Parks progress

According to a report released by the city of Beaumont Parks and Greenspace Department, six of 10 projects detailed in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2023 have been fully completed. Parks and Greenspace is responsible for the grounds and equipment in 36 city parks.

Approximately $160,000 was used for shelter installation at Sprott Park. Work began in August 2023 and was completed in December 2023.

Charlton-Pollard Park received a $112,000 major upgrade of playground equipment selected by neighborhood children. The project was finished in December 2023.

At Babe D. Zaharias Park, the city spent $75,000 for a new playground. Equipment was installed in October 2023.

The city spent $50,000 for six scoreboard replacements at Complex 1 and 2 of the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex in August 2023. Also, Parks and Greenspace spent $10,000 for robotic turf tank striping for the baseball fields.

Additionally, $50,000 was used to resurface the tennis courts at Magnolia Park into basketball courts in September and October 2023.

Several other projects are scheduled for completion in January of this year. The city spent $500,000 for new playground equipment at Imagination Station at Central Park and installation was set this month.

About $150,000 is set aside for construction of a dog park, which is slated for completion in January; and $50,000 is earmarked for new playground equipment at Combest Park.

At the Henry Homberg Golf Course, $125,000 will be used for a drainage study. Meetings have started for the process, and the findings will help the city dictate what improvements will be made in FY 2025.

Another park project was tree removal and replacement of dying trees along Calder Avenue to MLK Jr. Parkway. The city replaced the crepe myrtles with Eagleton holly trees.

Also, edible fruit trees (pear, peach, fig, apple, plum and citrus) were planted throughout the city as a way to address area food deserts. A majority of the trees were planted in December 2023 and citrus trees are set for planting in February of peak growing season.

Water and Sewer Service placed notifications in recent bills to water service customers asking if they would like to make a monthly $2 voluntary donation to contribute to “Beautify Beaumont,” funds to be used for upgrades throughout the city. According to the notice, the donation will be added to the customer’s monthly water bill and proceeds will go directly towards community improvement projects such as flower and tree planting, public art and murals, painting and lighting, and more.