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BASTROP — City Council approved plans last week to begin rehabilitating the historic Old Iron Bridge and unveiled a slate of potential park improvements, including a splash pad, ADA-accessible play areas and a par-3 golf course.
During a special meeting April 29, the council authorized construction on the bridge, which will begin this summer and continue through fall 2026. Built more than a century ago and featured in the 1986 film “Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2,” the bridge will be preserved for pedestrian use only while retaining its iconic look, according to City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino.
Carrillo-Trevino also announced a series of proposals to upgrade and expand public parks, saying community feedback had helped shape the city’s priorities.
“Bastrop is so small you can’t keep a secret,” Carrillo-Trevino said after several residents voiced support for a par-3 golf course before the presentation began.
According to the city, a lower-than-expected bid for the bridge project opened the door to invest in additional public amenities, though Carillo-Trevino acknowledged a full-scale recreation center with a pool remains out of reach financially.
“That would cost tens of millions of dollars,” she said. “It would impact Bastrop’s tax rate, which no one would want.”
Instead, the city manager proposed more modest but meaningful improvements developed in consultation with Parks and Recreation Director Terry Moore and design firm Kraftsman Play. The team visited multiple parks to evaluate potential upgrades that would fit within the city’s current budget.
Carrillo-Trevino presented several ideas, including a splash pad and ADA play equipment at Delgado Park, repairs at Mayfest and Fireman’s parks and the creation of a new Veteran’s Memorial.
Improvements to existing splash pads were also discussed.
“I’d like to show you some of the very cool things we are thinking could potentially happen in a very short order,” Carrillo-Trevino said.
Councilwoman Cheryl Lee asked about costs and timelines, while Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer praised the direction of the projects.
“The community is getting things that they wanted for a long time,” Meyer said. “It’s exciting for our residents and definitely the right direction to go. I’m just going to say congratulations to Bastrop. You deserve this.”
Carrillo-Trevino said the proposals will now go to the Parks and Recreation Board for review.
