Cameron County leaders are hoping to break ground on a new community center in Santa Maria next spring.

The project would be the second phase of the county's work in the area. Phase one, the Santa Maria Community Park, opened in May on a nearly 11-acre park.

The new community center would bring services indoors. Plans include health and nutrition classes, fitness programs, educational activities and community events.

Cameron County Precinct 4 Commissioner Gus Ruiz said construction could take about six to nine months after breaking ground in spring 2027, meaning the center could be finished around the end of next year.

The county also wants to partner with local schools and universities to bring more programming to the center.

"The Santa Maria and Bluetown area, they're some of the most underserved areas in Cameron County and we need to bring more attention to these areas. And they deserve it," Commissioner Ruiz said.

Plans for the center also include a teaching kitchen, flexible event space, restrooms and an information technology room.

Ruiz said this would be the last major phase of the project, but smaller additions could still come later.

Watch the video above for the full story.