Students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) will soon have access to a new natural park in the center of campus. UTEP President Heather Wilson and Vice President for Business Affairs Col. (Ret.) Brendan Gallagher, Ph.D., revealed plans for the restoration of the arroyo during an event held on March 4.
The project will feature a large pavilion with seating and shade, a bridge connecting Texas Western Hall to the Union, installation of an owl sculpture from artist Tom Lea’s home, terraced lawns, and a tree grove near Texas Western Hall. The removal of the Liberal Arts Building will allow for full restoration of the arroyo and extend Centennial Plaza’s landscape design up to Texas Western Hall.
“The arroyo will be restored to its natural beauty, with adjoining gardens that are as beautiful as the rest of our campus,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson.
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects designed Arroyo Park. The firm has worked with UTEP for more than 25 years and also designed Centennial Plaza. Christine E. Ten Eyck, president of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, stated: “This project stands as a testament to UTEP’s dedication to reconnecting students with the vital, historic arroyo that courses from the Franklin Mountain watershed. By restoring both the ecological health and cultural significance of this sacred path, UTEP reinforces its mission to bring together people, place, and culture in meaningful ways. The newly constructed bridge—linking Texas Western Hall and the Student Union—beautifully embodies this vision. Not only does it serve as a practical passage, but it also symbolizes the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering connection and honoring the unique landscape that shapes the campus experience.”
The owl sculpture is a gift from Tom Lea’s family. It originally was created for the El Paso Library but was retained by Lea when it did not fit there. Next to it will be a quote from John Burroughs’ book “The Summit of the Years”: “I go to books and to nature as the bee goes to a flower, for the nectar that I can make into my own honey.”
Arroyo Park will be completed in two phases: phase one near Texas Western Hall is set for completion in 2028; phase two will begin later in coordination with renovations on the Union building. The entire project is expected to finish by 2031.
The park’s style will reflect Bhutanese-inspired architecture similar to Centennial Plaza. Natural rock outcroppings will remain part of the landscape.
“We are designing this park to meet the needs of our growing campus community,” said Gallagher. “It will offer a space for students to study and relax, all while enjoying the natural environment around them.”
Texas Western Hall opened in January 2026 as UTEP’s newest learning complex and replaced the older Liberal Arts building. Funding for Arroyo Park comes from resources allocated within a $110 million construction project supported by both state lawmakers and The University of Texas System Board of Regents. Project management allowed all features planned for Arroyo Park’s two phases because work finished on time and under budget.
The Liberal Arts building had served students since 1961 but was built when enrollment stood at about 4,000; in fall 2025, UTEP surpassed 26,000 students enrolled.
