At its September 28 meeting, the Pearland City Council gave the green light to a multi‑phase improvement plan for the Sportsplex at Shadow Creek Ranch and the adjacent Clear Creek trail system. The package includes up to $22 million from the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and a $716,000 design contract with Houston‑based landscape architects Clark Condon Associates.
Funding and scope of the project
The PEDC agreement earmarks the majority of the money for a suite of upgrades:
- Covered pickleball courts
- Batting cages
- A natural‑turf multipurpose field
- An artificial‑turf event lawn with pavilion
- Concession‑stand renovations
- Improved pedestrian connections and updated lighting
- Additional safety features throughout the site
Beyond the sportsplex, the agreement also supports an extension of the Kingsley Trail along Clear Creek and a modest $1 million contribution toward the Broadway Street expansion from Kirby Drive to Halfmoon Bay Drive.
Design work and additional lighting upgrades
The council approved a nearly $716,000 contract with Clark Condon Associates to produce detailed designs for the sportsplex and trail improvements. In a separate item, the council authorized the purchase and installation of lighting at Hickory Slough Sportsplex, where only three of six fields currently have illumination. That lighting project is budgeted at about $1.4 million and will be funded through the same PEDC agreement.
Timeline
Design work is expected to take roughly six months. Assuming the schedule stays on track, construction on the Shadow Creek Ranch upgrades should begin in July 2027. Installation of the new lighting at Hickory Slough is slated to start in October 2027.
Community impact
These enhancements aim to broaden recreational options for Pearland families, provide safe, well‑lit facilities for evening play, and connect residents to a growing network of trails. Covered pickleball courts and batting cages respond to the rising popularity of these activities, while the natural‑turf field offers a versatile space for youth sports, community events and school programs.
Mayor [Name] praised the council’s decision, noting that the investments reflect Pearland’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles and to maintaining high‑quality public amenities. Council members echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the projects will create jobs during construction and improve the city’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
Residents can expect regular updates as the design phase progresses, and the city will hold public meetings to gather input on final plans and scheduling. The council’s approval marks a significant step toward delivering a modern, family‑friendly sports complex that aligns with Pearland’s growth and community‑focused values.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.