Council authorizes soliciting bidding for Texas Parks and Wildlife grant-funded project to expand inclusive, family-friendly amenities along the Pecan Bayou.
BROWNWOOD, Texas – December 9, 2025 – The Brownwood City Council has authorized City staff to seek competitive sealed bids for Phase II of improvements to Riverside Park, which will be funded through a matching Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant and contingent upon TPWD’s final approval of the sealed plans and specifications.
Riverside Park Phase II advances City Council’s direction for Brownwood’s largest park and implements key priorities identified in the adopted Parks Master Plan. The project is primarily funded through a matching $750,000 TPWD grant and focuses on enhancing accessibility, expanding family-friendly amenities, increasing functionality, and improving the overall park experience along the Pecan Bayou.
“Riverside Park Phase II shows our Parks Master Plan in action,” said City Manager Marshal McIntosh. “By aligning our local vision with state and federal grant opportunities to enhance trails, lighting, and gathering spaces along the Pecan Bayou, we are creating a destination that supports community events, and outdoor recreation while strengthening Brownwood’s long-term growth for families and visitors.”
All required pre-construction activities related to the grant and regulatory compliance have been completed, including:
- Archeologist approval of the disturbance area and planned improvements
- Registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for accessibility compliance
- Approval of temporary TPWD project signage
- Confirmation of Texas Historical Commission (THC) compliance for historical and cultural review
With these components complete, the project is fully positioned to move into the bidding phase upon TPWD’s final plan approval.
Riverside Park Phase II is designed to create a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging park that leverages the Pecan Bayou waterway. Planned improvements include:
- Native landscaping and additional site amenities
- An expanded, shaded playground with inclusive elements geared toward toddlers
- Expanded paved walking trail segments to create a 1.50-mile loop, better accommodating 5K events
- New picnic facilities and gathering spaces along the pecan bayou
- Additional park trail and wayfinding signage
- A rain collection system serving the smaller pavilion
- Minor restroom improvements
- Sand volleyball court improvements
- Emergency call stations
- Additional solar lighting for new sidewalks and the playscape area
- Upgrades to disc golf course amenities and signage
City staff recently met on site with the playground vendor to refine plans for the expanded playground, turf installation, and shade coverings that will frame both sides of the existing playscape. The plan calls for:
- Retention of the existing playscape, with expansion on both sides
- New toddler-focused and inclusive playground elements installed on turf beneath shade sail structures
- Additional sidewalk connections around the playscape to improve ADA accessibility
- A small walking loop around the playscape area for parents and caregivers
The playscape expansion will be procured separately to maximize cost efficiency. The Brownwood Municipal Development District (BMDD) is partnering with the City to help fund the toddler-focused and ADA-inclusive playscape additions, addressing a current gap in the current park system where most existing playscapes are geared toward ages 5–12 and older.
The project also includes riverside overlook pavilions with a water feature designed to serve multiple uses. These flexible outdoor spaces will be able to function as:
- Small gathering and picnic areas
- Outdoor classroom settings
- Venues for small ceremonies
- Intimate concert or performance areas
Additional site enhancements will include:
- Various ADA upgrades and new sidewalks
- A small covered picnic area
- Designated boat parking near the existing boat ramp for improved access to the Pecan Bayou
- Improvements to the sand volleyball court
Some components of the project may be structured as add-alternate items during bidding to provide flexibility if bids exceed the available budget.
Riverside Park Phase II will also strengthen identity and wayfinding within the park. Planned signage features include:
- Smaller versions of the main monument entrance signage at key access points for the disc golf course and nature trail
- New disc golf course signage at each hole
- Trail signage for walking paths and nature areas
These improvements are intended to make the park more intuitive for visitors, reinforce safety, and highlight the park’s unique amenities. Once TPWD issues final plan approval, the City will advertise the project for competitive sealed bids in accordance with state law and grant requirements. Bids will be publicly opened and reviewed by City staff and the project engineer, and a recommended award, including any proposed add alternates, will be brought back to City Council for consideration. Upon Council’s award of the construction contract, TPWD will issue the Notice to Proceed for construction in the first quarter of 2026.
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