A former elementary school and grounds are being transformed into a place of fun, learning, physical fitness, and social services. Bonham Elementary in McAllen, Texas served the surrounding neighborhood for many years. To consolidate resources, the local school district shuttered the school and transferred students to a nearby location. The site is located on the south side of McAllen with a population that requires additional support services for food security, medical, childcare, fine arts, and after-school resources. Adjacent to the site, there is a bus route for easy non-motorized access, a family medical clinic, and a church with a food pantry.

 
The local Boys and Girls Club group decided to purchase the former school building and grounds from the school district. The site was selected because it fulfills the vision of the club to provide services to this part of the community. When the interstate was built, it severed this portion of the city. "We felt it was important to provide our specialized park design services because giving back to the community is a cornerstone of our business model."
Heffner Design Team donated their time and expertise during the design process. The existing building will be renovated to include reimagined outdoor learning and social spaces. These spaces will be combined with counseling and food services for a complete physical and educational program. The main entrance of the building will be completely transformed with new signage, pollinator gardens, benches, and paving improvements to provide a truly welcoming and beautiful entrance experience. Outdoor classrooms will be created within the existing courtyard spaces to provide a space for native gardens and rainwater harvesting.
A reimagined park space includes improved basketball, walking, and flag football elements. Improved playground areas that increase accessibility are combined with new large picnicking spaces for multi-generational families. Enhancements to pedestrian access points help to beautify the neighborhood. A series of interconnected pathways connect all areas of interest, the main entrance to the building, and incorporate a wooded area to the south. Redesigned parking and signage add to the overall guest experience. Outdoor spaces adjacent to the building provide vegetable gardening space for the culinary arts program while providing essential life skills.
These park and building improvements will increase the property values of the neighborhood while providing essential social and recreational services. The project has not currently broken ground.