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BASTROP — A covering over the arena, more seating and recreational vehicle hook-ups top the list of requests for improvements at Mayfest Park, according to community feedback.
Officials said September’s town hall meeting and online survey were conducted as part of a larger effort to shape the future of Bastrop’s storied rodeo grounds. The city gathered input from residents, rodeo attendees and industry experts throughout the month.
“It needs significant improvement if we’re going to utilize it as an appropriate venue,” City Manager Sylvia Carrillo- Trevino said. “What I heard most was, and what was probably the most resonating, was ‘Don’t just put a cover over it and call it a day.’” Bastrop adopted a master plan for its parks system in 2023, but Mayfest Park was excluded because the city was considering replacing it with a soccer complex at the time, according to officials. That proposal stalled after public input showed strong support for keeping the arena, prompting renewed discussion about how to upgrade the existing facility. At City Council’s direction, Carrillo-Trevino launched a community survey to gather opinions on desired amenities. Residents expressed strong support for improvements that would make the venue more versatile for concerts, festivals and family-friendly events.
The survey drew 296 responses. Shade structures, better restrooms and more comfortable seating ranked among the most requested additions.
Members of the rodeo community said paved parking areas for trailers, animal stalls and RV hook-ups would help better support events. Accessibility upgrades compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a long-term vision for the facility also emerged as priorities, according to Carrillo-Trevino.
Council members questioned whether an expansion project for the arena is needed to attract larger concerts and popular events. The venue currently seats 1,724 people. “I spoke with rodeo people, and the size is what they said was perfect,” Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer said. “This past homecoming rodeo there were 4,000 people there — not all seated, it was standing room only — but that shows you the demand is there.”
The council asked staff to research expansion options. More discussion is expected in the coming weeks.
Last year’s homecoming rodeo at Mayfest Park drew about 4,000 attendees and holds seating for 1,724 people. More seating, along with shade structures and RV hook-ups were among the most requested upgrades recorded from a community survey last month. Photo by Niko Demetriou
