New Lights Approved for Swantner Park

During today’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Mayor Paulette Guajardo and the City Council approved $75,904 for additional lighting at Swantner Park to improve visibility and safety at the popular bayfront location. The park off Ocean Drive has many visitors during the early morning and night hours.

The 16-acre park currently has 17 lights, and the new ones will match them with a consistent look throughout the park. The new LED lights use 50 percent less electricity than traditional lighting, providing higher-quality lighting with clearer and brighter coloring. LEDs attract fewer insects and have a longer lifespan, better energy efficiency, and a lower carbon footprint.

The City conducted a lighting study to determine how many lights were needed at the park to allow visitors to enjoy early morning and night activities. It also considers lighting distribution to ensure no light pollution to nearby neighborhoods.

“Swantner Park is a cherished part of our community, and these lighting enhancements reflect our continued commitment to safer, more accessible public spaces,” said Mayor Paulette Guajardo. “By improving visibility throughout the park, we are creating a more secure and welcoming environment for all residents to enjoy.”

AEP will install, own and maintain the lights. The new lights' monthly cost is $225 and will be budgeted through Parks' operational funds.

Installation of the light poles is expected to begin this month, with completion expected by September.

For more information, media representatives can contact Public Information Officer Beth Becerra at 361-826-1693 or email elizabethb3@cctexas.com.