College Station parks drew in more than 3 million visits in 2025 as the city prepares to launch several major park improvement projects, as presented in the July 9 City Council meeting.
The overview
The council received updates from Kelsey Heiden, the director of parks and recreation, regarding the positive impacts the parks had on the community in 2025. Heiden also briefed the council on several updates regarding the future of the parks and the department's plans.
College Station parks received nearly 3.3 million visitors in 2025, with the most popular destination being the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Heiden also complemented the public engagement the department had over the last year, with 17 events helped by 446 volunteers and large survey responses.
The parks and recreation department also had various achievements, including:
- Launch of social media accounts with over 1.6 million views since the beginning of 2026, along with a mobile-friendly registration software slated to launch this fall
- Expanded aquatics programs and attendance, growth of the Lincoln Recreation Center and high attendance for activities at the Gary Halter Nature Center
- More than 900 pass holders for senior services and more than $500,000 in sales for cemetery services
Heiden also listed the current projects from the department:
- Adamson Lagoon slide replacement: The slide is in operation this summer but will be replaced after the summer ends.
- College Station Memorial Cemetery columbarium addition: Currently sold out in the Aggie Field of Honor, so the addition is necessary for more burials, according to Parks and Recreation.
- Fun for All Playground donor plaza: Made in partnership with the Fun for All Committee, the playground will be accessible to people with disabilities.
- John Crompton Park playground replacement: Projected to start in September, the replacement includes renovated slides and playground equipment.
- Lincoln Center area improvements and splash pad: Funded by the 2022 bond, the project includes a new splash pad and general improvements to the area of the Lincoln Center.
- Mabel Clare Thomas Park redevelopment: Approved in 2025, the project will include infrastructure improvements and updates for the community space.
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan: A guide for the future parks and recreation projects for the city, it is projected to be brought to the council for consideration in September.
- Texas Independence Park at Midtown: The 120-acre park will include recreation and activities, with construction still projected to start this summer.
What the council is saying
The council complimented the work the department did in 2025 and the continued output in 2026. Council member Melissa McIlhaney said she was proud to be a resident of College Station because of departments like parks and recreation, praising how important they are for the beauty of the city.
“You guys are truly the face of this city in so many ways, and I cannot stress enough how impressed I am with our park system and the staff who make sure those resources are being deployed and used by our citizens,” McIlhaney said.
Council member Scott Shafer, who is also a professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University, said he was thankful for everything the department is doing and how the parks have changed throughout the years.
“It gives you a sense of pride in your community. You say, ‘Man, it feels so good to be in College Station, Texas,’” Shafer said. “I thank you very much.”
Council member William Wright said the parks do a great job of showcasing what the city has to offer and what it’s about, also complementing the presentation by saying what the department does for an audience.
“You all make seamless experiences for our citizens,” Wright said. “It is always flawlessly executed, which is always the most surprising thing because you have all of this stuff you’re managing. It is insanely well run.”
City Manager Bryan Woods said he also wanted to shout out what the department does with cemeteries, often “unseen” work.
“This is something that is as important to people as anything else we do. It is a heavy lift,” Woods said.
The takeaway
Heiden handed out locally harvested seeds to the council and visitors in the room to plant later in the fall after the presentation. Mayor John Nichols thanked Heiden for her presentation and said he was excited for parks and recreation to present again in the coming months.
