A Message from the Parks and Recreation Director
Dear Brownsville Residents,
As I approach my one-year anniversary serving as your Parks and Recreation Director, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible journey it has been and share my excitement for all that’s ahead.
This past year, our Parks and Recreation Department has made remarkable strides. Our team has grown stronger, our services have become more effective, and our commitment to transparency and excellence has never been clearer. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and even more proud of the people behind it: the dedicated team, community partners, and residents who make our parks and programs thrive.
This summer, we’re turning up the energy! Our summer camps are packed with fun, learning, and adventure. Families can look forward to the reopening of our city pools, giving children and campers the opportunity to splash, play, and stay active all season long. From health and wellness events to cultural celebrations and outdoor recreation, our calendar is filled with ways to connect, play, and grow together.
Parks and Recreation Director
Sean De Palma, MS, CPRE, CSSGB Parks@BrownsvilleTx.gov
Our Mission
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.
Belden Trail
End Points: 50 W. 5th Street and 1598 Old Alice Road
Belden Trail III
End Points: 1105 E. Tyler Street and 1080 Filmore Street
Central Parkway Paseo De La Resaca 2750 FM 802
Monte Bella Trails 2525 W. Alton Gloor Bouleveard
Brownsville Historic Battlefield
End Points: 1338 E. 6th Street and 8000 Paredes Line Road
Southmost Nature Trail
End Points: 3529 Southmost Road and 3720 International Blvd
Rose M.Z. Gowen M.D. Trail. (West Rail Trail)
End Points: 33 Palm Boulevard and 6371 Frontage Road
PARD MAP
14th Street Plaza | 520 E. 14th St.
Alice Wilson Hope Park | 1300 E. Levee St.
Antonio Gonzalez Park | 34 Tony Gonzalez Dr.
Brownsville Bike Barn | 624 E. Madison St.
Brownsville Community Resource Center & Senior Center | 519 E. Madison St.
Brownsville Events Center | 1 Event Center
Brownsville Golf Center | 1800 W. San Marcelo Blvd.
Brownsville North Park | 1 Event Center
Brownsville Sports Park | 1000 Sports Park Blvd.
Catherine Stillman Dog Park | 416 FM 511
Central Avenue Park | 25 N. Central Ave.
Charles M. Cabler Park | 550 Burnett Rd.
Dean Porter Park | 501 E. Ringgold St.
Downtown Rec Center (DRC) | 1338 E. 8th St.
Edelstein Park | 1159 E. Polk St.
Eva's Park and Path | 1101 E. Van Buren St.
FM 511 Kickball Park | 1355 FM 511
Garfield Park | 1640 E. Garfield St.
Harry E. McNair Park | 350 E. St. Charles St.
Heritage Trail Park | 3650 Heritage Trail Blvd.
Hudson North Park | 3000 Heritage Trail Blvd.
Hudson South Park | 2900 Hudson Blvd.
Joe & Tony Oliveira Park | 104 El Paso Rd.
John Gloor Park | 1355 PUB Dr.
La Galxia Park | 1501 Calle Espacio
La Posada Park | 1325 La Posada Dr.
Lincoln Park | 2150 W. University Blvd.
