City of Mineral Wells and Partners Announce Groundbreaking for Downtown Parks & Infrastructure Improvements, Backed by TIRZ Funding

The City of Mineral Wells, the TIRZ Board, downtown property owners, and community stakeholders are proud to announce the groundbreaking of a transformative downtown parks and infrastructure initiative. Anchored in the City’s Master Parks & Recreation Plan, this multi-component project will create Poston Square Park, a pickleball & public restroom pavilion, and a public parking area, all in the heart of Historic Downtown Mineral Wells. 

What is a TIRZ, and how was it established in Mineral Wells?

A Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) is a financing tool created under Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code. It allows cities to reinvest property tax revenue growth from new development within a designated area back into that same area.

Here’s how it works:

• Base Value: When the zone is created (2008 in Mineral Wells), the appraised property value is frozen at its base level.
• Increment: As property values rise, the difference between the base and new value (the increment) generates additional tax revenue.
• Reinvestment: Instead of going into the general fund, this increment is dedicated to a special account and reinvested in infrastructure, parks, and public improvements inside the specific zone.
• No New Taxes: Property owners pay the same tax rate—this process simply redirects the growth in tax revenue.

Mineral Wells established TIRZ #2, encompassing Downtown Mineral Wells, in 2008 (Ordinance 2008-15) with a clear mission: to spur redevelopment in the city’s core, including downtown improvements and support for catalytic projects like the Baker Hotel. The TIRZ Board of Directors, appointed by City Council, oversees the use of these funds to ensure alignment with community goals. In 2020, the City adopted the First Amended Project and Finance Plan, expanding the boundaries of TIRZ #2 by roughly 2,263 acres and extending its term by 15 years, which broadened the revenue base and provided greater financial capacity to support continued investment in downtown revitalization as well as public improvement projects in newly added areas.

The Poston Square Park project is a clear example of the TIRZ plan coming to life, transforming long-term investment strategies into visible improvements for our community. Thanks to land donations by Rual Perkins, Randy & Misty Nix, and John Bumgardner, labor and maintenance support contributions by Randy & Misty Nix, and statue donation by the Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation via Nancy Richards this project will create a vibrant new community space at the heart of downtown. Work on the remaining portions is now underway, beginning with upgrades to the parking lot beside the historic Seaman Building. With phase one now complete, construction will move directly into the pickleball courts, public restroom, and new greenspace. In addition, critical infrastructure work has already been completed, including the sewer line replacement along NW 1st Avenue in June 2025 

“This project represents the very best of Mineral Wells—neighbors, businesses, and city leaders coming together to invest in our shared future. By creating new parks, recreation spaces, and infrastructure downtown, we’re not just building amenities, we’re building connections. These improvements will enhance quality of life for our residents, attract new visitors, and continue the momentum of downtown revitalization,” Mayor Regan Wallace Johnson. 

Project Highlights:

Poston Square Park will feature:

• A greenspace plaza and native landscaping
• A 14’ x 20’ horse sculpture, donated to the community by Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation via Nancy Richards, with relocation funded by the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class #28
• Open play area and interactive game space
• Shaded seating areas
• Multi-use event areas for vendors, stages, and festivals
• Installed food truck outlets along NW 1st Avenue
• Installed electrical podiums along NW 1^st Avenue 

Pickleball Courts & Restroom Pavilion:

• Three competition-level courts
• A public restroom pavilion supporting downtown events
• Shaded spectator seating and a multi-purpose area for festivals/vendors

Public Parking Area:

• Convenient access to shops, dining, and entertainment
• Dedicated dumpster space for businesses
• Strategically located between the historic Seaman Building and Baum-Carlock Funeral Home

Long-Term Sustainability

In a unique show of partnership, downtown business owners – Randy and Misty Nix have committed to providing maintenance support to these spaces for the first three years. This ensures quality upkeep while giving the city time to finalize future maintenance needs.

A Unique Partnership

This project has been made possible through the generosity of downtown property owners Rual Perkins, Randy & Misty Nix and John Bumgardner who have donated the land, horse statue donation by Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation via Nancy Richards, and Randy & Misty Nix who have donated labor and maintenance support to bring this vision to life. Several key areas, including Poston Square, the Seaman Building parking lot, and the site designated for the pickleball courts and public restrooms, are being gifted to the City by these property owners.

In addition, by utilizing the TIRZ funding, this project will not raise taxes for our citizens but rather reinvests the growth in property tax revenue downtown. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my taxes going up to pay for this?
 No. A TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) does not raise tax rates or create new taxes. Property owners pay the same rate — only the growth in property values generates extra revenue, and that growth is reinvested downtown. To learn more about the TIRZ#2 visit: https://bit.ly/TIRZ2Ammendment. 

Why are we spending these funds on parks instead of roads or water?
 By law, TIRZ funds can only be used inside the zone for eligible projects like parks, infrastructure, and public spaces. These dollars cannot be redirected elsewhere.

Why pickleball courts?
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. The courts also serve as flexible event space for vendors and festivals, giving the site multiple uses.

Will the public restrooms be safe and maintained?
Yes. Downtown property owners Randy and Misty Nix have pledged three years of maintenance support, and the City will continue upkeep after that. Restrooms will also be locked and monitored when not in use.

Where will people park during construction?
 The first phase of the project, the Seaman Building parking lot is already complete, adding even more spaces to that parking lot than was originally usable.

How does this benefit me if I don’t live downtown?
 A stronger, more vibrant downtown benefits the entire city. Tourism brings in hotel occupancy, sales, and property tax revenues that support citywide services. New public spaces also improve quality of life for all residents.

Will there be enough shade, seating, and family-friendly features?
 Yes. The design includes shade trees, seating areas, an open play space, and multi-use areas for events and gatherings.

Will it disrupt downtown’s historic character?
 No. This project continues Mineral Wells’ civic legacy of transforming vacant lots into community spaces — a tradition dating back to 1916.

When will it be finished?
The project is already underway, beginning with the NW 1^st Ave sewer line upgrades completed in June 2025 and the Seaman building parking lot completed in October 2025. Construction on the remaining phases will begin on Monday, October 27, 2025.