PARKS AND REC BOARD HEARS JACKSON ST. PARK UPGRADES

  

The Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held a meeting Wednesday to hear an update on the Jackson Street Park Master Plan.  Shane Howard with Burditt Consultants presented the board with two options for upgrades to the park. The upgrades include updated lighting for the playing fields and trails at the park, shade structures, expanding the walk and bike trails, upgraded bathrooms, an open-air pavilion, and a possible cover for the basketball court.  The improvements are estimated to cost between 4.1 and 4.5 million dollars.  JC Robinson of the Brenham Pickleball Association was in attendance and urged the board members to compare the use of the pickleball courts to the soccer fields.  He also brought up the use of illegal drugs at the park and how it conflicts with the family image. Brenham Director of Public Works Dane Rau said the fields are not meant to be competition fields:

The discussion turned to parking lot capacity, adding pickle ball courts, and possibly moving the basketball court.  It was only a work session item so no action could be taken.  Shane Howard urged the board members to talk with the users of the park to get their input.

In other action, board members also got an update on the BCDC Funded Items.  The Therapy Pool parking lot at the Aquatic Center opened Monday and is in use.  The refurbishment of the men’s and women’s locker rooms at the Aquatic Center are currently getting quotes, and Phase 1 of the playground Equipment for the Brenham Family Park are currently on hold until the Parks and Wildlife Department funds the project.  The board also heard a report on ongoing usage of Brenham parks from the Aquatic Center to the Antique Carousel.