Summer 2025
AT A GLANCE
MAY
10th: KBB Cleanup at West Little League (V)(W)
17th: Lunada Artisan Market (G)(L)
24th: Master Naturalist Project (G)(E)
26th Memorial Splash Day Sams Pool (G)(S)
31st: KBB Cleanup at Trail of Texas Trees (V)(T)
JUNE
6th: MRU at Monte Bella Trails Park (G)(F)
7th: KBB Cleanup at Gonzalez Park (V)(U)
13th: Community Campout at Morningside (G)(M)
14th: Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition (A)(B)
14th: NextGen Market (G)(D)
20th: Juneteenth (G)(P)
20th: Dive In Movie at Sams (G)(S)
JULY
4th: July 4th Salute To Freedom at BSP (G)(B)
11th: MRU at Gonzalez (G)(U)
18th: Dive In Movie at Gonzalez (G)(U)
18th: MRU at Oliveira Park (G)(O)
25th: Jump Rope For Heart at BSP (G)(B)
25th: MRU at Oliveira Park (G)(O)
26th: Arts & Literacy Festival (G)(L)
AUGUST
1st: MRU at Morningside Park (G)(M)
8th: MRU at Cabler Park (G)(C)
10th: NextGen Market (G)(D)
16th: KBB Cleanup at Morningside Park (V)(M)
KEY:
(A) – Athletics
(G) – General/All Ages
(V) – Volunteer
(B) – Brownsville Sports Park
(C) – Cabler Park
(D) – Dean Porter Park
(E) – Brownsville Events Center (F) – Monte Bella Trails Park (L) – Linear Park
(M) Morningside Park (U) – Gonzalez/Urban Center (O) – Oliveira (P) – Lincoln Park (R) – Downtown Rec Center
(S) – Sams Pool
(T) – Trail of Texas Trees Park (W) – West Little League
the QR code or call (956) 542-2064 Note:
Looking ahead, this funding enables the initial planning for a new recreation center, a hub for community connection, and the development of the Southmost Water Plain Park on Boca Chica, envisioning a unique natural space. These ambitious projects, along with general amenity upgrades and a tree canopy project across various parks, represent a vital investment in our collective well-being.
Ultimately, these investments are more than just physical improvements; they reflect our deep commitment to Brownsville's heart and soul. Accessible, well-maintained parks foster healthier lifestyles, strengthen community bonds, and provide essential opportunities for all ages to connect with nature and each other. By thoughtfully enhancing our parks, we are building a more attractive, resilient, and vibrant Brownsville for current and future generations. We eagerly anticipate sharing our progress and invite you to experience an even better Brownsville, one revitalized park at a time.
SUMMER 2025 SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
MRU BLOCK PARTIES | FRIDAYS, 6 - 8 PM
Mobile Recreation Unit (MRU) summer block parties bring fun and engaging activities directly to neighborhoods, fostering community spirit and providing accessible recreation for residents during the summer months.
JUNETEENTH | JUNE 20 | LINCOLN PARK
Cultural Experiences, Learning, and Fun for the Whole Family. Celebrate and commemorate the significance of Juneteenth with live music, activities for all ages, local vendors and more.
DIVE IN MOVIE | JUNE 20 SAMS POOL
JULY 18 GONZALEZ POOL
Dive-In Movies in Brownsville, Texas offer a unique cinematic experience where viewers can float and relax in a pool while enjoying a film projected onto a large screen. Admission fees apply.
SALUTE TO FREEDOM CELEBRATION | JULY 4 BROWNSVILLE SPORTS PARK
The July 4th Salute to Freedom at the Brownsville Sports Park is a patriotic community celebration featuring fireworks, live entertainment, local vendors, and familyfriendly activities. Tailgate opens at 4 pm.
Please note: Information and dates in this publication are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions and other factors. For the latest updates, follow us on social media @BTXPARKS.
2025 ATHLETICS: YOUTH & TAAF
TAAF BROWNSVILLE TRACK TEAM
Led by a team of skilled coaches, participants will have the opportunity to participate in local TAAF meets throughout summer. Prospective team members must pass a skill evaluation the first day of the session.
Ages: 5- 18
Please present a photocopy of birth certificate at your first practice.
