Fort Bend County commissioners advance funding to allow parks projects from 2023 bond to begin

By: Kelly Schafler - Community Impact

Fort Bend County's parks department will now have access to funding to begin work on projects from the November bond.

At the Jan. 9 Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meeting, commissioners unanimously approved advancing $153 million in bond funding for parks projects.

The gist

This means the county can proceed with parks projects in the short term by using money from the county’s general fund before issuing bonds, County Auditor Robert Sturdivant said. About 25% of the way into the projects, Sturdivant said county staff can request commissioners' approval to issue the first round of bond funding to replenish the general fund.

“Is that fair to say that this might speed up the action?” County Judge KP George said.

Sturdivant confirmed, saying it acts as a “checkbook” for the parks and recreation department to begin bond projects now.

What’s next

The $153 million voter-approved parks proposition is set to fund improvements, renovations, land acquisition and building construction for park and recreational purposes.

According to the county's bond information, some parks projects include:

• Kitty Hollow Park in Missouri City ($5.94 million): replace lighting, restrooms and play areas; construct new walking trails, landscaping and other renovations
• Duhascek Park in Sugar Land ($10.43 million): construct multipurpose fields, pickleball courts and add various other features, including a picnic area, walking trails and a boardwalk
• Sta-Mo Sports Complex in Missouri City ($4 million): partner with Missouri City to build lighted cricket fields and splash pads

County officials didn't share which parks projects they plan to begin first.

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