PARD Virtual Guide 2021 Vol. 01

PARD C i t y

o f

B r o w n s v i l l e

P a r k s

V I R T U A L

PARKS AND TRAILS ARE OPEN,

a n d

R e c r e a t i o n

D e p a r t m e n t

GUIDE

20 21

Volume 01

AMENITIES REMAIN CLOSED

BROWNSVILLE GOLF CENTER FRIDAY NIGHT GLOWS

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES LOCATION & VIRTUAL

With the safety of our Brownsville Parks and Recreation family and community always on our minds, please be aware that all programs, events and policies are subject to change as the situation with COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Watch for the latest updates on our website and social media @BTXPARKS

BTXPARKS.COM

(956) 546-HELP | 1338 E. 8TH ST BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Community, What a year 2020 was and while we have struggled with change, adapting, and living, for many of us completely different lives for the foreseeable future. We remain committed to you to provide alternatives, to provide safe parks, to help guide all our stakeholders as we slowly reopen. Parks, Trails, and Recreation more than ever is an essential and vital component of our community, and although our gathering has been reduced, they still play a critical role to go outside, enjoy nature, walk, run, bike, exercise, and spend safe quality time with friends and family.

Your health and safety remain our top priority, we have researched and instituted best practices from the National Recreation and Park Association, City Parks Alliance, KABOOM as well as the CDC, State and Federal guidelines. We have published our BPARD Reopening Guidelines available online @btxparks.com and have worked closely with the BTX Recovers Committee and the Mayor and Commission for approvals.

Your commitment has been appreciated and we continue you to ask that you take an active role even if you have received a vaccine, as it is still unknown if you can be a carrier of COVID-19 even if you have been vaccinated, meaning that you may be able to still spread it. Therefore, please self-screen before coming out to public parks and places, wear facial coverings when in 6’ of others, practice frequent handwashing for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer when not available. Currently, PARD restrooms at parks that have them remain closed, so please plan accordingly, visit the restroom at home first, bring your own water and sanitizer, limit your group size to 10 or less.

What this Guide is and Isn’t: Well, this PARD Guide will be updated as we go, so if you have had one of our Guide’s in the past, it may look incomplete, so Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media pages or check webpage for updates every so often, as we will add more volumes to the guide.

The BPARD team has come together across all divisions, to creatively offer alternatives to our previous recreation and event offerings, a full listing of the programs, services, and facilities can be found on the following pages of this guide and on our website, btxparks.com. As more programs are added, the website will be updated in real-time. Please bookmark and check the website frequently to stay involved in our BPARD community.

On behalf of the BPARD Team, we thank you for your patience and understanding. We truly do consider it a privilege to serve you, we cannot wait until we can gather again together, to host your celebrations, and special moments that make life worth living, it is why we do what we do.

Your servant leaders and PARD family,

Damaris McGlone, CTRS

Parks and Recreation Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Stay connected with us. Follow like and share with us on social media @btxparks.

COB PARD VIRTUAL GUIDE • Message from Director • Current Amendment Declaration • Safety Measures

2 4 5

Parks and Trails are Open • Parks are Open • 4 Open Playgrounds

6 7

Programs • Borrow My Gear 8 • Lone Star Legacy Park Designation 10 Events & Activities • Things to Do • 2020 Highlights

12 15

Brownsville Golf Center • About Golf Center • Glow Golf

16 17

Getting Around • Parks Map • Connect with PARD

18 20

COB PARD is operating under CURRENT AMENDED DECLARATION Of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency, allowing the department to offer limited programs, events and open some of its parks with additional operational guidelines. For the safety of all guest and staff, the city has instituted the following mesaures with guidance of city, state and federal health authorities:

MASKS

AND FACE COVERINGS

All guests over the age of 10 and staff are required to wear a mask or face covering. All guests visiting public parks are responsible for bringing their own mask and or face covering. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on your mask.

