BEAUMONT, Texas — A generous donation was made to City of Beaumont's Park and Recreations department to go towards a beloved park in desperate need of repairs.
ExxonMobil presented a $100,000 check during Tuesday's Beaumont City Council meeting.
The money will be used to re-vamp the Charlton-Pollard Park.
In September 2022, the city put up fencing after 12News reported on dilapidated and dangerous equipment.
Residents said the park’s conditions were unsafe for kids due to its rusty equipment, exposed wood and moldy splash pads.
Families say this donation is a huge step forward to getting their neighborhood back to what it was and they're looking forward to finally having a central hub where their kids can not only play, but where families can meet.
"Our park is the heartbeat of our community and this is the start of restoring it," Beaumont Resident John LeBlanc said.
Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Beaumont Nakisha Burns says when the community is in need, they are there to respond.
"It's important for us to be a good neighbor we've been a good neighbor for over 120 years and we're going to continue to do so," she said.
Burns says she found out about the parks dire need for renovation after speaking with Charlton-Pollard community leaders and families last summer.
Resident Sheryl Jackson is glad the 19-year-old playground is getting a much-needed makeover.
"That is where we do everything at because that's all we have between the park and the school and for ExxonMobil to invest in us I'm just filled with joy and happiness," Jackson said.
Beaumont leaders have already used part of the city's $1.4 million dollar parks and recreation budget to buy a playground.
While it's too early to tell exactly what ExxonMobil's donation will be used for, city leaders say every cent will be used for Charlton-Pollard park.
"We can take a look at some additional things. We were looking to spend some of the $1.4 million and now we have an additional $100,000 to spend in that community," Beaumont Mayor Robin Mouton said.
"It's going to be done and it's going to be done the right way and it's going to be excellent," Beaumont Ward Three Councilman Audwin Samuel said.
"I believe that this is what it takes. The community, corporate city partnerships in order to get us the the things we so desire as a neighborhood as a community," said President of the Charlton-Pollard Park Community Association Christopher Jones said.
Mayor Mouton says while they are not sure when the equipment will be delivered, they plan to install it as soon as possible for families to jump around and have a ball
In November 2022, Beaumont City leaders approved money to bring new life into Charlton-Pollard Park since its closure in September.
During the city's council meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, council members approved $1.4 million for playgrounds across Beaumont.
Charlton Pollard Park will be getting a cut of that money.
Londyn Thomas says her grandfather Charles Thomas use to take her to the beloved Beaumont park when she was younger.
Now, it's not an option.
"It has like mildew and stuff over there and it's breaking down a lot. One time it was raining right and it had like orange stuff on it and I don't know what it was so it was like sticky," she said.
Samuel says he was made aware of the playground's dire condition by the neighborhood association.
Concerned citizens were also calling the city.
"The equipment was in bad condition and we don't want to put the children's safety at risk," Samuel said.
The new $1.4 million parks and rec budget will hopefully be the answer to replace the current 19-year-old structure that stands today.
"We've gone through a transition with staff with city manager so there was going to be some things that kind of needed attention. So now we're moving in that direction," Samuel said.
The new budget will be spread through parks across Beaumont.
"Right now we're looking to expand our parks and have things that will keep youth occupied, things that will keep them involved in positive things," Beaumont Mayor Robin Mouton.
Families say a new playground, may get their kids back outdoors.
"The kids need to get out instead of being in the house it seems like they are really trying to get it up going and do it right," said Charles Thomas.