Background

Brenda Jill Garcia Memorial Park was the result of a series of collaborative meetings between the MUD 239 Board of Directors and consultants from 2017 to 2020. Their collective goal was to design a safe and multifunctional space for nearby residents. The current day park was previously a vacant corner lot with underground pipelines. What eventually became a thriving local park started as an opportunity to fill a void in the urban landscape, and add value to the surrounding community.

The original site presented challenges involving locating amenities white accommodating utilities, proper drainage, and overall functionality. The requirement for detention posed a possible constraint to the design as above ground detention would require reducing or possibly eliminating an amenity. To resolve this issue, the design team worked with the District Engineer to implement the innovative solution of underground detention below the surface level parking, thus allowing the park design to remain as intended. This contemporary solution balanced the desired outcome with the need for water detention.

The park was dedicated in August of 2020, in memory of Mrs. Brenda Jill Garcia. Mrs. Garcia was instrumental in organizing activities to support community events serving the Bear Creek Plantation subdivision. Today, the park is a great example of balancing sustainable design with interactive spaces for adults, children and pets.

Some of the site amenities include:

• All ages playgrounds
• Splashpad
• Shaded adult exercise stations
• Multiple entertainment pavilions
• Dog friendly
• Walking trail