Park Planning & Development News

NEWS ABOUT CITY PARKS & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is constantly on the move to maintain and improve its parks and recreation facilities. Learn about some of our most noteworthy projects and current activities below.

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Voter-Approved Bond 2022

Corpus Christi residents have voted to approve the $125 million Bond 2022 Program which includes 32 projects to invest in City Streets, Parks, Public Safety, and Libraries. The 32 Bond projects include $92.5 million in Street improvements, $20 million in Park improvements, $2.5 million in Library improvements, and $10 million for Public Safety projects. Visit Bond 2022 Program to view the full list of approved projects.

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► City To Host Community Input Session for Commodore Park Master Plan (Released 3-19-2024)

► Miradors and Seawall Upgrades Ceremony (Released 2-28-2024)

► Cole Park Playground Closed for Improvements (Released 2-17-24)

► City Announces Opening of Sherwood Dog Park (Released 1-24-2024)

► Temporary Closure of Selena Memorial – Mirador De La Flor (Released 10-31-2023)

► City to Hold Community Input Sessions for Proposed Budget (Released 8-2-2023)

► UPDATE-North Beach Restrooms Closed for New Construction (Released 8-2-2023)

► Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation to Host Job Fair (Released 7-19-2023)

► Express Soccer to Host Beach Soccer Fest at McGee Beach This Weekend (Released 7-7-2023)

► Bill Witt Aquatic Center Groundbreaking Ceremony Canceled due to Forecasted Inclement Weather (Released 7-5-2023)

► Bill Witt Aquatic Groundbreaking Ceremony (Released 7-5-2023)

► Get ready for the Mayor’s Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities (Released 6-30-2023)

► Old Bayview Cemetery Plaque and Marker Dedication (Released 5-5-2023)

► VIDEO: Planting more trees in Corpus Christi! (Posted 5-12-2023)

► Corpus Christi Launches CommuniTree-CC Tree Planting Initiative (Released 4-24-2023) 

► City Announces the Reopening of Cole Park Skatepark (Released 4-21-2023)

► Temporary Closure of Cole Park Skatepark for Lighting Installation (Released 4-13-2023)

► Council Approves a Construction Contract for a New Aquatics Center (Released 4-11-2023)

► Barge Removed from Packery Channel (Released 3-21-2023)

► City Preparing for Spring Break 2023 Crowds (Released 3-9-2023)

► City Manager to Brief Public on Packery Channel Barge Removal (Released 2-17-2023) 

► Stranded Barge Near Packery Channel to be Removed (Released 2-15-2023)

► City Seeks Input for Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park Design (Released 2-15-2023)

► City Seeking Summer Season Vendors for Its Beaches and Parks (Released 2-6-2023)

► Temporary Closure of Cole Park Skatepark for Lighting Installation (Released 2-1-2023)

► Improvements Coming to Salinas Park (Released 1-18-2023)

► Council Authorizes Lease Agreement for City’s First Cricket Field at Westside Sports Complex (Released 12-20-2022)

► Council Approves Funding for Lozano Golf Center (Released 12-20-2022)

► Temporary Closure of Bayfront Park Fountain (Released 12-20-2022)

► Connectivity Coming to Salinas Park (Released 12-20-2022)

► Removal of Stranded Barge at Packery Channel Needs Alternate Recovery Plan (Released 12-20-2022)

► Removal of Stranded Barge at Packery Channel Begins (Released 12-13-2022)

► Council Awards Contract for Salinas Park Improvements (Released 12-6-2022)

► Council Approves 20-Year Extension for Island Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (Released 12-6-2022)

► North Beach Renourishment Project to Begin November 2 (Released 11-2-2022)

► Corpus Christi History: Old Bayview Cemetery Comes Alive with the “Voices of South Texas” on November 5 (Released 11-1-2022)

► Cole Park Pier Receives Warranty Maintenance (Released 10-28-2022)

► City Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Cole Park Skatepark (Released 10-26-2022)

► City to Host North Beach History Plaza Ribbon Cutting (Released 10-19-2022) (Watch Video)

►  Packery Channel Jetty Reopened for Public Use (Released 9-30-2022)

► UPDATE - Bond 2022 Program Information Guide (Released 9-28-2022)

► Council Approves New Playground Unit with Attached Shade Structures (Released 9-20-2022)

► Adoption of Record-Setting $1.4 Billion FY 2023 Budget (Released 9-7-2022)

► City Council Approved Agreement for Installation of 14 Replacement and 13 New Shade Structures (Released 8-23-2022)

► City Marina To Receive New Peoples Street Boardwalk (Released 8-23-2022)

► City to Demolish Cunningham Water Treatment Plant (Released 8-17-2022)