SELF

SCREENING All guests and staff cannot participate in any program or activity if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms or if they have been exposed to COVID-19. If a house member is awaiting results, please stay home until results are confrimed negative. If you do not feel well, please stay home.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,� means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

ALL PUBLIC PARKS & TRAILS ARE OPEN, HOWEVER ALL AMENITIES ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Currently only 4 park locations have opened playground amenities, one park location per district. Occupancy and age limits are posted at playgrounds, along with bilingual signage asking families to take safety precautions before visiting parks and or trails.

PRO TIP: Plan ahead. All public restrooms and ameinites are closed. Use the restroom at home before you visit a park or plan for a shorter trip. Pack for an outing, make sure you have your essentials: bring own water bottle, sanitizer, wipes, etc.

For more information, please call (956) 546-HELP.

PARK

BROWNSVILLE NORTH (EVENTS CENTER)

PARK AMENITY

Pirate Ship Playground Swings

MAX OCCUPANCY

CENTRAL AVENUE PARK

Playground

29

EDELSTEIN PARK

Playground Swings

24 8

RUIZ PARK

Playground Swings Spinner

16 8 11

20 4

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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PLAY IT SAFE District 1 Ruiz Park (2550 Ruiz Street) This 0.3 acre park is located in District 1. It is a small island at the intersection of three neighborhood streets. Due to its location, the park serves as a landmark within the community.

Capacity: 16

District 2 Central Ave Park (25 N Central Ave) Located at the intersection of North Central Avenue and Boca Chica Boulevard, this park provides a breath of fresh greenery and open space alongside the local urban landscape. Inside 0.7 acres, you will find a playground and basketball courts.

Capacity: 29

District 3 Brownsville North (1 Event Center) Steps from the popular Brownsville Events Center, Brownsville Tennis Center, and Central Parkway Trails, this this waterfront park features a tropical landscape.

It is popular destination for cyclist, joggers, and families.

Capactiy: 24

District 4 Edelstein Park (1155 Polk St.) This park is comprised of a basketball court, swing set, playground, a picnic pavilion, and a solar powered picnic table. A portion of the basketball court has been modified to accommodate a skate ramp.

Capacity: 32

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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CURIOUS ABOUT CAMPING?

Have you always wanted to go, but you couldn’t afford to, or you didn’t want to invest all the money up front because you weren’t sure you or your family would like it?

Perhaps you were intimidated by what you needed to know, and you never had any one to walk you through the steps - from what equipment do you need, to how to set it up, take it down, store it, clean it, etc.

We are here to be your guide, you can “Borrow My Gear” – The Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department will lend you the supplies so that you can test it out without the major commitment.

Borrow My Gear camping equipment lending library works just like a book library; we loan camping equipment and gear to community members who are novices to nature and the outdoor experience.

With the help of funding from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund we can aim to achieve our goal to eliminate or reduce common barriers that keep people from exploring nature and the outdoors.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Camping newbies, families, adult individuals, couples, small groups who cannot afford or are unsure of investing considerable money for an outdoor experience. You can get your camping experience by borrowing gear for free (monetary refundable deposit required) – a budget friendly way to get families and adults introduced and exposed to nature and the camping experience.

You will have a concierge help guide you through the camping process to introduce you and or your family to the love of camping and the outdoor experiences, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, exploring the stars beyond and so much more.

GET ONE ON ONE ADVICE TO TAYLOR YOUR ADVENTURE You will have a concierge help guide you through the camping process to introduce you and or your family to the love of camping and the outdoor experiences, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, exploring the stars beyond and so much more.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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HOW IT WORKS

BORROW Anyone can borrow the gear. Contact COB PARD, call (956) 547-6860. Find out what gear is available and dates to borrow the gear.

EXPLORE Once registered and booked. Pick up your gear and head on to your destination. You will need to bring food, and whatever your favorite beverage is and you’re set.

RETURN Pack it up and bring it back to us. Make sure it is clean and complete when you return the gear. Epuipment must be returned in the same manner it was borrowed.

