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The 92-Acre Beast Urban Park: What To Know About El Paso’s Massive Phase II Expansion Starting In Early 2025

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The Beast Urban Park in El Paso, Texas, is more than just a massive recreational facility; it is a master-planned, 92-acre community hub that represents the cutting edge of urban park design in the Southwest. As of late 2025, the park remains a major center for sports, fitness, and community engagement, but the most exciting news is the finalization of plans for its significant Phase II expansion, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2025. This multi-million dollar enhancement promises to solidify the park's status as the largest and most comprehensive municipal recreational space in the city. The park, formally known as the Eastside Regional Recreation Center and previously the Eastside Regional Park, has already set a high bar with its state-of-the-art Phase I facilities, which opened to the public in 2021. Its sheer size and ambitious scope earned it the nickname "The Beast," a moniker that the City of El Paso has enthusiastically embraced. From a competition-quality natatorium to a complimentary computer lab, The Beast is engineered to serve a wide range of multigenerational needs, making it a powerful model for future urban development.

The Beast Urban Park Profile and Phase I Facilities

The Beast Urban Park is a monumental public works project designed to promote community connection and well-being in Far East El Paso. Its development has been a multi-year effort, resulting in a facility that has garnered significant attention for both its scale and its architectural ingenuity.

  • Official Name: The Beast Urban Park (formerly Eastside Regional Park / Eastside Regional Recreation Center)
  • Location: 13501 Jason Crandall, El Paso, TX 79938 (Far East El Paso)
  • Total Acreage: 92-acre development (Phase I is complete, Phase II is underway)
  • Architectural Design: Spearheaded by the Dallas studio of Perkins&Will in collaboration with local architecture firm In*Situ.
  • Phase I Opening: 2021
  • Architectural Distinction: The Eastside Regional Recreation Center building achieved LEED Silver certification.
  • Design Concept: The architecture is guided by the modulation of the intense, dynamic desert light and the concept of conveying the "passage of time" through its unique design elements, including tilt-wall concrete and perforated metal shade structures.

Phase I: Current Attractions and Amenities

The initial phase of The Beast Urban Park established a comprehensive indoor-outdoor recreation center that immediately became a regional draw. The facilities are designed for year-round use by the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department.

  • Natatorium: Features a 50-meter, competition-quality swimming pool, complete with a 1-meter diving board, making it a key venue for aquatic sports and programs.
  • Water Park / Aquatic Center: A dedicated outdoor water park area and aquatic center provides leisure and cooling during the intense Texas summers.
  • Recreation Courts: Includes various indoor and outdoor recreation courts, supporting activities like basketball, volleyball, and potentially future pickleball conversions, as suggested by local groups.
  • Fitness and Wellness: State-of-the-art fitness areas and studios host regular programs, such as the popular Zumba Fuzion classes.
  • Community Resources: The facility includes meeting spaces and a complimentary computer lab, emphasizing its role as a hub for both physical activity and intellectual stimulation.

The Massive $7 Million Phase II Expansion: What’s Coming in 2025

The most significant and current update regarding The Beast Urban Park is the imminent start of its Phase II construction. The City of El Paso has been hosting community meetings to finalize the design, which is part of a substantial $7 million enhancement project. The public input phase is complete, and construction is slated to commence in early 2025, bringing the 92-acre master plan closer to full realization.

This second phase focuses heavily on expanding the outdoor athletic and community gathering spaces, which are essential for a park of this immense size. The goal is to create a fully integrated recreational complex that can host major regional tournaments and large-scale community events like the annual Neighborhood Summit.

Key Features Planned for Phase II Construction

The $7 million budget for Phase II is earmarked for developing the remaining acreage of the park, transforming undeveloped land into high-quality athletic fields and public amenities. Based on the final design presented to the community, the emphasis is on multi-use sports facilities to serve a growing population.

  • Baseball Diamonds: The plan includes the consideration of two dedicated baseball diamonds fields, which will significantly expand the park’s capacity for youth sports leagues and tournaments.
  • Additional Sports Fields: In addition to the baseball diamonds, the design is considering the inclusion of at least two more multi-purpose fields for soccer, football, and other field sports.
  • Enhanced Infrastructure: Extensive construction work will involve developing the necessary supporting infrastructure, including parking, lighting, and utility extensions to service the new fields and public areas.
  • Landscaping and Trails: Phase II will likely complete the master plan's vision for integrated landscaping and trail systems, connecting the new athletic areas with the existing recreation center.

The development of these outdoor athletic facilities is a direct response to community feedback and the city's commitment to providing quality, expansive recreational spaces. The completion of Phase II will cement The Beast Urban Park as the premier destination for regional sports and recreation in El Paso.

The Architectural Philosophy: Desert Light and the Passage of Time

The design of The Beast Urban Park is as notable as its size. The architectural team from Perkins&Will and In*Situ employed a concept deeply rooted in the West Texas landscape. The entire structure is a deliberate study in how to manage the intense, dynamic desert light.

The buildings utilize a palette of materials—including tilt-wall concrete, wood slats, and perforated metal—to filter light and views, creating interior spaces that are cool, inviting, and appropriately lit for their function. This focus on light modulation not only serves a practical purpose in the arid climate but also gives the park a distinct, modern aesthetic that stands out among municipal facilities. The LEED Silver certification achieved by the recreation center is a testament to the sustainable and thoughtful approach taken by the architects.

Furthermore, the park’s overall layout and graphic elements are intended to convey the philosophical idea of the "passage of time." This subtle, yet profound, design concept elevates the park from a simple sports complex to a piece of civic architecture that encourages contemplation and community permanence.

Why The Beast Urban Park Matters for El Paso

The Beast Urban Park is a cornerstone of the City of El Paso’s commitment to urban quality of life. Its strategic location in the rapidly growing Far East El Paso area addresses a critical need for large-scale, high-quality public amenities. The combination of a competition-grade natatorium, an expansive water park, and a forthcoming array of new sports fields ensures that the park serves a diverse, multi-generational population.

The continuous development, particularly the Phase II construction beginning in early 2025, demonstrates a long-term investment in community health and vitality. As the park continues to host major events—from local fitness classes to large-scale community summits—it will remain a vital, dynamic, and essential part of the El Paso landscape for decades to come.

The 92-Acre Beast Urban Park: What to Know About El Paso’s Massive Phase II Expansion Starting in Early 2025
the beast urban park
the beast urban park

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