LA VILLA – The Cardinals’ nest has a new and improved look thanks to a $5 million bond that was passed last November.

With some of that cash, the La Villa school district has been upgrading their athletic facilities. Already, the high school has new turf for their baseball and softball fields. New turf and a new track surface is on the way for the football stadium.

That’s big news for the Cardinals.

“We had some days where it rained and our kids were waiting,” said La Villa football coach and athletic director Danny Perez. “We had to send them home. We couldn’t use the field. It was really, really bad. So now with the turf, in 30 minutes, that water is gone and we’re ready to go.”

There’s also upgrades indoors. The basketball gym has a new floor and a new large Cardinal mural.

“We don’t want our kids to go anywhere else,” said Perez. “We want to have the best facilities here just like our neighbors. We want our kids to stay here and compete here with us.”

Coach Perez says these upgrades will benefit the entire La Villa community.

“It’s a small town and athletics are up there,” said Perez. “It’s where everybody gathers. Everybody is excited about the deal. I’m glad they thought about the athletic program. It’s something that gets people excited. The kids want to play. I think it’s great for our community.”

Cardinal country is looking sharp, and there’s still more work to be done.