Mayor Lori Blong said that the Midland City Council's recent approval of agreements with local sports associations demonstrates a commitment to enhancing recreational spaces for residents. "We're investing in spaces where Midlanders can play, compete, and stay active," she said.
"We approved agreements with local sports associations that give thousands of Midlanders opportunities to play and compete," said Blong, according to Facebook. "These groups do a lot for our community, and we're glad to support their efforts."
According to Blong, council members voted for these agreements during the February 25 meeting. In a Facebook post dated February 27, she expressed satisfaction with the decision: "We approved agreements with local sports associations that give thousands of Midlanders opportunities to play and compete," Blong wrote. "These groups do a lot for our community, and we’re glad to support their efforts."
Blong noted that city park facilities currently accommodate over 22,500 participants in organized sports ranging from baseball to BMX, soccer to softball, youth football to adult cricket. She emphasized that the agreements are crucial in managing the growing number of amateur athletes. "These agreements help keep leagues running smoothly, fields maintained, and kids and adults on the field, court, or track," she said.
The mayor also highlighted discussions regarding the new ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park during the council meeting. She described the $44.5 million project as a collaborative effort funded by the city, the Beal Foundation, the Scharbauer Foundation, ExxonMobil, and other philanthropic groups. According to Blong, this development will significantly benefit the Midland Soccer Association and enable the city to host tournaments.
Additionally, Blong mentioned plans for Dennis the Menace Park to feature a new outdoor fitness court made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and the National Fitness Campaign. The Midland Times reported that this facility is expected to open in March.