The City of Brownwood is continuing to move forward with the Bennie Houston Recreation Center renovation project, a major reinvestment in one of Brownwood’s longstanding community recreation facilities.

The project is primarily funded through a $1,500,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Indoor Recreation Grant for the renovation of the Bennie Houston Recreation Center. This grant represents the largest Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application received by the City of Brownwood to date and reflects a multi-year effort that began in 2022.

The City has engaged Jacob & Martin for professional services, including engineering, architecture, design, and construction drawings for the project. The design process has included surveying existing conditions, meeting with City stakeholders to document facility needs, schematic design, design development, and coordination with Texas Parks and Wildlife grant requirements.

The proposed improvements are focused on making the facility more functional, accessible, and better suited for community use. Plans include maximizing the existing gym floor plan to allow for a larger reception hall and lobby, a kitchen with serving bar and prep tables, a multi-purpose room that can be used for study, tutoring, classroom space, or a game room, new ADA-accessible restroom facilities, staff office space, and additional storage and support areas.

The existing gymnasium will remain in place and be renovated as part of the overall project. The former stage area connected to the gym will be removed, allowing approximately 350 square feet to be added back into the gym floor area and increasing the usable court length. This improvement will bring the court closer to regulation size while making the space more functional for recreation, youth activities, athletics, and community programming.

The design also includes two areas of new construction. The first is a new front addition that will replace and rebuild the entry and lobby area, creating a more modern, accessible, and welcoming entrance into the facility. According to the design update prepared by Jacob & Martin, the front portion of the facility will include a larger lobby and reception area, office space, kitchen and dining/service areas, a multi-purpose game room, storage, accessible restrooms, and support spaces. The second area of new construction is a side expansion along the gym, which will provide dedicated spectator seating for approximately 80 people and additional support space. Renderings in the project update show a significantly transformed exterior, updated interior lobby, renovated gym, and improved community-use spaces.

“This project is about investing in a facility that has served Brownwood for generations and preparing it to serve the community well into the future,” said City Manager Marshal McIntosh. “The Bennie Houston Recreation Center is a gathering place, a neighborhood asset, and an important part of how we support families, youth, recreation, and community connection.”

The project also flows directly from the City’s Parks Master Plan, which identifies the importance of reinvesting in existing parks and recreation assets, improving accessibility, expanding recreational opportunities, and strengthening public spaces that serve neighborhoods and families. The Bennie Houston Recreation Center renovation is intended to complement Cecil Holman Park and support the City’s broader goal of creating quality public spaces that meet current community needs while preparing for future growth.

The current opinion of probable construction cost is approximately $3.5 million. The estimate has been updated to include contingency allowances and observed construction cost inflation. Bid alternates are also being identified to provide flexibility and potential cost-saving options during the bidding process.

Mayor Stephen E. Haynes said the project reflects Brownwood’s continued commitment to reinvesting in public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.

“The Bennie Houston Recreation Center has long been a meaningful place for our community,” Haynes said. “This renovation honors that history while creating a stronger, more accessible, and more functional facility for future generations.”

The next steps for the project include finalizing the plan set, receiving Texas Parks and Wildlife approval, and bringing an item before the Brownwood City Council to authorize advertising the project for bids. The current project timeline anticipates 100% construction documents being submitted to TPWD for review, followed by Council consideration to authorize advertisement for bids, bid evaluation, contract award, final grant compliance review, and construction. The overall construction timeline remains dependent on Texas Parks and Wildlife review and approval durations.

The City will continue to provide updates as the project advances through final plan review, bidding, contract award, and construction at btxgov.info/BennieHouston.