16 Oct Beeville Parks Getting New Playground, Fitness Equipment and Skate Park Lighting

Beeville is giving its parks a refresh, starting with a new playground at Kohler Park. The city council signed off on the equipment purchases Oct. 13, per the Beeville Bee-Picayune.

At Kohler Park, the older swing sets, monkey bars and other legacy playground pieces will come out to make room for the new structures. The handicap-accessible swings and the splash pad are staying, and city staff are working to get the splash pad running again.

City Manager Andy Joslin told council members the city chose the new playground pieces so every child can use them. He said vendor representatives confirmed the design has safe ground padding, space for wheelchairs to move around and play features meant for all kids.

The city also set aside $25,000 for outdoor exercise gear. Both purchases come from money budgeted this fiscal year. City crews will clear the land and prep the sites, and work is expected to start soon.

A planned 10-foot-wide walking trail is on hold for now while the state reviews it, to make sure construction doesn’t disturb existing trails or historic features. Assistant City Manager Daniel Dorgan said the city is waiting on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to sign off on its part.

Elsewhere, the city plans to upgrade the lighting at the skate park for better visibility and security. The Boys & Girls Club gym is also being renovated. Contractors are putting in insulation, swapping out inside windows and getting ready to patch the roof and finish paneling along the back.

Council members also praised staff for buying 24-inch clamps for city projects from a manufacturer in Beeville. Mayor Pro Tem Benny Puente Jr. thanked staff for spending locally and keeping the money in town.