SANITIZE

3

BPARD will sanitize all equipment with an Ozone Machine between uses to take extra precautions against all communicable diseases and viruses.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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Dean Porter Park (501 E. Ringgold St.)

Dean Porter Park is a "Prized Beauty Spot"

Built along historic Town Resca, across from the world-renowned Gladys Porter Zoo and a handful of civic buildings - the Camille Playhouse, the Ringgold Civic Pavilion, the Children's Museum and the Costumes of the Americas Museum - Dean Porter Park is Brownsville's most intensely developed park. The park includes a lighted boardwalk, picnic tables, pavilions, walking paths, playgrounds, outdoor fitness stations, and more.

by B.V. Proctor, City Architect (professional baseball player).

In 1929, Ringgold Park was incorporated into the park system as the resaca dredging was completed and plans were well underway to connect the “prized beauty spot”.

About Dean Porter Park Dean Porter Park was established in 1927 and encompasses 25 acres with a unique natural water body referred to by its Spanish term, ‘resaca’. Dean Porter Park is rich in history and cultural heritage, while commemorating founding members of the Brownsville, TX community.

Great care and investment has been taken to preserve the park’s natural water feature that doubles as a storm water retention source.

The land was purchased during Park commissioner Burt E. Hinkley’s term, aided

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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In 2016, the Brownsville Public Utilities Board dredged the Resaca in the park, increasing its depth for flooding, removing built up sediment, rocks, shells, vegetation, toys, plastic bags, and more than 200 tires!

Once restored, the return of various bird species and water storage were tremendous improvements to the area.

It is estimated that the park nears an average annual attendance of 300,000 visitors.

The park is a historically cherished space for the community, and it is a nucleus from which the community generates new growth and vitalization. Dean Porter Park also has the honor of being designated a Lone Star Legacy Park.

What is a Lone Star Legacy Park?

A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on their grounds. A designation as a Lone Star Legacy is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park.

How does a park qualify?

Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and meet criteria related to historic, architectural and natural significance.

Lone Star Legacy Parks are not meant to be of a specific size, make up or location. The purpose of the designation is to recognize what a park means to a particular community.

Dean Porter Park was one of six Texas parks honored with designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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Things To Do in Brownsville Spotlight on current Features (on location & virtual)

If you decide to visit a park or trail, please follow health and safety guidelines. Protect yourself and others. Make sure you're wearing a face mask (face covering) and always practice social distancing. Avoid mass gathering. No crowds, no groups.

For the latest on what's happening with your City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department, please sign up with COB.RECDESK.COM and or follow us on social media.

Visit WWW.BTXPARKS.COM for details about your parks and trails. You may also reach out to us about upcoming classes, activities, volunteering, rentals, and more parks@cob.us.

Brownsville Farmers Market Saturdays

at Linear Park 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Support local business and buy locally

grown healthy greens. The Farmers Market is an open air activity. Hand sanitzer stations are available . Free yoga class (first 10 people only) begins at 8 a.m.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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KBB Christmas Tree Recyling Now until February 1

Keep Brownsville Beautiful. Drop your tree off at the designated park locations: Gonzalez Park (34 Tony Gonzalez Dr.) or Oliveira Park (104 El Paso Rd.) between the hours of 7 a.m to 4 p.m. Please make sure to remove all the ornaments, and other non organic materials. Still have questions, please call (956) 546-HELP.

Virtual Bike Tours @BTXPARKS Videos posted to Facebook on Fridays

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Laguna Atascosa's nature without having to leave your house. Log in to Tour De La Laguna with Ranger George at Laguna Atascosa

Virtual Zumba Daily

Via Facebook Live @BTXPARKS at 8:30 a.m.

Get moving and get points for the community. Join Instructor Mayroa for daily Zumba and Fitness online. Enjoy fun and fitness.

Log in your workouts to the It's TIme Community Challenge App.

