Missouri City Partners with 1 Stop Aquatic Services to Offer Community Swim Lessons

The Missouri City Parks Board meeting held on August 7, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and recreational opportunities.

The meeting began with the introduction of a new partnership with 1 Stop Aquatic Services to provide swim lessons at Meadow Creek Pool. This initiative addresses the lack of swimming facilities in Missouri City, emphasizing the importance of swim education for community safety, particularly in light of local flooding and drowning incidents. The program offers group lessons at a cost of $100 per month for ten lessons, with a guarantee of at least eight lessons each month. Notably, this partnership incurs no costs for the city, as the revenue is split with 1 Stop Aquatic Services, allowing the Parks Department to focus on promoting the program.

Next, the board discussed the success of Ridgeview Park, which has seen a significant increase in visitors, from 14,000 in 2024 to 27,900 in 2025 during the same period. This surge is attributed to a viral social media presence highlighting the park's inclusive playground and splash pad. The board noted that 40% of visitors are from outside Missouri City, contributing to local economic growth as they patronize nearby businesses.

Data collection methods were also highlighted, with the Parks Department utilizing cellular data to track visitor patterns and inform future decisions. This data revealed a need for improved parking solutions at Ridgeview Park, prompting plans for repainting parking lines and constructing an additional parking lot.

Concerns were raised regarding overcrowding due to large groups visiting the park, particularly summer camps from Houston. In response, the board plans to introduce a commercial use fee for organizations wishing to use the park, allowing for better management of visitor numbers and recouping costs associated with increased usage.

The meeting concluded with a request for a tour of the parks for board members, aimed at familiarizing them with the facilities and gathering feedback on potential improvements. Overall, the meeting underscored the Parks Board's commitment to enhancing recreational services while addressing community needs and concerns.