Volunteers plant trees at Parrigin Park during Spruce Up Helotes Days. Courtesy photo

The kids were already running around in the open field and trees that are the start of Helotes’ Parrigin Park when Ron Green, chairman of the Parks and Open Spaces committee, decided it was time to officially open the grounds.

“This will allow kids and families to begin to use the facility as we continue its development,” Green said.

City Hall resounded with applause last month after Green’s presentation on the park, which included a proposal for the “soft” opening, which occurred April 30 and drew about 25 participants.

“The community has been really supportive and very enthusiastic about the prospect of a first playground/park,” Green said. “I think it’s very important to open the park so people can start using it.”

The park, open from sunrise to sunset, presently offers an open field for children and a walking trail for parents. Future plans include two playgrounds – one for 2- to 5-year-olds and another for 5- to 12-year-olds. A basketball court, a pavilion with barbecue pits and portable restrooms have also been proposed.

Earlier in April, more than 70 volunteers – including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – planted more than 60 trees on grounds in honor of Spruce Up Helotes Day, the city’s answer to Earth Day.

The trees, donated by local dentist Donna Gottwald, carry the memorials of loved ones. Park patrons who dedicate a tree will receive a certificate that includes the GPS coordinates of the tree.

A neighbor has offered to water the trees, planted at the boundary of the park near a trail laid out by Scout Troy Walker.

Parrigin Park is located at the corner of FM 1560 and Parrigin Road.