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Mission parks director outlines multiple park repairs, trail work and Benbrook Park wildlife plan
Summary
Parks staff gave a detailed status report on restroom renovations, playground replacements, hikes-and-bike trail work, cemetery maintenance and options for Benbrook Park’s walkway and duck population; council asked for public signage and further study on the walkway removal.
The City of Mission’s parks department reported a broad set of maintenance and improvement activities at council, detailing restroom reroofs, playground replacements, trail construction, cemetery work and plans to address wildlife at Benbrook Park.
Parks staff (reporting to mayor and council) said crews completed restroom renovations at several parks, installed new metal roofing, replaced basketball goals and picnic tables, and repaired deteriorated shade and fascia structures. The report included before-and-after photos and work in progress at Banworth Pavilion, Vincent Palm Community Park and CWV Park.
Trails and lighting: Staff reported progress on the connectivity/hike-and-bike trail funded by a multi-segment grant that began design and sitework in 2018 and was awarded in 2020. Work described includes segment grading, rebar and forms for upcoming concrete pours and plans to instal solar lighting along a newly completed walking trail at CWV Park; staff said they are coordinating trimming of shade trees so lights can be installed under canopies.
Playgrounds and accessibility: Parks staff described completed playscape moves and renovations at multiple neighborhood parks, installation of ADA-accessible sidewalks at Spear Memorial Library, replacement of swing sets at Los Nogales Park, and removal and reinstallation of a large playscape at a park dedicated to a local servicemember. Staff said they used a new on-site concrete mixer for some tight sites and noted efforts to replace worn out playground materials.
Cemeteries: Staff said cemetery mowing and edging is labor intensive because of monuments and flower plantings; crews deployed extra staff over a weekend after recent rains to cover San Jose and Catholic cemeteries.
Benbrook Park walkway and wildlife: Council asked when the partially removed walkway at Benbrook Park will be finished. Parks staff said Texas Parks and Wildlife indicated restrictions because part of the site was funded by a TPWD grant, and that the city would need state approval before removing certain elements. On wildlife, staff said some birds are federally protected but that the city has relocated domestic ducks and still plans to collect “about 8 more domestic ducks” for relocation; staff said Muscovy ducks and Canadian geese remain on site and noted the capture and relocation process is lengthy and involves the health department.
Council direction: Council asked for clearer public communication about work in progress at Benbrook Park; staff agreed to post signage noting upcoming work and to coordinate with the city manager. Councilwoman Jessica Ortega asked that parks coordinate with the city’s media department to promote the department’s renovations and completed projects.
Why it matters: The update indicates active, multi-site maintenance across the parks system and ongoing capital work on the regional connectivity trail; several projects referenced outside funding or grant coordination, and the Benbrook Park issues involve federal/state wildlife protections and require further approvals.
