure, we all feel the pinch of property tax increases, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Our Downtown has been transformed, new community spaces have opened, and jobs have been created.
As for the ballpark? According to Baseball America, the El Paso Chihuahuas ranked fourth in average attendance out of 119 minor league teams in 2023 and ninth in 2024. Last season, they drew nearly 340,000 fans – a city record. Today, families fill the stands, and El Pasoans proudly support a team that has become a beloved part of our community.
But again: “Who even wants this?” “Who would even use it?”
The El Paso Streetcar also had its doubters. And while it had some early growing pains, ridership has surged to nearly 30,000 people per month! Riders include UTEP students, hospital workers, concertgoers, small business patrons and elderly residents without other means of transportation. The Streetcar now hosts Storytimes for Kids and live music through its Streetcar Serenade series — all at no cost to the public.
But again: “Who even wants this?” “Who would even use it?”
Now, the proposed Downtown deck park is in the crosshairs of the same cohort of cynics. Let’s break down the main objections:
Claim: “It’ll create traffic Downtown.”
Reality: The Texas Department of Transportation is widening Interstate 10 no matter what. In fact, the widening spans Arizona, Texas and Louisiana. Opposing the deck won’t stop the construction – it’ll just ensure more concrete and less green space.
Claim: “We can’t afford it.”
Reality: No city pays for deck parks in cash. They’re funded through a mix of grants, public-private partnerships and philanthropy. But to win grants, we must show support. It’s hard to land state and federal dollars when our public feedback is overwhelmingly negative – something El Paso is, unfortunately, notorious for.
Claim: “Now’s not the time.”
Reality: There is no other time. TxDOT is offering to fund the lion’s share of the major foundational elements of the park, but only during the I-10 expansion. That funding will not be available if we decide later that it’s “a better time.”
Claim: “We don’t need another park.”
Reality: We live in a desert. It’s hot, and getting hotter. Green spaces reduce the heat island effect, absorb carbon emissions, lower obesity and diabetes rates, and foster social connections. Parks are among the most-used public spaces in our city.
The deck park also brings long-term health and economic benefits. One study found urban parks increase years of peak health and are a cost-effective way to improve public well-being.
That’s not to say the project’s criticisms aren’t without merit. While the I-10 construction will proceed with or without the park, building the deck will come with costs, and likely some property tax increases. The real question is whether the long-term gains – the jobs, improved public health and new developable spaces in our core – outweigh the short-term pains.
Where loud, polluted bridge crossings exist today, we could have tree-lined walking paths, bike lanes, housing, event spaces and a sports pavilion. These aren’t pipe dreams – they’re quality-of-life upgrades that help retain young families, attract employers and build community pride.
But these projects have another commonality we don’t talk about enough: tourism.
El Paso is geographically isolated. You have to drive hundreds of miles in any direction before you hit another major city. That makes us “The Big City” for people across the region.
In 2024, El Paso ranked third in Texas for hotel occupancy, with a 68.4% rate – landing us in the 82nd percentile nationwide. Tourists bring outside dollars into our economy. They stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop at our businesses, and attend our events. The ballpark and streetcar are part of that draw. A deck park could be too.
Need proof? Just look at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas – a model for turning freeway scars into vibrant community spaces. It’s now the No. 1 tourist attraction in the city. It was so successful that Dallas now plans to build four more deck parks. Austin and Houston are following suit.
Before you say it, I agree: We’re not Dallas, Austin or Houston. But we can still learn from cities that have gotten it right with their investments in infrastructure.
These cities are investing in amenities that attract people and jobs. East and West Texas are on very different growth trajectories — what are we doing to compete?
Here’s the bottom line: if we want to reduce the property tax burden in El Paso, we have two options – we can cut services, or we can grow our tax base. Those are the options.
It’s easy to say no to new investments. It’s a lot harder to roll up your sleeves and build a competitive city where future generations can thrive. But as our new mayor says, “It’s our time, El Paso.”
Let’s be the change.
Matthew Guzman is the executive director of a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to El Paso County residents facing economic hardship.
The post Opinion: Now is the time for a Downtown deck plaza appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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