Pearland, a burgeoning community in the greater Houston area, is setting the stage for an ambitious expansion project for its Hickory Slough Sportsplex. The Pearland City Council has given the green light for a $1.6 million design contract with engineering firm Kimley Horn and Associates.

The project, which has been earmarked a hefty sum of $17.6 million, enters its design phase this month. According to Houston Chronicle, this initial phase is expected to run its course over the span of 12 months. But only after the fresh designs have been given the nod will the actual duration of the complex's construction be nailed down.

In a decision that saw near-unanimous consent, the only dissenter in the council's vote was Council member Layni Cade at the meeting held on January 22. The reason behind Cade's opposing stance was not immediately apparent.

Voters of Pearland had previously voiced their approval of this second phase as part of a massive $181 million bond referendum last May. Among the funded projects, a sizable $33.7 million was allocated specifically for park enhancements, which include the development taking place at Hickory Slough Sportsplex, found smack dab at 7600 Hughes Ranch Road, and also at Independence Park.

The expansion is no small feat – it promises six lighted sports fields, a combination of both natural turf and artificial variants nestled within the expanded detention pond. Add to that a pavilion, increased parking capability, an upgrade to the restroom and concession facilities, a small maintenance building, a playground, and upgraded lighting for the existing trio of fields, as detailed by Pearland News.

Pearland approves $1.6M design contract for new fields, playground at Hickory Slough Sportsplex https://t.co/xhyiY8uMWJ pic.twitter.com/kynVOFdrog

— Pearland Journal (@PearlandNews) February 12, 2024

The Pearland's Economic Development Corporation is not just bankrolling the design phase, which includes engineering, architecture, and landscape services this year, but also has plans to issue bonds for the construction phase in fiscal year 2025 and provide continued operational and maintenance funds for the sportsplex, as per city records.

As it currently stands, the Hickory Slough Sportsplex is a hub of activity, hosting both recreational and competitive sports programs such as Pearland Youth Lacrosse and Shadow Creek Soccer Club. According to figures tallied in 2021, the two associations together racked up a participation rate of 1,334 over two seasons. "We have huge waiting lists of individuals who can't get on our sports fields," Carry Capers, the city's parks director, told the Houston Chronicle back in February 2023.

City staff remain in continuous dialogue with the users of the sports complex to harvest feedback on the forthcoming design, staking a commitment to make sure the varied sporting activities are well accommodated, declared Carry Capers at a city meeting on January 22.