The city’s Zacate Creek Linear Park is getting a facelift. About a dozen students from the Vidal M. Trevino Magnet School are beautifying the park with colorful murals on the area’s old concrete bridge supports.

The students are partnering with the city of Laredo’s Parks and Recreation Department. The project was conceived by the department to fulfill a grant requirement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The students designed the colorful murals currently being painted on the bridge supports. Under the direction of art instructor Jorge Vasquez, work began on Monday, Dec. 20 and will continue for about 10 days.

The site was chosen for its historical value and for its prominence along the Zacate Creek Park. The bridge supports are what remain of the old electric railcar system that ran through Laredo from the early 1900s until 1935.

Design features for the mural include cultural elements, such as a piñata party and a quinceanera, and historical elements, such as the electric railcar and the seven flags over Laredo.

The students’ colorful design work will complement the new developments and park improvements that are taking shape at Zacate Creek. This includes sidewalk improvements, trails, bird and fishing stations, park benches, playgrounds, picnic shelters and landscaping throughout the park, which spans from south of Lyon Street to the Rio Grande. The project represents about a $1 million investment in the area.

Local restaurants and other proprietors have partnered in the project to provide breakfast and lunch to the volunteers, including McDonalds, Burger King, Holiday Inn and Rodriguez Catering.

For more information on this and other Parks and Recreation projects, call (956) 795-2350.