Registration: April 17- June 20
Cost: $75 (includes T-shirt)
Practice: May 5 - July 23
Pace Early College High School
Monday- Thursday | 6 to 8 pm
TAAF TRACK MEET SCHEDULE:
Alamo Invitational | June 12-13 | PSJA Memorial High School
Tony Trejo Invitationa l | June 19-20 | McAllen High School
Mission Invitational | June 26-27 | Sharyland High School
Palmview Invitational | July 10-11 | Palmview High School
Regional Track Meet | July 17- 18 | PSJA ISD Stadium
Games of Texas | July 31 - August 3 | Bryan, Texas
Participants must be registered by June 10 if they want to compete in the 2025 TAAF Games of Texas. Participants who qualify for advanced competition are responsible for their own travel expenses. The fee does not include the entry fee that each athlete must pay prior to each competition.
For comprehensive information regarding Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas events, schedules, registration, rules, and more, please visit the official TAAF website: taaf.com/gamesoftexas
ATHLETICS: YOUTH & TAAF
YOUTH & TAAF
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL | GIRLS
Summer Volleyball league for girls aged 7-17. Teams consist of 6-8 players, providing plenty of opportunities to learn the basics, develop skills, and enjoy friendly competition. Please note that participants must be in a team to register.
Ages: 7 - 17
Location of Play: Gonzalez Gym, Oliveira Gym Resident Fee: $40 Non Resident: $45 League Begins: May 26
Scan the QR code to register:
TAAF YOUTH VOLLEYBALL STATE TOURNAMENT
| JUNE 7 -8, 2025
Tournaments are organized by age groups to ensure fair competition. All teams are guaranteed at least 2 games.
Ages: 7 - 17
Location: Brownsville Sports Park Team Fee: $150
Scan the QR code to register:
Please
INDEPENDENT LEAGUES
Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and Kickball are run by independent leagues that lease PARD athletic field. If you would like more information about these independent leagues, please call call them.
LEAGUE
BOYSA Soccer (956) 455-7427 BRASA Soccer (956) 517-5890
East Brownsville Little League (956) 641-8020
East Brownsville Little Miss Kickball (956) 466-8705
North Brownsville Little Miss Kickball (956) 594-3190
Riverside Little Miss Kickball (956) 266-1908 South Texas Baseball (956) 832-9063
Tip-O-Tex Little Miss Kickball (956) 371-0379
West Brownsville Little League (956) 454-1769
Wild Pitch Baseball (956) 321-1459
Take your tournament or athletic event to the next level! Score big by booking gym, sports field, or park facility through the City of Brownsville!
Aquatics | Gonzalez and Sams
• 6 Lane Pool
• Diving Wel
• Deck
• ADA Restrooms
• Lawn & Chaise loungers
• Showers
Public Swim Cost of Admission
$3 General Ages 13 and over
$2 Child Ages 12 and under
$2 Senior Ages 55 and over
Public Swim General Guidelines:
• Admission fee required for entry.
• Capacity and schedules subject to change.
• Same-day, walk-up entry only; first-come, first-served.
• No re-entry.
• Ice chests and coolers prohibited.
• No weather-related refunds.
• Ages 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
Note: Always check the weather before heading out! All outdoor activities and programs are subject to change due to inclement weather. Follow us @BTXPARKS for the most up-to-date information.
2025 Summer Public Swim: May 26 - August 24
• Shade
• 6 Lane Pool
• Deck with Gazebo
• Splash Pad
• ADA Restrooms
• Lawn Chairs
• Showers
501 E. Ringgold St. Sams Pool
Brownsville Aquatics
• Public Swim
• Health and Wellness: Lap Swimming & Water Aerobics
• Swim Team
Dive in Movies
Relax in the water or lounge poolside while watching a fun film on a big screen. It's the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a movie night with family and friends (see page 10 for dates).
Pool Rentals
Make a splash at your next event by renting one of our fantastic public pools. Whether it's a birthday bash, a family reunion, or just a fun get-together, our pools offer an affordable and refreshing way to celebrate. Booking is a breeze – simply visit our website or scan qr code, and secure your spot online today!
LEARN TO SWIM WITH PADDLES THE PUP
Dive into lifelong well-being! This program builds essential water safety and strong swimming skills. Certified instructors and lifeguards ensure a safe and supportive environment. Learn techniques that promote fitness, boost well-being, and open doors to a lifetime of enjoyable activity.
