BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont City Council members have come to a decision on how to use $79,000 from the city's parks and recreation budget.
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023 the Beaumont City Council debated how and where to spend money on parks around the city.
A decision was made to spend $79,000 of the $1.4 million total budget on new playground equipment for Combest Park and Babe Zaharias Park.
Combest Park hasn't had a playground since 2022 and Babe Zaharias has never had one.
Councilman Mike Getz was hoping to spend the money on a new pavilion at Rogers Park.
"I'd like to see the money that's currently being considered to purchase playground equipment at Zaharias Park be reallocated to put a covered shelter, a pavilion, at Rogers Park," Councilman Getz previously told 12News.
He says that there isn't enough space for families at the park right now.
This issue has been up in the air for two weeks and Beaumont leaders are happy to have come to a decision.
"I'm very happy that we were able to get additional equipment in Babe Zaharias. It's one of the largest parks. A lot of people go out there for soccer," said Ward 3 Councilman Audwin Samuel.
Councilman Getz was hoping that the council would have voted separately.
"I would have voted no on the issue of putting playground equipment at Zaharias Park," said Councilman Getz.
But there is still hope for a pavilion at Rogers Park.
"Councilman Samuel actually said he agreed to support a pavilion at Rogers Park. That's very encouraging to me," said Councilman Getz.
Councilman Samuel's decision was made after hearing about the committee's plans.
"I believe there is a need over in Rogers Park for a covered area. However, this project at Babe Zaharias was recommended by staff. It was reviewed by the committee and they also recommended it, and I respect the process," said Councilman Samuel.
Councilman Getz says that the pavilion can be put in next year's fiscal budget.
"We're still in the budget planning process. I think that we can look at least having a covered pavilion there in the very near future," said Councilman Getz.
City council members told 12News that four parks would be getting new playgrounds. The parks are Charlton-Pollard, Central, Babe Zaharias and Combest.
The new playgrounds are expected to be ready for families to enjoy within the next three to four months.