ORANGE, Texas — Orange city leaders have big plans in the works for the new year.
They hope these projects will make Orange a better place to live, work and play as they grow in 2024.
City of Orange Director of Planning and Community Development Kelvin Knauf says the city's already working to accommodate the influx of people who are expected to move in.
Exciting renovations are coming to the Cove Recreation Center.
"A play escape has been installed and then it's gonna be a children's village installed," he said.
The city hopes to start this project in January.
"You know it's gonna make that area so much more pleasant for residents and children in the cove area," Knauf said.
The city is also adding a new parking lot at the Riverside Pavilion to fit more people.
"You know with our infrastructure and with our services. We definitely are preparing for new residents to come in, new businesses to come in and preparing for the future," said Knauf.
Late January, city council members are set to approve the contract for more demolition to the Sabine Park Apartments, which are under new management.
"That's an old dilapidated apartment complex. You know where there was significant problems. And so we will be demolishing the next section of those Sabine Park Apartments after the first of the year," Knauf told 12News.
Their plan is to make it more sanitary and safe for people that live across from the the apartments.
The city also wants to tackle drainage issues. Crews are set to add concrete lining to Coopers Gully drains. They will help them drain faster.
"We will continue to improve drainage throughout 2024. Certainly that's a big issue in Orange," said Knauf.
There will also be new tourist signs across the city to help people find the museum, Lutcher Theater and other popular landmarks.
"Perception that we're tourist friendly, and that we want tourism, and to promote tourism. As well as our own citizens," said Knauf.
2024 will be a year of growth for Orange.
"Well I think 2024 is shaping up to be a very exciting year. That there's gonna be a lot of projects completed. And new developments coming in," Knauf said.
The city will also be tearing down old buildings on 16th street to make way for new businesses in the area.