CITY OF TEXAS CITY
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Day, September 9, 2025, and 5:00 PM
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM BOARD MEETING
MINUTES
Day, September 9, 2025, and 5:00 PM
Nessler Center - Captain's Room
2010 5th Avenue North
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board of Directors Meeting met at 5:00 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in the Nessler Center - Captain's Room, in Texas City, Texas, with the following in attendance:
- Present:
-
- Teri O'Brien, Member
- Paul Bland, Member
- Maria Ybanez, Member
- Nathan Exom, Member
- Christopher Walters, Member
- Hortensia "Tish" Hart, Member
- Frank Mistretta, Member
- Brends Williams, Member
- Winifed Gilmore, Member
- Staff Present:
-
- Dennis J. Harris, Sr., Recreation & Tourism Co-Director
- Jay Williams, Recreation & Tourism Co-Director
- Monica James, Recreation & Tourism Supervisor
Chairperson Nathan Exom declared that a quorum was present and called the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board to order at 5:01 PM
(1)
ROLL CALL
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Paul Bland
Fatima Naeem
Board Absent:
Amanda Barker
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Staff Present:
Nicole Miller, Director
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Amanda Gracia, Reservations Coordinator
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Staff Absent:
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Vacant, Recreation Coordinator
Board Present:
Nathan Exom
Christopher Walters
Winifred Gilmore
Paul Bland
Fatima Naeem
Board Absent:
Amanda Barker
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Staff Present:
Nicole Miller, Director
Nancy Heredia, Administrative Assistant/Board Secretary
Michael Richardson, Recreation Superintendent
Amanda Gracia, Reservations Coordinator
JuMarcus Thomas, Athletics Coordinator
Shelby Rodwell, Museum Curator
Staff Absent:
Dasia Moore, Special Events Coordinator
Leonora Mata, Senior Center Coordinator
Byron Sefcik, Parks Superintendent
Marcell Favalora, Aquatics Coordinator
Vacant, Recreation Coordinator
(2)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
NONE
(3)
NEW BUSINESS
(a)
Consider and take action on the minutes from the August 12, 2025, Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Christopher Walters to adopt the minutes, and seconded by Brenda Williams.
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Christopher Walters to adopt the minutes, and seconded by Brenda Williams.
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIED
(4)
UPDATES
(a)
Facility Reservations Report (Amanda Gracia)
Amanda Gracia provided a presentation on the Reservations Office at the Nessler Civic Center. She outlined the facilities, programs, and services offered, as well as upcoming updates and events.
Facilities Managed:
Memorial Programs:
Facility Updates:
Amanda Gracia provided a presentation on the Reservations Office at the Nessler Civic Center. She outlined the facilities, programs, and services offered, as well as upcoming updates and events.
Facilities Managed:
- Nessler Civic Center
- Doyle Convention Center
- Showboat Pavilion
- Carver Community Building
- Carver Pavilion
- Park Avenue Building
- Bay Street Park
- First Lady Pavilion
- Rotary Pavilion
- Sanders Park
Memorial Programs:
- Memorial Tree Program
- Park Bench Dedication Program
- Camps
- Youth Art Classes
Facility Updates:
- The Showboat Pavilion renovation is complete.
- The Doyle Convention Center will be receiving an upgraded AV system.
- East Region TRAPS Conference
- Pelicon Board Games (three-day convention)
- Pickle Fest
(5)
STAFF REPORT
(a)
a. Aquatics – Michael R.
Both Dickinson and Texas City High Schools are utilizing the pools for practice, Monday–Thursday.
Fall swim lesson registration has begun:
Session 1: Nearly full.
Session 2: Opened September 8.
Session 3: Will open later to reduce repeat registrations.
Classes offered this season: Level 1, Level 2, Preschool, and Adult.
NPFAC season is over; winterization process has begun.
Total attendance for 2025: 22,081
60% residents / 40% non-residents.
Slightly more than last year with a significant increase in the resident-to-nonresident ratio.
TCAP practice continues after high school practice.
b. Athletics – JuMarcus T.
After School Tennis Program (as of Sept. 9): 25 registered.
Girls Youth Volleyball (as of Sept. 9): 82 registered.
Coaches meeting: Sept. 8, 6 PM, Lowry Gym #2.
Practice begins: Sept. 15.
First games: Sept. 29.
Carver Park Community Kickball League (as of Sept. 9): 0 registered.
Triple Threat 3-on-3 Basketball League (opened Sept. 1): 0 registered.
Carlos Garza Sports Complex:
Sat., Sept. 13 – Texas City Stingray Youth Football (Homecoming).
