By Kelsey Heiden, Director of Parks & Recreation
College Station’s historic Brison Park, with its 100-year-old oak trees, gently rolling hills, and seasonal stream, has long been among our community’s most treasured places. Generations of residents and visitors have cherished the park as a quiet place to clear their heads, escape the hustle of daily life, or enjoy a simple lunch under the shade of the massive oaks.
The venerable 104-year-old park is also a favorite haven for avid bird watchers, especially during the spring migration.
Thanks to its historical community significance, distinctive design, and unique natural features, Brison Park has been designed as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society as an iconic park that has endured the test of time.
Brison Park has played a significant role in the history and character of College Station. It is a vivid and beautiful reminder of our past and our commitment to the future of the historic Southside Neighborhood. As our community has evolved from a small college town into a thriving city, we remain dedicated to preserving our rich and colorful history.
As part of College Park – the first off-campus residential area created for Texas A&M faculty – Brison Park was initially developed in 1921 by the Southside Development Company as Dexter Park. Nine years after College Station was incorporated as a city, it purchased the nine acres for its first municipal park in 1947. It was renamed Brison Park in 1980 in honor of Fred R. Brison, who served as mayor pro tem from 1971-74 and was a nationally renowned faculty member in Texas A&M’s Department of Horticultural Sciences for 43 years.
In 2000, the venerable neighborhood oasis took on added significance after the bonfire tragedy killed 12 A&M students on campus the previous year. The City erected lamp posts and special markers around the park’s perimeter to memorialize the fallen students. A stroll through the park takes visitors past each marker and the centerpiece memorial plaque.
Seven other parks also received the honor in the 14th year of the statewide program: Boerne City Park (Boerne), Louise Hays Park (Kerrville), Mary Kyle Harson City Square Park (Kyle), League Park (League City), Southside Lions Park (San Antonio), Dunbar Park (San Marcos), and Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Texas Parks and Wildlife).
We invite you to discover the charm of Brison Park or any of our other beautiful outdoor spaces. Our nationally accredited Parks and Recreation Department maintains 58 public parks covering over 1,900 acres, with many featuring tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, dog parks, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking paths, and nature trails.
Enjoy the beautiful Texas spring!
About the Blogger
Kelsey Heiden is in her second year as director of Parks and Recreation. She has almost 18 years of experience and was the assistant director of parks and recreation in Pflugerville (2022-23) and Leander (2021-2022). Heiden obtained a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from Texas State in 2011 and has a master’s in business administration from Southern New Hampshire.
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