Fort Bend County to assume DuHasek Park operations under proposed interlocal; county to fund upgrades
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Summary
Council reviewed a proposed interlocal agreement that would transfer operations, maintenance and capital improvements of DuHasek Park to Fort Bend County, which has included $10.4 million in a park bond for upgrades; the city would retain oversight to ensure deed‑restriction and historic‑preservation requirements are honored.
City staff briefed council on a proposed interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County that would transfer day‑to‑day operations, maintenance and capital improvements for DuHasek Park to the county while preserving the city’s oversight of deed restrictions and the park’s historic features.
Kimberly Terrell, interim director of Communications (presenting the parks item), said the 54‑acre property was donated by the DuHasek family with deed restrictions requiring park use, preservation of pecan trees and preservation of the historic homestead where viable. The property lies outside Sugar Land city limits on Old Richmond Road and is currently open by reservation only; the city spends roughly $55,000 per year on maintenance and averages about $8,000 in annual rental revenue.
Terrell said Fort Bend County included roughly $10.4 million in its recent parks bond proposal to fund upgrades such as sports fields, trails, pickleball courts, additional parking, pavilions, a pedestrian bridge over Red Gully and utilities. Under the proposed arrangement, the county would prepare a master plan within 12 months with city review and resident input; the city would review and approve major changes to ensure compliance with deed restrictions.
Commissioner Andy Myers spoke in support, saying the county has experience running parks and will coordinate design and construction with the city; he urged close neighborhood outreach given forthcoming amenities and lighting that could affect adjacent residents. Terrell said the city would retain naming rights (Duhasek Park) and receive a portion of revenues from revenue‑generating uses, and the city may terminate the interlocal for material breach of deed restrictions.
Council asked staff to return with a drafted interlocal agreement; Terrell said staff expects to present a draft within approximately two weeks for council consideration.