Ages: 0 - 100
All Levels: Infant, Child, Adult, Adaptive
Location: Gonzalez Pool and Sams Pool
Days: Monday-Thursday
Fee: $35 (per session/participant)
Scan the QR code to register:
LIFEGUARD SWIM INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Note:
Become a certified lifeguard and swimming instructor through this comprehensive course offered by city of Brownsville Parks and Recreation.
Learn essential water safety, rescue techniques, and instructional skills to confidently lead swimming programs and ensure the safety of pool patrons.
Ages: 16 and over
Location: Gonzalez Pool and Sams Pool
Dates: May 17-18, June 9-10, July7-8
Call (956) 542-2064 to register now!
TAAF SWIM TEAM BTX STINGRAYS
Participants will receive specialized instruction and compete in various meets across the Rio Grande Valley. Qualifications for participation: Must be able to swim 50 yards comfortable and have no fear of the water.
Ages: 0 - 100
Train with team: $75 (includes cap & shirt)
Train on your own: $50 (includes cap & shirt)
Registration includes TAAF membership, insurance, and T-shirt (fee does not include individual meet entry fees that each athlete must pay for prior to competition). Participants must be registered by June 9, 2025.
TAAF SWIM MEET SCHEDULE:
June 14 | Edinburg Municipal Park, Edinburg, TX
June 21 | Pharr Aquatic Center, Pharr, TX
June 28 | Banworth Park, Mission TX
Region 2 Swim Meet
July 18-19 | Bannworth Park, Mission, TX
TAAF STATE GAMES OF TEXAS
July 31 - August 3 | Bryan High School, Bryan,TX
Scan the code to represent Brownsville & be a Stingray!
BROWNSVILLE SPORTS PARK
Brownsville Sports Park (1000
Sports Park Blvd.)
OPEN GYM VOLLEYBALL
Enjoy casual pick-up games with friends or meet new players. All skill levels welcome.
Age: 18+
Cost:$3
Date: Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: BSP Dome
PICKLEBALL OPEN GYM
All skill levels welcome. Bring your own paddle.
Age: 18+
Cost: $3
Date: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2:308:30 pm
Saturdays: 10 am - 3 pm.
Location: BSP Dome
BSP SKATE PARK
This public skatepark features a variety of obstacles for all skill levels, including a challenging skate bowl, smooth concrete ramps, rails, ledges, and stairs. Skate at your own risk. Bring your own skateboard and safety gear.
Cost: Free
Open: Daily, 8 am - 8 pm.
WALKING TRAIL
Enjoy leisurely walks or runs that take you along the park, resaca, and play areas inside the park. Great for families and bird watchers.
Cost: Free
Open: Daily, 8 am - 8 pm.
Please note: Information and dates in this publication are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions and other factors. For the latest updates, follow us on social media @BTXPARKS.
SUMMER REC PROGRAM
Summer Day Camp program for children ages 5 -17.
Program runs Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. Each week has a theme (see description). Cost per child/session is $40. Meals provided by Bright Nutrition.
*$10 Optional extended care additonal fee. Scan the QR to register.
Week Description
June 9-13 June 16-20 June 23-27
RECREATION Programming at Downtown DOWNTOWN REC CENTER (DRC)
June 30 -July 3
July 7-11
Unleash your inner Tim Burton at our 5-day summer camp! Young artists and storytellers will dive into a gothic-fantasy world inspired by films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice. Create creepy-cool art, act out fantastical tales, and enjoy themed activities!
Experience a galaxy far, far away at our 5-day Star Wars summer camp! Young Padawans, Rebels, and Jedi Masters will enjoy Jedi training, droid building, and action-packed battles against the dark side.
Creative fun, and heroic adventures that build strength, agility, and teamwork. Design your own gear, train in obstacle courses, and embark on save-the-day missions. Learn about kindness, courage, and leadership through games, field trips. A week of Super Hero Adventure!
