Facilities

Las Casitas Park is a 2-acre site located on the north side of South Avenue at Arundel Street. Las Casitas has been adopted by the Mexican-American culture of Emporia to serve as the site for their festivities and various improvement projects. Years ago it was the location of housing for Santa Fe crews, comprised mainly of Mexican workers. This land has been leased from the Santa Fe Railroad by the City for development of a park.

This area has been the scene of an extensive development project funded primarily by the WS and EC Jones Trust, as well as by contributions from the Mexican-American Cultural Awareness Club and other contributors. During the summer of 1981, an appropriately styled bandshell/comfort station was constructed here. In 1995 the comfort station was converted into a handicapped-accessible facility. Already located there was a large concrete slab which provides a lighted tennis and basketball court, and dance area. Features include a drinking fountain and playground equipment and flagpoles. A shelter has been constructed here and reservations for it can be made through the Parks and Zoo Office 341-4365.

This area has rapidly evolved from an abandoned, vacant lot into a pleasing and useful park. During 2000, a group or interested citizens formed the Las Casitas Foundation, dedicated to providing assistance in the future development and improvement of this park.