BCIC Board Approves $5.9 Million for 25 Quality of Life Projects Across Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, TX – March 28, 2025 – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) Board of Directors approved a total of $5,915,394.05 million to fund 25 quality of life enhancement projects throughout Brownsville. These projects are designed to significantly enhance community parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces, improving the well-being and experience of residents and visitors.

The 25 approved projects fall under three funding categories: BCIC’s FY 2025 Quality of Life Grants, the City of Brownsville FY 2025 Quality of Life Projects, and Brownsville Sports Park Improvements.

“The BCIC board has a unique opportunity and vision to use resources to empower organizations to make a meaningful impact in the community. The best and most sustainable economic development is one that understands the powerful and essential relationship with quality of life. It is exciting to see how these collaborative projects will enrich our parks, cultural spaces, and recreational options while promoting a healthier, more vibrant Brownsville,” said Rose M. Z. Gowen, M.D. – BCIC Board Chair.

Projects part of the FY 2025 Quality of Life Grants – Cycle 1

The FY2025 Quality of Life Grants emphasize community infrastructure, recreation, cultural preservation, accessibility improvements, and environmental sustainability. Applicants are required to contribute a 20% match of the total project costs. With a total private investment of $244,000, these nine projects will collectively generate over $1.2 million in health, wellness, cultural preservation, and tourism initiatives throughout the city.

Gorgas Science Foundation ($195,727) for Sabal Palm Sanctuary improvements and restoration.

South Texas Astronomical Society ($30,972.36) for solar system interactive models at Linear Park.

Brownsville Tennis Center ($201,984) for repairs and court resurfacing.

Children’s Museum of Brownsville ($73,840) for outdoor commercial awning installation.

West Brownsville Little League ($189,102) for shaded pavilion and park improvements.

Community Development Corporation of Brownsville ($20,000) for flexbox module multipurpose room.

Tip-O-Tex Little Miss Kickball ($216,000) for Oliveira Park improvements.

Moody Clinic ($28,733.69) for outdoor mural and lighting.

Brownsville Housing Opportunity Corporation ($9,035) for a community garden at Poinsettia Gardens.

City of Brownsville FY 2025 Quality of Life Projects

The City of Brownsville projects, funded under Ordinance 2024-1743, represent 11 initiatives focused on enhancing public amenities and recreation, with 50% of BCIC’s budget dedicated to these city-managed efforts. 

1. Morningside Park Improvements ($300,000) for refurbishing playing fields.
2. Oliveira Park Improvements ($550,000) for splash pad installation.
3. Tennis Center Facility Court Lighting ($250,000) for retrofitting and upgrading court lighting.
4. Cabler Park Water Features ($300,000) for splash pad installation.
5. Playground Replacement ($400,000) for replacing playgrounds at two city parks.
6. ADA Accessibility Play Surfaces ($250,000) for installing ADA-compliant surfacing for playgrounds at three parks.
7. Public Park Restrooms Improvements ($400,000) for improving restroom facilities at four parks.
8. New Recreation Center Planning ($300,000) for funding a study and plans for a new recreation center.
9. Southmost Water Plain Park Design ($250,000) for planning and designing a future park on Boca Chica.
10. General Park Inventory Improvements ($180,000) for upgrading amenities across various city parks.
11. Tree Canopy Project ($200,000) for tree canopies at various parks and trails locations.

Additionally, the BCIC board has approved $1.57 million in improvements for Brownsville Sports Park. The breakdown of the projects is as follows:

1. Retrofitted Sports Lighting Project ($700,000) for outdoor lighting improvements.
2. Nets/Fencing Project ($270,000) for the installation of field nets and fencing.
3. Irrigation Upgrades Project ($130,000) for field irrigation improvements.
4. Shade Structures Project ($300,000) for shade shelters.
5. Tree Canopy Project ($170,000) to plant trees along the trail.

"These projects directly respond to community input, prioritizing enhancements that promote active lifestyles and greater accessibility," said Cori Peña, BCIC President and CEO. "This investment improves our parks for current and future residents and also strengthens Brownsville’s overall attractiveness as a vibrant city."

The approved projects will be presented to the Brownsville City Commission in the coming weeks for final review and approval.

The BCIC’s FY2025 Quality of Life Grants are currently between cycles, and the opening of Cycle 2 will depend on the availability of funds. Interested applicants can join the waitlist by following this link.