Campers will dive into robotics, coding, 3D printing, and engineering through hands-on experiments and team projects. Discover how technology impacts our world, design your own inventions, tackle STEM challenges that will spark creativity and build the future!
Unleash your inner scientist! This week-long camp offers exciting experiments and discoveries in chemistry, physics, biology, and space. Through hands-on activities like building rockets and exploring nature, campers will develop a passion for science and innovation.
CENTER (DRC)
RECREATION Programming at Downtown Rec Center | DRC
(1338 E. 8th St.)
LEADERS IN TRAINING (LIT)
Summer Rec program for children ages 14 -17.
The Leader-in-Training (LIT) Summer Recreation Program is an opportunity for students 14 - 17 years of age to gain leadership instruction through experience as a Leader in Training (LIT). LIT Interns will assist Recreation staff with summer recreation programs and help lead activities, games, sports, crafts, and field trips to various locations. This is an opportunity for teens to gain valuable on the job experience, skills, and knowledge to prepare for their first real job.
LIT Participants will:
•Lead youth and participate in all activities - including games, arts, crafts, and songs.
•Follow and enforce all safety policies.
•Encourage participation.
•Role Model appropriate behavior
•Ask questions to further knowledge
Program runs Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. Week themes coincide with Summer Rec Program themes.
Cost per child/session is $40. Meals provided by Bright Nutrition.
There is no fee, but spaces are limited. Scan the QR code to register. One guardian/parent must be present for the duration of the event. Campout event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13th and ends at 11 a.m. , Saturday, June 14th, 2025. All registered participants are required to bring their own personal toiletries, sleeping bag, and pillow.
at Gonzalez Park (34 Tony Gonzalez Dr.)
Adults ages 60+ can eat for free at Gonzalez Park: Monday-Friday, 11 am to 2 pm
SUMMER REC PROGRAM
Summer Day Camp program for children ages 5 -17.
Program runs Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. Each week has a theme (see description). Cost per child/session is $40. Meals provided by Bright Nutrition. *$10 Optional extended care additonal fee. Scan the QR to register.
Week Description Scan
July 14-18
Experience the vibrant culture of Brazil during Rio Week! Campers will dance to Samba, create Carnival masks, explore the Amazon, and discover Brazilian wildlife. Fun, hands-on activities inspired by music, art, soccer, and Capoeira !
July 21-25
July 28 -Aug. 1
Aug. 4-8
June 9 -Aug. 8
A high-energy week of sports, teamwork, and fun! Campers will explore basketball, soccer, baseball, obstacle courses, relay races, and team-building games. Each day focuses on skills, sportsmanship, and strategy through drills, mini-tournaments, and challenges.
Soar into STEM! Explore the wonders of flight and space. Campers design and launch rockets, build paper airplanes, and learn about astronauts through exciting, hands-on activities. Discover aerodynamics, propulsion, and engineering principles in fun team challenges.
Campers will enjoy classic challenges like relay races and tug-of-war, plus exciting team games and water balloon battles. Each day brings new activities focused on teamwork and friendly competition, leading up to the Field Day Championship. Get ready for a blast!
Summer Rec Camp-All 9 sessions. Give your kids a summer they'll never forget! Register them now for all nine fun-filled Summer Rec sessions (June 9 - August 8) with one easy payment – just scan the QR code!
JOE & TONY OLIVEIRA PARK
ADAPTIVE RECREATION Programming
ADAPTIVE RECREATION Week
Summer Day Camp program for Special Needs children ages 7 -12.
Each week will feature recreational activities, sports, arts and crafts, and social opportunities. Monday - Friday, 9 am to 1 pm.
June 16-20
July 7-11
Get ready for a fun and easy week exploring animals! Campers of all abilities will enjoy hands-on activities, games, and meeting animals. We'll learn about where animals live and how they act through crafts, sounds, and exciting projects.
