PARKS AND REC. BOARD HEARS UPDATES ON PROJECTS

  

The Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board heard updates on several projects at their noon meeting today (Wednesday).  They also heard from several members of the community about access in the parks for disabled persons.  Jessica Arbelaez, who is wheelchair bound, talked about her frustration with trying to make it to her daughter’s soccer games and how simple family outings at the park are a struggle because of the limited options for disabled persons.  She asked the Parks Board and the City to provide better access to all of the features in the parks for those who have limited mobility.

The Blue Bell Aquatic Center will have a new look when the outdoor leisure pool opens this summer.  Aquatic Center Supervisor Tammy Jaster updated the board on the improvements being made.  The children’s pool will now feature a new play area.  The water slide and the floating popsicles have also been refurbished.  The metal benches around the pool have also been replaced with colorful non-rusting resin benches.

Dane Rau, Brenham Public Works Director, discussed with the board possible options for the three baseball fields at Henderson Park.  He said that usage of the fields has fallen off in recent years and that the city currently spends about $30,000 per year maintaining the 3 fields.  The two smaller fields, Korthauer and Fink, will need to have their lighting replaced soon.  With a new housing project planned adjacent to the park, he asked the board if the space would be better used if it were a family park.  Several of the board members commented that there needs to be some open ballparks in Brenham where kids and families can play informal pickup games.  Wendy Ragonis, Brenham’s Director of Community Services said the city will be seeking input from the public for ideas for the park.

The first part of the Michael Mansfield Owsley Playground at Firemen’s Park has been completed and is now open to the public.  The play area features a synthetic base that is both soft and smooth, but the recent rains have left the area surrounding the playground extremely muddy. The playground is just part of the improvements coming to Fireman’s Park.  Several walking trails are planned to connect the library and playground with other parts of the park.  The playground will also have a shade structure over it with lighting so it can be used in the evening.  The improvements were made possible by a 750 thousand dollar donation from Robbie Gail Charette in memory of her late husband Michael Mansfield Owsley.    Dane Rau said that while the play area is officially open, it may need to be closed as parts of the library and park construction are completed.

Michael Mansfield Owsley playground1
The new Michael Mansfield Owsley playground.

Michael Mansfield Owsley playground2

Michael Mansfield Owsley playground3

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