ABOUT BELLAIRE TOWN SQUARE

What is Patrons for Bellaire Parks doing now?
Patrons is working to raise $3,000,000 to renovate and combine Bellaire and Loftin Parks into Bellaire Town Square, a flagship park and town center for the City of Bellaire. Laurel Street was closed to accommodate the new aquatics facility and pool house/community center. Loftin Park will maintain its natural setting with green space plus new trails and a new playground. Bellaire Park will feature an outdoor pavilion, an expansive events lawn and a skate park in addition to the existing tennis courts and baseball field.

How did the plan for Bellaire Town Square come about?
In 2004, the City completed its acquisition of the residential lots in Loftin Park. That same year, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, after consultation with a design firm, city staff and Bellaire residents, developed a Proposed Conceptual Master Plan for Bellaire and Loftin Parks. City Council adopted that Conceptual Master Plan in May of 2004. In 2006, City Council voted to name the new combined park complex Bellaire Town Square. You can view the Bellaire Town Square Facilities Conceptual Plan at www.ci.bellaire.tx.us.

I have some ideas for the Bellaire Town Square. How do I get my two cents in?
Although the overall concept for Bellaire Town Square is in place, it is not too late to share your ideas about the development of the individual planned features. City Council will seek public input as funds are raised and become available to complete each major feature. You can send suggestions to City leaders, including council members and Parks Director Jane Dembski. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are at www.ci.bellaire.tx.us.

This sounds like a big project. How long will it take, and what comes first?
City officials estimated that if only tax dollars were used, it would take 10 to 15 years to complete Bellaire Town Square due to the necessity of funding higher-priority infrastructure needs. Patrons' goal is to raise the funds to assist the City through donations, grants and fundraising events within a matter of a few years.

The first project undertaken was the construction of the new aquatics facility and pool house/community center. In 2005, the citizens of Bellaire approved a bond referendum that funded $1.5 million of the project. Patrons funded an additional $1 million of the City's remaining expense. The additional features of Bellaire Town Square will be constructed as money is raised.

That sounds great, but what about Bellaire's other park and recreation needs?
Although the development of Bellaire Town Square is the current priority, the Patrons' long-term goals include assisting the City in acquiring additional park land, especially in the southwest and northeast quadrants of the City; finding additional playing fields for Bellaire baseball, softball, and soccer teams; seeking land adjacent to existing parks to allow for future expansion; and improving existing park spaces.

The Patrons' fundraising efforts will be consistent with the City's regularly updated Master Park Plan and the needs of the City as determined by City Council. If you have ideas for projects, we would love to hear them. Please contact us at 713-661-PARK(7275) or www.bellaireparks.com.

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