ABLC and city staff map funding and timelines for Freedom Park, Abigail Arias project and Bates Park fields
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Summary
Staff told the Angleton Better Living Corporation that Freedom Park playground and baseball-field plans are near 100% with city contributions; Abigail Arias design is complete and out to bid in January, and Bates Park six-field work has preliminary city funding (about $350,000) though final ABLC contribution remains undecided.
Angleton Better Living Corporation members heard detailed updates on capital improvement projects tied to the 2024 bond and other funding sources at the December meeting, including Freedom Park, the Abigail Arias project, a proposed six-field configuration at Bates Park and improvements at the Angleton Recreation Center.
Staff member (Speaker 3) said Freedom Park’s playground contract is in place under a government capital lease and that the first lease payment is scheduled for fiscal 2026; staff expect installation in spring. The Freedom Park baseball-field plans are at 100% and staff expect a council decision on contract awards in January. "Our first payment won't be due until fiscal year 26, so that will not impact this year's budget," Speaker 3 said.
On the Abigail Arias project, Speaker 3 said $2 million is budgeted from the 2024 bond and $750,000 is expected from TPW; staff reported the city may contribute up to an additional $325,000 and that 100% design plans are complete. Staff said a special council meeting would review the plans and that bidding is expected this month with council action in January.
Bates Park came up as a separate funding discussion. Speaker 3 said council has identified roughly $350,000 in city funds for a six-field proposal and asked ABLC whether it wished to consider contributing additional funds from contingency or fund balance if bids require it. Board members generally welcomed the city contribution but stressed ABLC should not prematurely commit funds until firm bids and cost totals are available.
Board members and staff also discussed the soccer complex: a recent large tournament drew strong attendance but highlighted local hotel capacity limits and the need for drainage and lighting improvements; staff estimated major drainage work for key fields could cost in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars and suggested phased work or seeking bond funding for a full rebuild.
Separately, staff reported the Angleton Recreation Center pool is closed for renovation work (play feature removed and anchors set for a new feature) with plaster, decking and tile work planned and a target to reopen around spring break. Tekshi and Trail reached substantial completion with minor punch-list items and an estimated $58,000 in savings to reallocate.
Next steps: Staff will present final bid numbers and recommended funding allocations in February; several projects will go before council in January for bid approval and contractor selection.
