Until now, Lobit Park—which is 27.5 acres near the southwest quadrant of the intersection of FM 646 and Dickinson Avenue—has been owned by Galveston County.
Sarah Greer Osborne, director of communications and media relations, said the acquisition is in line with the city’s master parks plan, which seeks to add more city-owned parkland to League City.
However, Council Member Larry Millican voted against the agreement, saying the park is already in the city’s master park plan and not actually adding acreage to the city’s parks. Additionally, it will cost League City more than it is worth to get the park improvements the city wants, he said.
“I think [for] the citizens of League City, it’s not a benefit for them,” he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Nick Long said the cost to get Lobit Park renovated will be 1/8 of the cost of Bay Colony Park, a new park City Council approved the design for in late January. Additionally, the park includes baseball, soccer and other sports fields the city needs, Long said.
“I think the park will be a great addition,” he said.
City Council approved the item 6-2 with Millican and Mayor Pat Hallisey opposed.
As part of the agreement, League City will waive the permitting fees and other requirements associated with the county’s renovation of the North County Annex at the park. Additionally, the county will repave the existing driveway and parking areas and plant 15 new oak trees at the park, according to a city memo.
Also according to the agreement, the county will convey the property at the end of fiscal year 2021-22, which ends Sept. 30, through a special warranty deed. Until that time, the county will continue to manage and pay for normal maintenance of Lobit Park, the memo reads.