Sun., Sept. 14 – Perfect Game Baseball Tournament.
c. Lowry Fitness Center – Michael R. (Month of August)
8,052 member visits.
1,277 Silver Sneaker visits.
176 day passes sold.
54 Breast Cancer shirts sold.
d. Museum – Shelby R.
Installing model train art exhibit.
Train Exhibition Event: Oct. 4.
Davidson hours/price change posted at the home.
Applied for TRAPS awards.
Preparing for Quilt Show (Nov.).
Updating African American Cultural Park informational kiosks.
e. Parks & Shooting Range – Nicole M.
Parks
Splash Pad Project completed at Sanders, Carver, and Godard.
New cool deck surfacing.
Fresh paint on cool deck.
All pads are fully operational.
Rainbow Splash Pad currently closed for warranty work:
Resurfacing and repainting in progress.
Slide feature being replaced.
Convention Center: Still in procurement process for palm tree replacement.
Carver Concession:
Concrete trip hazards repaired (completed).
Worn Formica replaced (completed).
Cooktop replacement in progress.
Curb bumpers painted at baseball field parking lots.
Johnson Park: Trip hazards in sidewalk painted; repair work order submitted to Public Works.
Mowing operations ongoing to catch up on all areas.
Preparing sites for upcoming events:
Commissioner Bowie Event – Carver.
El Grito – Rotary.
African American Cultural Park Event.
Triathlon.
Community Plaza Opening.
Space City Sling Jam.
Mayor’s Walk.
Shooting Range
Santa Fe Mayor’s Cup Skeet Shoot Tournament – Aug. 8, 8 AM–5 PM:
Successful event.
176 rounds shot in total.
Discussion held to make tournament an annual event.
TCPD, SWAT, and NASA Security utilized rifle and pistol ranges on law enforcement training days.
Range crew remains busy with:
Maintenance.
Providing safety on the firing line and skeet fields.
Visitors:
214 residents.
313 non-residents.
139 senior citizens.
Monthly revenue: $17,211.55.
f. Recreation Centers – Michael R.
Sanders Center
Ancestors Day Event: Sept. 13 (3–5 PM).
Line Dance attendance (August): 139.
Carver Center
Nick Gary Foundation Event: Sept. 13 (6 AM–3:30 PM).
Line Dance attendance (August): 140.
g. Reservations – Amanda G.
August hosted a variety of events:
Texas City La Marque Chamber Bayou Bingo – Doyle Convention Center.
M.I. Lewis Banquet – Doyle Convention Center.
TCISD Award Ceremony – Doyle Convention Center.
Quinceañera & Wedding – multiple venues.
Mardi Gras Gala – Doyle Convention Center.
Upcoming Events:
United Way Kick-Off Luncheon – Sept. 18, Wings of Heritage.
LULAC El Grito – Sept. 13, Rotary Pavilion.
Slingfest – Sept. 19, Showboat.
h. Seniors – Nessler – Michael R.
291 transportation units.
489 congregate meals served.
Senior Center Month recognized with a proclamation by Mayor and City Commission.
Attended Seaside Expo at Moody Methodist – Sept. 5.
Grandparents Day Celebration – Sept. 10.
Upcoming:
12-week GERI-FIT program.
Bloodwork – Sept. 11.
Line Dancing – Sept. 12 & 19 (Carver).
Boots on the Ground Senior Dance – Sept. 17, open to the public.
Line Dancing performance at the dance.
Community Fair & Bingo – Sept. 26.
i. Special Events/Programs – Michael R.
Held first Adaptive Recreation Tennis event at Lowry Tennis Courts.
Texas City Music Festival held at Nessler Park.
Upcoming Events:
6th Street Community Plaza Grand Opening – Sept. 20.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk – Oct. 4, 8 AM, Rotary Pavilion.
Halloween Festival – Oct. 25, 1–5 PM, Nessler Park.
Adaptive Halloween Dance – Oct. 28.
Both Dickinson and Texas City High Schools are utilizing the pools for practice, Monday–Thursday.
Fall swim lesson registration has begun:
Session 1: Nearly full.
Session 2: Opened September 8.
Session 3: Will open later to reduce repeat registrations.
Classes offered this season: Level 1, Level 2, Preschool, and Adult.
NPFAC season is over; winterization process has begun.
Total attendance for 2025: 22,081
60% residents / 40% non-residents.
Slightly more than last year with a significant increase in the resident-to-nonresident ratio.
TCAP practice continues after high school practice.
b. Athletics – JuMarcus T.
After School Tennis Program (as of Sept. 9): 25 registered.
Girls Youth Volleyball (as of Sept. 9): 82 registered.
Coaches meeting: Sept. 8, 6 PM, Lowry Gym #2.
