Letter to the Editor

I recently ran the El Paso Marathon. I love this city — but every time I crossed I-10 during the race, I couldn’t help but think: what if we ran on something instead of over something?

The Deck Plaza isn’t just about covering a freeway — it’s about creating the kind of city people my age want to stay in. During the race Downtown, I dodged concrete barriers and breathed in exhaust. Imagine running through 6.5 acres of green space instead — fewer stop signs, more trails and real connections between neighborhoods.

I want to continue to build a career here and raise a family here. But cities that keep young people are cities that invest in their future. The Deck Plaza says El Paso is serious about becoming a place where talent wants to stay and grow.

This isn’t just infrastructure — it’s a statement about what we value. After finishing that marathon, I want to feel excited about the city I ran through, not just proud that I ran. Let’s build a city worth running through — and for.

- Erich Schaefer, West El Paso

This letter originally appeared in El Paso Times on March 9, 2026.

Read the original letter here.