A Community Asset Deserves Community Care

On the morning of May 31, Kinney County Judge John Paul Schuster took to Facebook to voice a concern many local residents quickly echoed: the county splash pad—one of our newest and most cherished community improvements—had been left in disarray, coated in mud and neglected by careless visitors. The splash pad, which officially opened in 2024, is part of the Kinney County Park Development Project, a milestone achievement made possible by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant and the dedicated planning and labor of county officials, employees, and local volunteers. It’s more than just a place to cool off in the summer heat; it’s a testament to what our community can accomplish together—a free, family-friendly space that encourages outdoor play, wellness, and connection.

  The outpouring of support in the comments section of Judge Schuster’s post made one thing clear: our community values this asset. But valuing it means more than using it—it means taking care of it. Public spaces belong to all of us. That means we all share the responsibility of treating them with respect. Keeping these areas clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about stewardship. When we fail to clean up after ourselves or allow others to damage or disrespect shared spaces, we undermine the very spirit of community those spaces are meant to foster. The splash pad was built for everyone—especially local families and children, as an option for outdoor recreation during the summer months. It’s a place of joy, cooling off, and connection. But it is also vulnerable. Maintaining it requires not only time and funds, but also pride and personal responsibility from every resident.

   Community improvements like the splash pad are hard-won. They require vision, grant writing, approvals, construction, and ongoing maintenance. When we allow such spaces to fall into neglect, we jeopardize not just their future, but our chances of securing support for similar improvements down the line. Judge Schuster’s call for help wasn’t just a plea for cleanliness—it was a reminder of what makes a strong community: mutual respect, civic pride, and collective effort. Let’s all do our part to ensure that the splash pad and other public amenities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Because a community that cares for its shared spaces shows that it cares for one another.