The City of Brownwood issued the following press release Wednesday afternoon:
The City of Brownwood has been awarded a $1.5 million Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Indoor Recreation Grant to support a major renovation of the Bennie Houston Recreation Center, representing the largest grant award the City has received from TPWD to date. The grant, combined with local matching investment, will support an estimated $3 million total project aimed at enhancing indoor recreation opportunities and expanding the facility’s service to the community.
Artist renderings and an initial floor plan for the project were unveiled during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Bennie Houston Recreation Center on Monday, January 19th. The City is currently in the design phase with engineering and architectural firm Jacob & Martin, focusing on maximizing the existing footprint while adding strategic upgrades that improve access, functionality, and programming capacity. Proposed improvements include:
- New construction at the front of the facility to enhance entry, accessibility, and operational functionality
- A larger reception hall and lobby
- An upgraded kitchen with serving bar and prep tables
- A multi-purpose room designed for tutoring/study, classroom use, or a game room
- New ADA-compliant restroom facilities
- Dedicated staff office space
- Expanded length of the existing gym and additional seating to better accommodate programs and events
“The Bennie Houston Recreation Center is an important community asset, and this investment will position the facility to better serve residents for decades to come,” said Mayor Stephen E. Haynes. “We’re grateful to Texas Parks and Wildlife for partnering with the City of Brownwood to expand indoor recreation opportunities and improve accessibility and amenities for this beloved facility.”
The City will continue design development with the engineering and architectural firm Jacob & Martin and will provide additional updates as the project progresses.
Mayor Stephen Haynes will present more details on the Bennie Houston Recreation Center renovation project at the State of the City Address this Friday at the Brownwood Event Center.