► City Council Approves $125 Million Bond 2022 for November 2022 Election (Released 8-16-2022)

► City Manager Peter Zanoni Delivers City's Record-Setting Proposed FY 2023 Annual Operating and Capital Budget to City Council (Released 7-26-2022)

► Philip Dimmitt Park and Pier Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Released 5-11-2022)

► Initial Overview of Proposed $125 Million Bond 2022 Presented to Council (Released 5-10-2022)

► City Council Receives Briefing on the Proposed 10-Year Parks Master Plan 
(Released 4-26-2022)

► City Authorizes Purchase and Installation of 230 Shade Trees for 30 City Parks
(Released 4-26-2022)

► UPDATE - Temporary Closure of Cole Park Skate Park for Repairs
(Released 4-25-2022)

► Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation (Released 4-12-2022)

► UPDATE - North Beach to Receive New Restrooms and Parking as Part of Bond 2020 (Released 3-29-2022)

► Temporary Closure of Bayfront Park Fountain (Released 3-24-2022) UPDATE: Fountain reopened on April 13

► Council Approves Cole Park Pier Ordinance Amendment (Released 3-8-2022)

► City-County Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for West Haven Park Splash Pad (Released 3-4-2022)

► City Authorizes Purchase of 27 Shade Structures for City Parks (Released 2-22-2022)

► City Authorizes Purchase of Playground Units and Shade Structure for 14 City Parks (Released 1-11-2022)

► City Kicks Off Packery Channel Project with Groundbreaking Ceremony (Released 1-5-2022)

► Cole Park Pier Community Celebration Scheduled for Friday, December 17 (Released 12-15-2021)

► Dimmitt Pier Closed Daily for New Parking Lot Construction (Released 11-8-2021)

► City to Provide Additional Lighting at Lozano Golf Center’s Practice Range and Executive 9-Hole Course (Released 10-19-2021)

► Council Approves Construction Contract for Packery Channel Restoration (Released 10-19-2021)

► City and County Partner for West Haven Park Improvements (Released 10-19-2021)

► UPDATE: FEMA  Awards up to $13.5 Million for Packery Channel Restoration (Released 9-15-2021)

► City Supports $2.3 Million Lozano Golf Center Capital Improvements (Released 9-14-2021)

► City Awards Contract for Harbor Bridge Parks Mitigation (Released 9-14-2021)

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2022 Parks & Recreation Master Plan and Bill Witt Park Master Plan

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Master Plan will guide the growth and enhancement of the City’s parks, public grounds, open spaces and recreational assets over the next 10 years. Public engagement will play a key role in shaping the outcome of both Master Plans. City residents and other area stakeholders will be involved throughout the planning process to provide input on Master Plan vision, goals, proposed strategies, and the recommendations in the final document. 

PARKS & RECREATION OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN:

► 10 Year Parks and Rec Master Plan (PDF file)

NEWS: City Council Adopts New 10-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan (Released 6-28-2022)

Learn more about the Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2022.

BILL WITT PARK MASTER PLAN:

► Bill Witt Park Site Plan 2022 (PDF file)

Learn about the public engagement for the Bill Witt Park Plan (PDF).

NEWS: Council Approves a Construction Contract for a New Aquatics Center (Released 4-11-2023)

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Playground Units With Shade Structures for 14 City Parks

Park Improvements will include the 14 playground units with shade structures in the neighborhood, niche and community parks as identified in the current 10-year Parks Master Plan Needs Assessment. The project will replace older playground equipment with new shade structures, a rubber fall zone with a concrete sub-base, and ADA-compliant pathing to the playground units. (News Release 1-11-2022)

List of 14 City Parks identified for this improvement project.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Packery Channel Restoration Project!

On January 7, the City of Corpus Christi hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Packery Channel Restoration Project. The $13.5 million project was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and includes the restoration of the channel’s infrastructure and walkways damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

The Packery Channel opened in 2006 and has provided significant recreational and environmental benefits by allowing easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for boating and constant tidal exchange, improving fishing in the Upper Laguna Madre.

Read the NEWS RELEASE for more details. MAP to Packery Channel Concrete Walkway.

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New Cole Park Pier is Open!

On December 17, the newly reconstructed pier opened to the public with festivities to celebrate the monumental occasion. 

