The Midland City Council has approved an authorization that will allow the city to receive a $10 million donation from The Beal Foundation. This funding is intended to support the construction and installation of improvements at Beal Park. The project, which is expected to be completed in three phases, will see portions of the donation accepted at each stage.
According to the Midland City Council's agenda for its April 23 meeting, the $10 million donation will contribute towards a portion of the projected $35 million cost for the project.
Phase I of the project, as outlined in the council's agenda, will concentrate on improvements to the northern two-thirds of the park. These enhancements include extending the roadway south of the soccer fields to intersect with Beal Parkway; clearing and grubbing undeveloped areas covered with mesquite; installing automated irrigation systems; developing grass throughout cleared areas; and constructing two full-size and two smaller artificial turf soccer fields with lighting. Additional features such as fencing for fields, parking lot in the northwest corner, upgrades of irrigation and grass in existing soccer fields, and installation of bleachers, shade canopies, and scoreboards for larger fields are also planned.
The council's agenda further details that Phase II improvements will focus on the central part of the park - deemed as the "active" area. The planned enhancements here include adding grass game fields; constructing an additional parking area and restroom; installing a playground and a splash park; developing a multi-purpose amphitheater; and designating a food truck location.
For Phase III, according to Midland City Council's agenda, improvements are set for implementation in the eastern section of the park. Additions planned include another restroom/concession building, more parking spaces, development of grassed areas into soccer fields, an RV parking area serving soccer and baseball tournaments, along with additions of bleachers, shade canopies, and scoreboards for larger fields.
The council's agenda also reveals the construction timeline for each phase. Phase I is slated to commence in October and run through June 2025. Following plan development and bid awards, its construction timeline is from December 2025 to May 2027. Phase III is projected to kick off in July 2027 with a completion date set for March 2028.