Over the summer, Baytown Parks and Recreation has been hard at work improving parks, facilities, and green spaces across the city. Several major projects have been completed, and more exciting improvements are on the way. Here is a look at what has been accomplished and what’s coming next.

Baytown Soccer Park – Playground Complete

The new playgrounds at Baytown Soccer Park (4700 Village Lane) are now open. Our Parks Construction Team worked through the summer to complete this long-awaited project. Earlier wet weather had prevented heavy equipment from accessing the site, but with drier conditions this summer, the team was able to install new play equipment for nearby residents, soccer players, and families who visit the park.

This project was made possible through support from the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA), which provided a donation for the playground and fitness course. Additional funding came from a Community Development Block Grant and an equipment grant from Gametime®.

Dale Street Park – Playground Renovation

Baytown’s smallest neighborhood park, Dale Street Park (1604 Sheridan Drive), has been fully renovated with a brand-new play structure, swings, and a restored picnic shelter. Thank you to Gametime® for supporting this project through a playground equipment grant. Visitors near the Plumwood Subdivision are encouraged to stop by and see the improvements.

W.L. Jenkins Park – Fitness Equipment

W.L. Jenkins Park, already home to miles of walking trails and a Fitness Court®, now features new exercise equipment along its trails. This project was sponsored by BeWell™ Baytown to help visitors enjoy additional opportunities for personal fitness while exploring the park.

Wayne Gray Sports Complex – Irrigation Repair

Crews have been working to repair irrigation systems at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex. These improvements are part of ongoing maintenance to ensure the fields remain in top condition for athletes and community events.

Beautification Projects

Baytown Parks and Recreation continues to enhance not only parks but also roadways and public facilities. Recent beautification projects include:

• New plantings at Town Square

• Landscaping along Bayway Drive

• Xeriscaping at Fire Station No. 6 on Pinehurst Street

Upcoming Projects

National Little League Park – Playground Renovation

Renovations are planned for the playground at National Little League Park on Memorial Drive. This project is being funded in part through a grant from Gametime™.

Lakewood Playground and Dog Park

Plans are in development for a new city park in the Lakewood Subdivision. With the help of a grant from ExxonMobil, the community’s request for a combined playground and dog park will soon become a reality.

Nature Center Greenhouse

Progress continues at the Baytown Nature Center. ExxonMobil has donated funds for the greenhouse foundation slab, while the Houston Port Authority contributed toward the purchase of the structure. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2025.

Hunt Road Replanting and Equipment Repair

Replanting efforts are underway along Hunt Road after losses caused by the winter freeze, a major water line break, and theft of electronic irrigation controls. Repairs and new plantings will restore the area in the coming months.

Nature Center Fishing Piers

Fishing piers at the Nature Center were damaged during Hurricane Beryl. Bids for repairs are currently being reviewed, and a start date will be determined once the contractor is selected.

Baytown Parks and Recreation remains committed to creating safe, beautiful, and engaging spaces for residents and visitors. Stay tuned for more updates as these projects move forward.