El Paso – The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation revealed Monday that the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation has contributed $10 million toward the proposed downtown park that will sit atop the I‑10 corridor. The gift follows a $20 million commitment from the Loya family announced less than a week earlier.
Project name and amenities
The combined philanthropy will be recognized in the naming of the development: the Fred Loya Family Deck Plaza and the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Fieldhouse. According to the foundation, the fieldhouse will provide indoor space for basketball, volleyball, soccer and pickleball, creating a year‑round recreation hub for residents.
Funding outlook
The foundation estimates the total cost to construct the deck plaza at $239 million. Earlier reporting by ABC‑7 suggested that completing all planned amenities and adjacent structures could rise to $412 million. To bridge the gap, the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation has pledged to raise $35 million in private philanthropy, already secured from CASA Auto Group, the Loya family and the Hunt family foundation.
Long‑term stewardship
Beyond construction, the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation said it will assume responsibility for the park’s long‑term operations and maintenance, ensuring the venue remains a vibrant community asset.
Foundation background
The Hunt family’s business began in 1947 as a retail lumber store in Lower Valley El Paso, and the family established its charitable foundation in 1987. Tracy Yellen, president of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are deeply grateful for the Hunt family’s generosity and longstanding commitment to our Borderplex region.”
Impact on the community
City leaders and local residents view the project as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, offering new recreational opportunities and attracting visitors to the heart of El Paso. The fieldhouse and surrounding deck plaza are expected to support youth sports programs, family gatherings, and regional tournaments, aligning with the city’s broader goals of enhancing quality of life and fostering economic growth.
The announcement underscores the power of private philanthropy in advancing public‑works projects that might otherwise rely on limited municipal budgets. With the combined $30 million from the Hunt and Loya families, the Downtown Deck Plaza project moves a significant step closer to becoming a landmark destination for El Paso’s citizens.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