Health and Nutrition Online

Videos posted daily on their Facebook @tsscRGV The City of Brownsville currently collaborates with UTHealth School of Public Health-Brownsville Regional Campus to carry out the functions of Tu Salud ÂĄ SĂ­ Cuenta! Currently, you can stream an array of classes on nutrition and health. Like and follow them for more information.

Pet Photo Booth

Catherine Stillman Dog Park (Month of Februrary) Drop in and take some adorable photos with your best friend at the Dog Park. Photo Prop will be on display for Valentine's Day season.

Make sure you follow all safety guidelines when visiting park.

Practice social distancing, avoid crowds and gatherings.

For more info, call (956) 546-HELP.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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Special Events: January - March 2021 As we look ahead to the new year, we are reminded that change is inevitable. Events and activities will look a little different this year. We will continue to monitor current pandemic situation. We will continue to abide by local health guidelines to ensure. We will adapt our programming based on all factors. With your help in slowing the spread, we can look forward to more events. Make sure you always follow health and safety guidelines.

Stay connected, bookmark this page as it will be evolving and changing as time progresses.

You may also want to create a profile at WWW.COB.RECDESK.COM.

04

13

01-28

02

JANUARY

It's Time Texas Challenge begins

JANUARY

KBB Christmas Tree Recycling begins and will continue until Feb. 01. Call (956) 546-HELP.

FEBRUARY

Visit Catherine Stillman Dog Park at your leisure, and take photos with your dog. #btxdogs

March

Texas Independance Day. Keep the Texas spirit alive with virtual tours online.

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15

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JANUARY

MLK DAY Day of Service.

Volunteer opportunities available. Call (956) 546-HELP.

FEBRUARY Presidents Day. Observed Holiday.

March

Daylights Savings begins.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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2020 Highlights End of the year

PARK AFTER DARK 0.5

Last year we did Halloween a little different....

Trick or Treaters were on four wheels as they drove thru the Brownsville Sports Park for a variety of free treats and goodies- candy, hand sanitizer, and butterfly net.

PUMPKIN RUN Did you know pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene?

Did you also know, running with a pumpkin is a fun and socially distant activity too?

Participants of all ages participated. The event was sponsored by Los Trevi.

LETS MOVE MORE 60 DAY CHALLENGE

BTXPARKS challenged everyone to move more. The method of movement was up to you-walking, running, biking, rolling and or strolling. For 60 days, we featured a park and or trail.

Be a part of 2021!

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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BROWNSVILLE GOLF CENTER

1 8 0 0 W. S a n M a r c e l o B o u l e v a r d B r o w n s v i l l e , T X 7 8 5 2 6

Brownsville Golf Center has been working diligently to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and align the operations of the golf course with the recommendations of the public health orders that have been issued. We are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of both the public and our staff.

If you have questions, give us a call (956) 541-2582

18-Hole Regulation Course The Brownsville Golf Center is an 18 hole regulation golf course.

We are open 363 days out of the year. We provide our patrons with a friendly, courteous, and experienced staff...

Amenities

Contact Us

We keep the golf course well manicured, and our facilities clean and organized. We stock a variety of cold import and domestic beer, and various assortments of soft drinks. Our snack bar is known for our delicious quarter pound jumbo hot dogs, and we also carry an assortment of candies, chips, and Danish.chips,

We encourage junior golf by providing great prices for adults and youth, promoting and accommodating a family friendly dynamic.

We invite you to come and enjoy the rich history and culture of our city, and our beautifully maintained golf course, you will be glad you did!

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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Paredes Line Rd.

City of Brownsville Parks Map 12

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Palo Alto Battlefield National HIstorical Park

Paredes Line Rd.

69 E

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The mission of the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department is to directly contribute to the City’s quality of life by providing exceptional programs, facilities, parks and trails while celebrating and preserving the community’s natural and cultural heritage.

A visit to the park will help you get fresh air, revitalise and rejuvenate you. Fresh air is necessary for our body to function properly. Whatever the nature of your work, you'll need to spend at least a few minutes out in the open every day, and visiting the park is the best way to achieve that.

