During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council voted to authorize staff to solicit competitive sealed bids for Riverside Park Phase II improvements, contingent upon TPWD’s final approval of the sealed plans and specifications.

The design for Riverside Park Phase II is now complete and sealed plans and specifications have been submitted to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) for final review. The City is currently awaiting TPWD’s final approval and issuance of a Notice to Proceed with bidding.

The project is primarily funded through a $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 will not have to be closed at any point during the latest renovations. 

Summary of Proposed Improvements

The Riverside Park Phase II improvements are designed to create a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging park leveraging the Pecan Bayou Waterway. The grant-funded scope includes:

• Native landscaping and added site amenities

• An expanded, shaded playground with inclusive elements geared toward toddlers

• Expanded paved walking trail improvements to create 1.5-mile loop for more efficient 5K events.

• Overview / River-view picnic facilities and small gathering spaces

• The addition of a park trail, and wayfinding signage

• A rain collection system serving the smaller pavilion

• Minor restroom improvements

• Sand volleyball court improvements

• Emergency call station(s)

• Additional solar lighting for new sidewalks and playscape area

• Disc Golf Course Amenity improvements and signage

Playscape Expansion & Inclusive Amenities

Staff recently met on site with the playground vendor to review the proposed playground expansion, turf installation, and shade coverings that will frame both sides of the existing playscape.

Key elements include:

• Retention of the existing playscape, with expansion on both sides

• New toddler-focused and inclusive playground elements installed on turf with shade sail structures

• Additional sidewalk 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 is participating in funding the toddler and ADA-inclusive playscape additions, as $450,000 was allocated to the project and approved by Council as well Tuesday.

The City’s current park system has very limited toddler-focused amenities. Most existing playscapes are geared toward ages 5–12+, so the project aims to meaningfully address that gap.

Riverside Overlook Pavilions & Site Enhancements

The project also includes riverside overlook pavilions with water a feature designed to provide flexible outdoor spaces that can function as:

• Small gathering spaces and picnic areas

• Outdoor classroom settings

• Venues for small ceremonies

• Intimate concert or performance areas

Additional site improvements include:

• Various ADA upgrades and additional sidewalks

• A small, covered picnic area

• Designated boat parking located near existing boat ramp for improved access to Pecan Bayou

• Sand volleyball court improvements

Some components of the project, such as select amenities and features, may be structured as add alternates during bidding to provide flexibility if bids exceed the available budget.

Signage & Wayfinding

The project will strengthen identity and wayfinding within the park system, including:

• Smaller versions of the main monument entrance signage at key points for the disc golf course and nature trail

• New disc golf course signage per 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 project schedule is as follows:

Advertise for Bids

• The City will advertise the project for competitive sealed bids in accordance with state law and grant requirements.

Bid Opening & Recommendation

• Bids will be publicly opened and reviewed by City staff and the project engineer.

• A recommended award, including any proposed add alternates, will be brought back to Council for consideration.

Construction Notice to Proceed

• Upon Council’s award of the construction contract, TPWD will issue the Notice to Proceed for construction.