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Lone Star Recreation unveils 24,000‑sq‑ft Midtown Park playground; mayor pledges two years' salary
Summary
Lone Star Recreation presented a 24,000-square-foot, all‑abilities Midtown Park playground design to the Bryan City Council on Oct. 7, highlighting extensive shade, multiple pavilions and accessible play features; the mayor said the Darwood Foundation donated $2 million and pledged his next two years' salary to the project.
Lone Star Recreation presented the design for a 24,000‑square‑foot Midtown Park playground to the Bryan City Council workshop on Oct. 7, describing a fully accessible layout with approximately 11,000 square feet of shade, multiple pavilions, a 64‑foot accessible zip line and themed elements referencing downtown Bryan.
“My name, again, is Eric Edwards with Lone Star Recreation,” said Eric Edwards, who outlined the company’s experience and said the project is designed for continuous play so children can move from one end to the other without stopping. Austin, a Lone Star sales representative, said the entrance and surfacing will be poured‑in‑place (PIP) and 100 percent permeable so play areas drain quickly after rain and meet fall‑height protection standards.
Council members asked technical and operational questions. A council member asked, “What is below the surface? Is it going to be safe?” Lone Star answered that the ground surfacing is PIP intended to limit injuries from falls and allow play within a six‑foot critical fall height under tall structures. Staff and presenters confirmed a splash pad is not part of the current phase because it was excluded by project criteria.
Council discussion also covered restrooms, seating and maintenance. Lone Star said pavilions and benches will be budgeted and sited in consultation with parks staff; the company noted long warranties on steel structures and modular components that can be replaced as they wear. One council member asked whether the firm would support staff training and ongoing maintenance; Edwards said Lone Star performs installations and can train municipal staff or provide maintenance on contract.
The mayor framed the presentation as part of a multi‑phase project. He thanked Lone Star and the Darwood Foundation, and said Doug and Carol French donated $2,000,000 to start the effort. “I believe so much in this project that I'm going to donate my next 2 year salary as mayor to this project,” the mayor said, urging community and sponsorship participation for phase two elements.
Why it matters: The proposed playground is intended as a regional destination with accessible features and event pavilions that could host parties and gatherings. Council members emphasized the need for amenities (restrooms, hand‑washing stations) and long‑term maintenance plans so a high‑use facility remains safe and usable.
What’s next: Council did not take a formal vote at the workshop. Staff will continue procurement and design coordination with Lone Star Recreation; absent a formal vote the timeline will depend on future council direction, funding confirmations and any phased scope decisions.
