Several improvements to parks in Pearland and Friendswood, including the addition of new facilities, are scheduled to be complete in the next two years, providing residents and visitors with more field space, walking trails and general-use centers, officials said. “Parks and recreation plays a large part in the lives of our residents,” Pearland Parks and Recreation Director Chris Orlea said. “We are receiving positive feedback on [our parks] improvements and look forward to more.” [polldaddy poll=9249114]

Pearland parks

Pearland voters approved several city parks projects as part of a 2007 bond referendum. The bond package included $16.22 million for the Recreation Center and Natatorium at 4141 Bailey Road. The package also included nearly $20 million in funding for other park projects. “The momentum within the city of Pearland related to parks and recreation is tremendous,” Orlea said. “The growth is fueled in part by funding approved by voters in a 2007 bond package, and [it] demonstrates that we are enhancing a system the community truly believes in.” Among the projects were a pair of sports complexes and a nature center. The Max Road Sports Complex—which includes five soccer fields, one multiuse field and a restroom and concessions building—was completed in August, but the other sports park and the nature center are both under construction. All bond projects were scheduled to be complete within a nine-year time frame. However, the economic slowdown from 2007-09 caused some delays, which resulted in inflated construction costs, according to a Nov. 2 bond package status update from the city. Phase 1 of the Shadow Creek Sports Complex at Shadow Creek Parkway and Kingsley Drive is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2015. The new park will include amenities, such as eight baseball and softball fields, one soccer field and six volleyball courts. The Delores Fenwick Nature Center, located off Magnolia Street behind the John Hargrove Environmental Center, will offer a 7,500-square-foot building and tree farm. The facility will include an open-air pavilion with environmental displays, demonstration gardens, exhibits, restrooms and a classroom capable of seating 50, according to city data. The facility will be complete in 2017. Completed park projects from the 2007 bond also include a hike and bike trail from Centennial Park to west of FM 1128, which was completed in July 2012. Independence Park, at 3919 Liberty Drive, will receive a new playground and enhancements to existing pavilions. According to city data, construction is scheduled to be complete in 2017. Funding is coming from the city’s 2016 budget. Pearland’s updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan indicates the city is building its facilities with certain community demographics in mind, such as its aging population. About 30 percent of its current population falls between ages 45-74, according to the documents. “[Baby] boomers will look to park and recreation professionals to give them opportunities to enjoy many life-long hobbies and sports,” according to the update. In addition, data suggests community members are more interested in “nature programming,” such as nature hikes, fishing-related events and nature-based educational programs, officials said. Focus groups put together by the city indicate that although many residents are satisfied with the overall parks and recreation facilities, they feel Pearland lacks sufficient adult programming, covered play areas and hike and bike trails, among other things. Many of the park improvements from the 2007 bond package will address these concerns, officials said. “When the parks [and recreation] department developed projects for the 2007 bond packages the community needs were assessed, and that was the basis for those projects,” Pearland Assistant City Manager Trent Epperson said.

Friendswood parks

Similarly, Friendswood has a number of parks projects underway from its $7.2 million 2013 bond package. “The parks will be something the public will look forward to,” Friendswood Parks and Recreation Director James Toney said. “They provide additional amenities and field space for the public and the youth while improving our overall park system.” Although the improvement projects will increase the overall maintenance and operations budget, Toney said nonprofit groups, such as local youth sports teams, will likely help assist in the cost through work days and capital improvement efforts. For example, at Renwick Park the Friendswood Little League mows the field and takes care of small maintenance items, and the city pays for lighting and fencing and other big-ticket items. “In essence, it helps with the overall cost,” Toney said. “We will propose this idea to some of the other user groups like football, soccer and lacrosse organizations and hope they are willing to follow the Renwick Park [Little League] model.” The city is also saving money by developing many projects in-house rather than using a general contractor or architect for design, Toney said. Results from a 2009 online survey indicated a high percentage of respondents wanted more park facilities and programs, hike and bike trails and more neighborhood parks. “The citizens of Friendswood want more parks, green space and trails,” according to the city’s needs and assessment identification. “Opportunities outdoors [are] what the citizens desire.”