BRENHAM PARKS AND REC BOARD GIVES FEE SCHEDULE RECOMMENDATION

  

The Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board gave its approval of the 2022 Parks and Recreation fee schedule, with one recommended change from last year’s rates, at its meeting today (Wednesday).

The lone change suggested by the board pertains to private pool rentals at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center.  The board is recommending an increase for rentals of the outdoor leisure pool from $300 to $350, while a separate charge of $50 for renters bringing in their own food is being removed.

City staff members explained that the majority of patrons brought in their own food anyway when renting the facility, so this change is meant to streamline the rental process.

The board’s recommendation will be taken to the Brenham City Council in December for approval before publishing rates.

Also at today’s meeting, board members also went over this year’s schedule of sports tournaments held in city parks and previewed what next year’s schedule looks like so far.

Parks Superintendent Casey Redman said so far this year, the city is up to 32 tournaments hosted with 570 teams, and expects 39 tournaments will have been hosted by the end of December.  In 2020, the city had 34 tournaments with 695 teams.

The city currently has 57 tournaments booked in 2022.  At this time last year, according to Redman, 62 tournaments had been booked coming into the new year.

Public Works Director Dane Rau said the city is seriously considering adding turf to some of its baseball and softball fields, particularly to the infields, because of high demand and to help with maintenance.  He said the city has the item in its seven-year plan, but may move it up in priority.

The board also received an update on various Parks and Recreation projects funded in the 2021-22 Fiscal Year.