By Kelly Kelbly, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Early this year, improvements and enhancements were underway at many of College Station’s favorite and most-visited park facilities.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, followed by the economic downturn. In most cases, construction came to a screeching halt.
So, what’s the status of those projects now?
Central and Bee Creek Parks: Demolition and construction have started in Central Park and Bee Creek Park on a pavilion and restrooms. In Central Park, park users can expect more climate-controlled restrooms, a new kitchen to rent, and a larger pavilion footprint that allows for more seating and foot traffic. The athletic shed will also have more climate-controlled restrooms and seats.
In Bee Creek, user groups and patrons will also enjoy more restrooms in the structure nearest the ball fields. Staff is working with the contractor to achieve a final product that will be open to the public by the end of the year.
Fun for All Playground: Construction of Phase II of the Fun for All playground includes a sensory maze, wee-go-rounds, musical play area, restrooms, and a synthetic turf field. While the splash pad will remain closed for the season, the playground will open by Christmas.
Veterans Park & Athletic Complex: October saw the start of construction on the next phase at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, including drainage improvements for the front six athletic fields to funnel water from the playing surfaces. Concrete flumes will be constructed between the fields, and sidewalks will be added throughout the complex to provide better accessibility and get you safely to your destination.
Guests will also soon enjoy two military-themed playgrounds that are true to the spirit of the park. Other new elements include a restroom facility at the south end and the reconstruction of all three roundabouts in the park’s thoroughfare.
During construction, visitors can expect intermittent closures at various entrances and thruways. Depending on the weather, the work should be completed by the spring.
Lick Creek Park: Many of the popular trails at Lick Creek Park have been closed since last year while a major wastewater project is finished. Regrettably, the work has been delayed because of pandemic-caused material shortages. In the meantime, staff and volunteers have planted trees and worked with the contractor to improve the trail.
We expect to reopen the trail early next year.
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us at parks@cstx.gov or 979-764-3486.
About the Blogger Interim Director Kelly Kelbly is in her 20th year with the College Station Parks & Recreation Department. A native of Gilmer, Kelly is a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M.
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