The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) offers high quality recreational opportunities to the citizens of the City of Brownsville. Beginning with the construction of Washington Park in 1919, the City of Brownsville continues to play an important role in the quality of life that Brownsville’s citizens and visitors enjoy. The department is staffed by over 110 full and part time personnel assigned to eight divisions: Parks Division, Recreation Division, Aquatics Division, Brownsville Sports Park, Brownsville Events Center, Brownsville Golf Center, Ringgold Civic Pavilion and the Historic City Cemetery. The department manages 30 parks encompassing over 1,000 acres of parkland, features 23 miles of hike/bike trails, 3 gymnasiums and pools, 50 buildings and structures, over 55 athletics fields, and the newly constructed Catherine Stillman Dog Park. Brownsville PARD has recently become one of the fastest growing Parks and Recreation Departments in the State of Texas and boasts several facilities that have received state recognition. With an increased amount of community volunteers and fund raising events, the department has been able to provide more community outreach. On any given day, city residents and visitors can watch or participate in soccer, baseball, football, softball, mountain biking, golf, volleyball, kickball, swimming.
