Magnolia’s master parks plan outlines improvement projects

At its Dec. 10 meeting, Magnolia City Council approved the city’s parks and recreation master plan commissioned by Burditt Inc.

How we got here

Throughout a six-month period from October 2023 to April, public forums were held for residents to voice their desires regarding parks and recreation, and a community survey was conducted, Rachel Steele, executive director of the Magnolia Economic Development Corp., said during the meeting.

According to the presentation, project priorities outlined in the new master plan include:

• Improvements to Unity Park
• Renovations of Sullivan Park
• Improvements to the Magnolia Stroll
• A new stroll
• A new right-of-way trail along Fourth Street
• Trail opportunities

• Replacing existing playgrounds and removing unsafe elements
• Expanding the existing splash pad
• Extending the amphitheater canopy with shade sails
• Creating a new playground and family pavilion
• Expanding the skate amenities and new picnic shelters
• Refreshing existing trails and edging for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

Also of note

The city can choose the process of implementation by picking a specific project or working on improvements gradually, according to the presentation.

Magnolia can also apply for local park grants and recreational trail grants for funding, according to the presentation.

The background

Steele said the city's master parks plan had not been updated since 2007.

“We were [over]due; these plans usually get updated every five to six years, so it's been a long time,” Steele said.

Magnolia Economic Development Corp. approved working with Burditt to develop a parks master plan in 2023, per prior reporting.

Earlier this year, neighboring city Tomball approved its parks master plan, which outlined $108 million in new park space, revitalization projects and enhancement projects, Community Impact previously reported.