WEST ODESSA, Texas — Families in West Odessa are celebrating the grand opening of a new Kellus Turner Park, marking a long-awaited upgrade to the community.
The new playground isn’t just a place for kids to play — it’s a symbol of hope and revitalization for the area.
Community members and local officials gathered to celebrate what many say is a much-needed addition. The park gives children a safe space to enjoy and provides families with an accessible place to connect.
“We know that play is a form of learning,” Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett said. “By having this park here, right next to the school in this hub area of Kellus Turner, we’re excited about the future.”
For some longtime residents, the park represents a significant transformation.
“It was nothing but drug activity around here,” one resident said. “When they built the school, things started to calm down. Now, with the park, it opens up a whole new adventure for the community.”
The $250,000 investment is expected to have a long-term impact, encouraging outdoor play and fostering friendships among generations of children. Nine-year-old Macy Nichols is already enjoying the new amenities.
“I just love this whole playground and how fun it is,” Macy said. “We used to have nowhere to go unless it was 20 minutes away. Now we can just walk here, and it’s so much fun!”
Officials say the park is only the beginning of a larger effort to revitalize West Odessa. Fawcett shared plans for a countywide parks master plan, which will leverage grants and available land for future projects.
“There’s empirical data that shows playgrounds help educational attainment and lower crime rates,” Fawcett said. “This park is just step one in a series of projects. We’re talking about adding nature programming, telescopes, and even ponds. We’re looking to the future, and we’re excited about what’s to come.”
Allie Kalber, a West Odessa resident, believes the park will help encourage kids to play outside.
“I think it’ll transition them out of the electronic era and get them back to playing outdoors,” Kalber said.
For now, Kellus Turner Park is already making a difference, providing families with a safe and welcoming space just in time for the holidays.