In the coming months, Pearland plans to open a new sports complex, and Friendswood will add softball fields at its facility. Both cities plan to complete park projects that voters approved as part of bond packages.

In Pearland, the Shadow Creek Ranch Sports Complex will open sometime this summer, according to

Christopher Orlea, Pearland Parks and Recreation Department director. The 65-acre sports park at the intersection of Shadow Creek Parkway and Kingsley Drive will include multiple baseball and softball fields in addition to a turf field, volleyball courts and a playground. The complex will also include a covered pavilion and a concessions facility.

City sports parks near completion
Pearland, Friendswood bond projects add fields, amenities[/caption]

“The athletic fields will primarily be scheduled for recreation leagues via the Parks & Recreation Department, and the park amenities will be available to the general public in accordance with established community park operating hours,” Orlea said.

Although voters approved a bond referendum in 2007 to fund the $6.57 million park, construction did not begin until winter 2014, Orlea said.

Friendswood is wrapping up additions to its existing sports park, which will also bear a new name. City Council approved the renaming of the facility to Cpl. Steven Schulz Sportspark in honor of a Marine from Friendswood who was injured while fighting overseas.

City sports parks near completion
Pearland, Friendswood bond projects add fields, amenities[/caption]

The park project—which was part of a 2013 bond package—will add four youth softball fields to go along with the existing four adult-sized fields. James Toney, Friendswood Parks and Recreation Department director, said the fields will open in time to host the Amateur Softball Association youth state tournament in late May.

Lighting pole upgrades were installed at the existing fields in the complex, and a new concessions and restroom facility was also included in the project. A matching concession stand will be built near the youth fields, Toney said.

“Providing the [Friendswood] Girls Softball Association with their own youth fields is a big advantage for them,” he said. “They initially had to share fields with the adult program, and those fields are [much] larger than youth fields. For them, it gives them their own complex to enjoy.”