Did You KNOW?

Brownsville's semi-tropical climate is recognized as one of the most delightful in the nation. The city has an average temperature of 74 degrees and an average rainfall of 25.55 inches. Average relative humidity is 75.25%. The comfortable year-round climate provides for an abundance of recreational fun and activities.

WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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PARKS, TRAILS, & FACILITIES

* Parks/Playgrounds * are part of the Paseo De La Resaca Trail System.

1

14th Street Plaza

16 La Galaxia/Lomita Park

31 Portway Acres

2 Alice Wilson Hope Park

17 La Posada Park

32 Prax Orive Jr (Sunrise) Park

3 Brownsville Community

18 Lincoln Park

33 Downtown Rec Center

19 McNair Park

34 Eva's Path & Parklet

4 Brownsville Sports Park

20 Monte Bella Park and Trails

36 Riverside Park

5 Brownsville Events Center

21 Morningside Park

37 Rosa Allala Park

6 Brownsville Golf Center

22 N Brownsville Little League Park

38 Ruiz Park

7 Central Avenue Park

23 Joe & Tony Oliveira Park

39 Southern Pacific Linear Park

8 Charles Martin Cabler Sr. Park

Paseo De La Resca includes:

40 Southmost Waterplein Park

9 Old City Cemetery

24 * Central Parkway Park *

41 Catherine B. Stillman Dog Park

10 Dean Porter Park

25 * Heritage Trail Park *

42 Tres Angeles Park

11 Edelstein Park

26 * Hudson South *

43 Veterans Memorial Park

12 FM 511 Kickball Field Park

27 * Hudson North *

44 Washington Park

13 Garfield Park

28 * N. Brownsville Park & Tennis Center *

45 W. Brownsville Little League Park

14 Antonio Gonzalez Park

29 * Seville Park *

46 Windwood Park

15 John Gloor Park

30 Brownsville Bike Bark

Resource Center

Belden Trail Downtown Brownsville; a safe pedestrian and riding connection in West Brownsville.

Brownsville Sports Park Hike & Bike Trail The nature trail, a lake, boardwalk and hiking paths.

Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail, a nationally recognized trail. The 9 mile trail begins at Linear Park and finishes at Palo Alto Battlefield.

Monte Bella Trails Park, it is located off of W. Alton Gloor Blvd. It features a beginner level 7 milessingle track mountain bike course.

Paseo De La Resaca Trail System, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, it is part of a 10,000-acre master planned community on the former Hudson Ranch. It consists of 128 acres of parkland, including marinas and amenities, 4.1 miles of resacas, 7 miles of paved hike and bike trails, and playgrounds*.

Southmost Nature Trail a concrete multi-use path in Brownsville, Texas that extends 1.75 miles, connecting to Porter High School and Del Castillo Elementary.

Visit our website for location details andamenities: BTXPARKS.COM You may also reach out to us via email at parks@cob.us or call (956) 546-HELP. WWW.BTXPARKS .COM

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PARD C i t y

o f

B r o w n s v i l l e

P a r k s

a n d

R e c r e a t i o n

D e p a r t m e n t

Office Locations:

#

Downtown Recreation Center || (956) 542-2064 1338 E 8th St., Brownsville, TX 78520 City Plaza || (956) 542-2064 1034 E Levee St., Brownsville, TX 78520 Brownsville Sports Park || (956) 574-6650 1000 Sporks Park Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78526 Gonzalez Park Urban Center || (956) 657-6857 34 Tony Gonzalez Dr., Brownsville, TX 78520

Connect

and Share

Sams Pool || (956) 542-0949 501 E. Ringgold St., Brownsville, TX 78521 Brownsville Events Center || (956) 554-3886 1 Events Center Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78526

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.

@BTXPARKS (956)546-HELP

(956) 546-HELP (4357) is Brownsville's non-emergency online directory of city services. Use this number to find information, ask questions, comment, and make requests and suggestions to City officials.