Bridge savings to fund park improvements

Four Bastrop parks are set to receive major upgrades after the city’s Old Iron Bridge renovation project came in well under budget.

City Council last week said the downtown project cost significantly less than the $15 million originally allocated through the 2025 Certificates of Obligation.

Savings will allow $2.8 million to be reallocated toward park improvements — the city’s single largest investment in its parks system to date, according to officials.

The funding, which represents the first phase of a broader parks plan, includes $256,614 for Fireman’s Park, $250,048 for shaded seating at Mayfest Park, $661,253 for renovations to the Fisherman’s Park splash pad and $1.7 million for improvements at Delgado Park.