New Nonprofit Bolivar Vision Making Progress on the Peninsula

By Matt Faye, Sports Editor The Beaumont Enterprise

  A recently formed nonprofit organization serving Bolivar Peninsula is making significant progress on multiple projects aimed to strengthen the area’s future. Bolivar Peninsula Vision, which launched this summer, has built its mission around pillars of environmental preservation, economic development, education, housing solutions and job creation. The organization has already seen long-term impact, according to a new release announcing the progress. Below is a breakdown of that progress for specific initiatives. 

Environmental Preservation

  The organization has filed a beach nourishment permit covering all 27 miles of Bolivar Peninsula’s shoreline. Working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and TxDOT — which dredges twice annually at the ferry landing and recovers nearly 700,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand — Bolivar Peninsula Vision is advancing efforts to restore and protect the coastline.

  The next step involves hiring an engineering firm to complete the permit process, requiring more than $300,000 in fees and an estimated 18 months of work. The nonprofit will present the project to Commissioners Court to secure funding through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). Commissioner Joe Giusti has been a strong supporter of the initiative, recognizing its long-term benefits for the peninsula. Additionally, discussions with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) are underway to secure future funding for sand placement.

Economic Development

  To boost tourism and local opportunity, Bolivar Peninsula Vision is exploring the development of playoff-quality baseball fields, modeled after successful projects in Gulf Shores, Alabama. These facilities would attract families and athletes to the peninsula, with tournaments expected to bring 1,700 to 2,000 visitors per event. During peak summer tournaments such as World Series events in the summer months, attendance could reach 3,000 visitors per week, providing a major economic boost to local businesses.

Education & Youth Programming

  Bolivar Peninsula Vision is looking to partner with junior colleges and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to expand educational and lifestyle courses for residents. Announcements of new classes scheduled for the upcoming year will be released soon, marking the beginning of a broader effort to enhance learning opportunities for all ages on the Peninsula.

Community engagement

   Bolivar Peninsula Vision welcomes community involvement. A recent meeting with the new Galveston County Grants Writer and Commissioner Joe Giusti underscored the importance of securing grant funding to support these projects. The nonprofit is led by a board of community leaders: Mark DeSantis, Mike Hoover, Beth Boles-Terminella, Jim Denys, Chris Williams and Christina O’Dell. 

  Residents and supporters are encouraged by the nonprofit to share ideas, volunteer, or join committees to help shape the future of the Peninsula. Those interested can contact president Mark DeSantis at 512-470-0376.