Parks improvements abound in SETX

Beaumont is not alone when it comes to the efforts to improve parks and recreational spaces in Southeast Texas, and is joined by the city of Orange, which will soon to add their seventh city park, Cove Recreational Area Park.

Last week, Beaumont City Council approved the previously tabled purchase and installation of playground equipment for Combest and Babe Zaharias parks to the tune of $79,403.51. In the previous meeting, these two parks were tabled as several councilmen expressed their concern for the lack of need at these two parks, as well as the suggestion of diverting funds, led by Ward 2 Council Member Mike Getz, who was pushing for a covered pavilion to be added at Rogers Park.

Several councilmembers spoke up and expressed no objection to adding the pavilion into consideration for the future budget, and all councilmembers voted to proceed with approving Combest and Babe Zaharias park improvements.

Nearby in the City of Orange, Grants Administrator Rita Monson presented information to City Council on July 11 regarding the purchase and installation of the children’s village play equipment at the Cove Recreational Area Playground. The Little Tikes commercial play equipment is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and will include a tot builder playhouse, market stand, truck, traffic light and barnyard, among other amenities. Funded by a Community Development Block Grant, the Orange City Council unanimously approved the $64,975.80 purchase. According to Monson, All Play Inc. has estimated the timeline for installation to take place this December.

The park area is currently partially fenced and features an informational and historical kiosk detailing the history of the area, the plan for the park, as well as information about their most generous donors Dow Chemical and Chevron. Monson said that Dow Chemical has donated a $75,000 grant to be used for the parks area, and Chevron has also donated benches that will soon be installed.

The most recent purchase of equipment is merely part of the larger master plan for the Cove Recreational Area.

“We just updated Brownwood Park in October of last year,” said Monson. “Navy Park and Ridgemont were both updated within the last five years, and a new playground is going to go beautifully where the old Cove School once stood.”

Located at the corner of Dupont Drive and West Campus Street, the main play structure totaling $77,480 is scheduled to be installed in September, with the excess of the $100,000 budget intended to be spent toward the walking trail, parking, or other park needs depending on local donations.

Once complete, and pending council approval, the park will feature a covered pavilion, which Monson said would likely be budgeted from the 2023 grant year funds.

Nearby, Vidor’s Conn Park is finishing the new restroom facility at 19161 IH 10, near the City Pool, where City Secretary Betty Strong said the municipality plans to host the first Vidor Music Friendly Jam, also the first event for the grounds on Saturday, Sept. 2, featuring a local music competition, beer garden, vendors and children’s activities.