A fun and accessible space camp lets everyone discover planets, stars, and galaxies through hands-on activities like building rockets and exploring sensory stations. Enjoy storytelling, games, and creative projects that make space exciting for all future astronauts.
Unleash your inner superhero! This week, campers will enjoy fun, accessible activities that build confidence, teamwork, and kindness. Expect superhero training, games, and creative projects where everyone becomes the hero of their own story.
Explore the amazing ocean in our "Under the Sea" camp! Kids will have fun with crafts, games, and art, learning about sea animals like dolphins and turtles. All activities are hands-on and for everyone, encouraging teamwork and a love for the ocean.
Open Monday-Friday 8 am to 2 pm. | Free hot meals for 60+
CENTER at Brownsville Community Resource Center
Recreational Programming at Senior Center,
ADULT COLORING
Unwind and get creative! Enjoy calming music, colorful fun, and friendly faces every Monday from 9:30 to 11:00 am.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Get creative with painting, drawing, knitting, and lots more! We meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 8:30 to 9:30 am.
BINGO
Once a month games and opportunity for prizes. Play for free, play for fun, play bingo with us the fourth Tuesday of the month, 8:30 to 9:30 am.
BUNCO
Come roll with us for Bunco fun! All skill levels welcome. Make friends and enjoy snacks while they last. We meet on the third Tuesday, of the month, 8:30 to 9:30 am.
CARD GAMES
Come play cards with us every week! We have fun games like Bridge and Canasta. Snacks and drinks are available while they last. Tuesday, 12 to 1:30 pm.
CARDIO DRUMMING
Adult Coloring is a relaxing activity designed to calm the mind and inspire the artist within. Join us for an hour of vibrant colors, soothing music, and great company. Wednesdays, 9:30 -10:30 am
CROCHET
Come crochet with us! Learn the basics or improve your skills in our fun, weekly class. Third Friday of the month, 9:30 -11:00 am
Brownsville Community Resource Center (519 E. Madison St.)
EXERCISE FROM CHAIR
Low impact, calorie burning fitness....Fitness without the stress on limbs. Join us Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 am.
GOSPEL SINGING
Folks of all singing abilities are invited to drop b the senior center to joyfully sing their favorite gospel tunes on Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 am.
KARAOKE
Once a month games and opportunity for prizes. Play for free, play for fun, play bingo with us the fourth Tuesday of the month, 11:30 to 12:30 am.
LINE DANCING
Health and fun weekly. Get your groove on. Friendly dancing every Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 am.
LOTERIA
A game of chance similar o the game of bingo, join us for some Loteria. Third Wednesday of the month, 12 to 1:30 pm.
MOVIE DAY
Come relax, socialize, and catch a great film Fridays, 12 to 1:30 pm.
TAI CHI
Meditation in movition, --low impact exercise that promotes balance, flexibility and well being. Drop in Fridays, 8:30 -9:30 am
SERVICE & LEARNING
The Bike Barn’s “Volunteer to Earn a Bike” program allows participants to earn a bike by volunteering 15 hours fixing up donated bicycles and working in the small community garden. While volunteering, participants gain hands-on experience with bicycle mechanics, learning valuable skills in bike repair and maintenance. This initiative promotes community engagement, sustainability, and practical knowledge, empowering volunteers to contribute while earning their own bike.
Help us refurbish donated bikes, or lend a hand in the garden--your time and help will make all the difference.
To register, visit cob.recdesk.com or call (956) 542-2064.
Please be advised that the Brownsville Bike Barn is operated by dedicated volunteers. As such, our hours of operation are limited to Saturdays only and are subject to changes due to weather conditions or holidays.
Make a difference in Brownsville! Volunteer with Keep Brownsville Beautiful and the city of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department. Develop skills, connect with others, and beautify our parks, gardens, trails, and green spaces.
Sign up: cob.recdesk.com