Practice begins: Sept. 15.
First games: Sept. 29.
Carver Park Community Kickball League (as of Sept. 9): 0 registered.
Triple Threat 3-on-3 Basketball League (opened Sept. 1): 0 registered.
Carlos Garza Sports Complex:
Sat., Sept. 13 – Texas City Stingray Youth Football (Homecoming).
Sun., Sept. 14 – Perfect Game Baseball Tournament.
c. Lowry Fitness Center – Michael R. (Month of August)
8,052 member visits.
1,277 Silver Sneaker visits.
176 day passes sold.
54 Breast Cancer shirts sold.
d. Museum – Shelby R.
Installing model train art exhibit.
Train Exhibition Event: Oct. 4.
Davidson hours/price change posted at the home.
Applied for TRAPS awards.
Preparing for Quilt Show (Nov.).
Updating African American Cultural Park informational kiosks.
e. Parks & Shooting Range – Nicole M.
Parks
Splash Pad Project completed at Sanders, Carver, and Godard.
New cool deck surfacing.
Fresh paint on cool deck.
All pads are fully operational.
Rainbow Splash Pad currently closed for warranty work:
Resurfacing and repainting in progress.
Slide feature being replaced.
Convention Center: Still in procurement process for palm tree replacement.
Carver Concession:
Concrete trip hazards repaired (completed).
Worn Formica replaced (completed).
Cooktop replacement in progress.
Curb bumpers painted at baseball field parking lots.
Johnson Park: Trip hazards in sidewalk painted; repair work order submitted to Public Works.
Mowing operations ongoing to catch up on all areas.
Preparing sites for upcoming events:
Commissioner Bowie Event – Carver.
El Grito – Rotary.
African American Cultural Park Event.
Triathlon.
Community Plaza Opening.
Space City Sling Jam.
Mayor’s Walk.
Shooting Range
Santa Fe Mayor’s Cup Skeet Shoot Tournament – Aug. 8, 8 AM–5 PM:
Successful event.
176 rounds shot in total.
Discussion held to make tournament an annual event.
TCPD, SWAT, and NASA Security utilized rifle and pistol ranges on law enforcement training days.
Range crew remains busy with:
Maintenance.
Providing safety on the firing line and skeet fields.
Visitors:
214 residents.
313 non-residents.
139 senior citizens.
Monthly revenue: $17,211.55.
f. Recreation Centers – Michael R.
Sanders Center
Ancestors Day Event: Sept. 13 (3–5 PM).
Line Dance attendance (August): 139.
Carver Center
Nick Gary Foundation Event: Sept. 13 (6 AM–3:30 PM).
Line Dance attendance (August): 140.
g. Reservations – Amanda G.
August hosted a variety of events:
Texas City La Marque Chamber Bayou Bingo – Doyle Convention Center.
M.I. Lewis Banquet – Doyle Convention Center.
TCISD Award Ceremony – Doyle Convention Center.
Quinceañera & Wedding – multiple venues.
Mardi Gras Gala – Doyle Convention Center.
Upcoming Events:
United Way Kick-Off Luncheon – Sept. 18, Wings of Heritage.
LULAC El Grito – Sept. 13, Rotary Pavilion.
Slingfest – Sept. 19, Showboat.
h. Seniors – Nessler – Michael R.
291 transportation units.
489 congregate meals served.
Senior Center Month recognized with a proclamation by Mayor and City Commission.
Attended Seaside Expo at Moody Methodist – Sept. 5.
Grandparents Day Celebration – Sept. 10.
Upcoming:
12-week GERI-FIT program.
Bloodwork – Sept. 11.
Line Dancing – Sept. 12 & 19 (Carver).
Boots on the Ground Senior Dance – Sept. 17, open to the public.
Line Dancing performance at the dance.
Community Fair & Bingo – Sept. 26.
i. Special Events/Programs – Michael R.
Held first Adaptive Recreation Tennis event at Lowry Tennis Courts.
Texas City Music Festival held at Nessler Park.
Upcoming Events:
6th Street Community Plaza Grand Opening – Sept. 20.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk – Oct. 4, 8 AM, Rotary Pavilion.
Halloween Festival – Oct. 25, 1–5 PM, Nessler Park.
Adaptive Halloween Dance – Oct. 28.
(6)
BOARD COMMENTS
Paul Bland thanked everyone for coming and appreciates all the hard work.
Paul Bland thanked everyone for coming and appreciates all the hard work.
(7)
ADJOURN
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 pm. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIED
Having no further business, Paul Bland made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 pm. The motion was seconded by Christopher Walters.
VOTE: 5-0 MOTION CARRIED