Cole Park Pier has long-been a popular destination for residents and tourists who enjoy fishing, sightseeing or just enjoying the weather. The new Cole Park Pier features significantly improved amenities. Learn more about the Cole Park Pier Rebuild Project (webpage) and the ribbon-cutting event on the News Release. MAP

NEWS UPDATE: Council Approves Cole Park Pier Ordinance Amendment (Released 3-8-2022)

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Bayfront Park Kiosk Leased to Mangonadas

This summer, residents and visitors to downtown will have a new food option to enjoy while visiting Bayfront Park at 1513 North Shoreline Boulevard near the American Bank Center. The local business, Mangonadas by MLB, will sell high-quality fruit cups, smoothies, panini sandwiches, salads, and other refreshments. This business move from mobile operations to a brick and mortar in a prime location along the city's downtown and bayfront tourist district. (News Release 5-18-2021)

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Repairs to Seawall

Contractors to perform maintenance repairs on the seawall extending from McGee Beach to the Barge Dock. Repairs will include the Selena Memorial and our eight Mirador structures along the seawall. The project will begin construction in April 2021 with anticipated completion by September 2021. Read the News Release for more details. (Released 3-30-2021)

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Over 200 Trees Planted in City Parks!

► Watch the Video

The City of Corpus Christi announces the completion of a tree planting initiative of 230 trees in the local park system. In September 2020, Mayor Joe McComb and City Council Members approved a contract to plant these trees at six park locations: Labonte Park, West Guth Park, Los Encinos Park, Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and Mike Zepeda Park. The project began in December 2020 and concluded in January 2021. The trees in this project will provide much needed shade for residents enjoying our parks. For more information, please contact Lisa Oliver at LisaO@cctexas.com or (361) 826-3132. Read the News Release for more information about this project. (Released 2-9-2021)

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Let's Go Fishing!

Philip Dimmitt Municipal Fishing Pier Reopened (101 Jester Street I photo)

This newly completed Bond 2018 Park Project is now open for everyone to enjoy. Pier improvements include the addition of LED lighting for night fishing, new benches and fish washing stations. Renovations to the pier include minor structural member replacement, new floorboards, and a new guardrail. Get your tackle box and fishing rod, and head on over. The reconstruction of the parking lot is expected to be completed by late summer 2021. Learn more about the projects here. (Released 2-3-2021)

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Bond 2020 Parks Projects

On November 3, 2020, Bond 2020 Park Projects were approved with 73% approval by voters. This shows the community’s confidence in the organization's capabilities to follow through on projects and improvements. Learn about the projects here. (Released 11-3-2020)

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City to Start Planning for a New Bayside Area Development Plan

A modern development plan for the Bayside area is in the works. Council gave the approval to start crafting a long range, 20-year plan for the Bayside area that consists of 16.6 square miles and is bounded by Morgan Avenue on the north, South Padre Island Drive (SH 358) on the south, Ocean Drive/Oso Bay on the east, and the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286) on the west. The Bayside Area Development Plan study area includes well-known locations such as Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course, Sunrise and La Palmera Malls, Six Points, and the Port-Ayers commercial corridor. Community involvement will be key to this effort. Read the News Release for more about this project and how you can provide your input. (Released 9-24-2020)

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Ribbon Cutting for The Water's Edge Playground

On February 26, 2020, we celebrated the early completion of the playground improvements in time for Spring Break visitors! This project restored Fall Zone safety measures which consisted of the existing play surface being removed, a new concrete floor poured, and a new pour-in-place deck installed over the concrete. The ribbon-cutting was held at the playground, located at 402 S. Shoreline Blvd. 

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Parkland Restoration Projects at Two Nature Parks

Starting on January 6, 2020, we worked to restore the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge and Blucher Park. Funds for the Suter Wildlife Refuge restoration are in part by utilizing a CITGO grant in addition to City funding. The parkland restoration at Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, 909 Ennis Joslin Road, enhanced the native landscape by the selective clearing of invasive plant populations from the 72-acre park. The restoration at Blucher Park, 100 Carrizo Street, also focused on gaining control of non-native invasive tree populations which will regain the value of its resources to neotropical migrating bird populations. The work continued for approximately five weeks at each location. The parks remained open and we requested park visitors to be aware of cautionary signage and temporary barriers in the work vicinity of hand crews to maintain public safety. For more information, please contact Lisa Oliver at LisaO@cctexas.com or (361) 826-3132.

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Play-for-All Playground
Phases 2 & 3 at Salinas Park

On April 27, 2019, we held the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of phases 2 and 3 of the Play-for-All Playground at Salinas Park, located at 1354 Airport Road. It's a playground where kids of all abilities can play! Read the News Release for more details about the event and park development project. Watch the VIDEO - Salinas Park Play-for-All Playground

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Play-for-All Playground Earns National Award

The City of Corpus Christi has received a national award from the National Community Development Association (NCDA) for the “Play-for-All Playground” project at Salinas Park. Project to be recognized in Washington D.C. in January 2019. Read News Release for more details.

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