ABC-7 Listens: Concrete tests delay opening of John Lyons Park in East El Paso

Although Lyons Park in East El Paso appears to be completed, city officials urge residents to keep out until it officially opens.

Before basketball courts and playgrounds were installed, the land was a medical waste site that cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up.

Today, the park has landscaping, picnic benches, a gazebo and even a futsal court, all done with quality-of-life money.

But residents will have to wait a little longer to enjoy it..

“I would like to know why the new park on Cheryl Ladd still has chain link,” wrote Gail in an e-mail to ABC-7 Listens. “On any given day in the evenings, there are at least a dozen adults and children on the playground or walking inside!”

A city spokesman said the park remains closed because the city is conducting some studies, and residents should not go in there.

“The opening of John Lyons Park was delayed while the city of El Paso conducted necessary tests of concrete used in the basketball and futsal court,” said Martin Bartlett, a city spokesman. “The fence will remain up until the park is officially opened which should occur in the coming weeks.”

A specific date for the grand opening of John Lyons Park is unavailable, but Bartlett said it will be soon.

In the mean time, he urged people to stay out.

The park was completed in April of this year.