The Victoria City Council voted to accept a $553,000 donation from the Marcia Shanklin Foundation to fund a splash pad and improvements at Riverside Children's Park.

City Manager Jesus Garza told council the contribution brings total donations for the project, beginning with gifts first committed in 2018, to more than half a million dollars. He said the foundation had remained “supportive and ... steadfast” during leadership turnover and other delays, and that the city would present the splash pad design to council for approval in the coming month.

Myra Starkey, speaking for the Marcia Shanklin Foundation at the meeting, said, "I knew Jesus would get it done ... Marcia would be so proud." Starkey described Marcia Shanklin as a longtime local realtor who established a foundation to benefit children.

Why it matters: The private donation removes most or all of the need for city capital for the splash pad and moves the Riverside Children's Park project into the design phase. Council said the foundation would be involved in design and that the city would recognize the donor with naming rights for the splash pad.

Council action: A council member moved and another seconded the resolution to accept the donation. The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff said the city will bring design plans for council consideration within about a month and will involve foundation representatives in the design process. No construction contract or firm timelines were provided at the meeting.

Attribution: The presentation and remarks were made by City Manager Jesus Garza and foundation representatives Myra Starkey and Janet Russell.