After three years of planning and construction, the new DeVaul Henderson Recreation Park on Hwy. 144 will open to the public on Saturday. The public is invited, and the recreation department has lined up a schedule of activities to celebrate the event.
"The park looks absolutely gorgeous, and we can’t wait to show it off," said South Bryan Recreation Director Kay Green. "Saturday is the perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to check out our new fields, tour our concession stands and see how far we’ve come."
Green said the park is not totally completed, but Saturday marks the unveiling of the soccer/football fields, which are have astro turf, a walking trail around the senior boys’ baseball field and the concession stands.The opening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., featuring the dedication of the park – named in honor of the late county attorney and renowned public servant.
Henderson’s family along with local officials and others who have made the park possible will be on hand for the ribbon cutting and opening remarks.
At 12 p.m., kids 4-12 will be able to test the new synthetic soccer fields as the rec association conducts a soccer "dribble, pass and shoot" obstacle course activity. At the same time, girls 9-12 are welcome to participate in a softball clinic on the new softball fields.
Also at noon, local musician Larry Barker will take the stage for a live solo concert.
RHRA recently switched over to Little League Baseball, and a representative from the league will be on hand to explain what that’s all about. Little League scrimmage games will follow at 1:30 p.m.
Complimentary popcorn, Coca-Cola and hot dogs will be served from the new concession stands "while supplies last."
Golf carts tours of the new park will be available as well. Green said phase one of the park is almost complete. Weather conditions halted the completion of the grass soccer fields, but she said that and three additional softball fields will be completed by fall. She anticipates another celebration to be held in early fall when the remainder of phase one is complete.
Also coming soon is a connecting walkway to hook the park trail up to the existing walking trail on Hwy. 144. Green said the grants have already been applied for, so it is in the works.
Future phases will feature tennis courts, a new gymnasium with basketball courts, a disc golf course and a dog park. For more information on the park and Saturday’s event, call 756-4626 or visit www.RHRASports.org.