Chambers County Seeks to Improve Parks and Ball Fields

By Gloria Way

  Chambers County Commissioners’ Court is being proactive in updating and improving its ballfields and county parks to accommodate county residents. On its “consent agenda” for this week’s Commissioners Court regular meeting, the County has several items under “Parks and Recreation. All items are expected to pass unanimously. They are:

• A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the installation of turf to the infields at Jim Silva Sports Complex in Anahuac and Don McCleod Sports Complex in Cove. The cost is estimated to be $1million for each complex which consists of four fields each. Turfing of the infields will cut down on maintenance costs and allow the leagues/tournaments to play during the rain. There was discussion among the commissioners about the cost of the project. It was a unanimous vote to move forward with the RFP but Commissioner Dagley and Commissioner Hammond stated that approving an RFP did not mean approval of the project. Dagley said he had a lot of questions for whoever wins the bid on costs, etc., that he needs clarified before he would vote to approve the project.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new soccer complex, light, concession, and restroom on ECISD property in Winnie. The estimated cost is $800,000. The new complex is planned for the northwest corner of the EC football practice field. It will not only benefit the local soccer organizations but will provide lighting for the Texas Rice Festival parking lot. Commissioner Jimmu Gore is negotiating with ECISD on use of property to use for soccer facilities.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of four Pickleball Courts at Winnie Stowell Park. These courts will be adjacent to the Safari Run playground. Cost is $250,000.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of a 30 x 40 pavilion at Beach City Park. This will be part of the expansion of the park. The pavilion will have a blue roof. The estimated cost is $50,000 – $75,000.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) for new walking trail at Beach City Park. The walking trail will be asphalt or granite and will cover approximately .5 miles around Beach City Park. The cost is estimated to be $60,000.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) to add four Pickleball Courts at Beach City Parks. This will include four courts, lighting, bleachers, and benches. The estimated cost is $300,00.
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) to add a restroom at Beach City Park. This will be the same design restroom being built in Mont Belvieu and Anahuac. The estimated cost is $200,000. The city of- Beach City will contribute to the cost of the restroom as well.

  Several of these projects will be paid for by Certificates of Obligation that were passed earlier this year.