Benavides Park Unveils New Pickleball Courts: Benavides Park in Brownsville has unveiled two new pickleball courts during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at South Browne Avenue and California Road, the courts were built with a budget of approximately $183,000 and will provide a space for the growing popularity of pickleball in the area.
Background of Benavides Park
Benavides Park, dedicated in 2006, is named after the late Precinct 1 County Commissioner who championed its creation. His widow, Sofia Benavides, now represents Precinct 1 on the commissioners’ court. The park has evolved from featuring two baseball fields and a soccer field to include a variety of amenities such as a basketball court, walking trails, a splash pad, and now, pickleball courts.
Community Support and Involvement
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sofia Benavides shared how her sister’s enthusiasm for pickleball inspired the new courts.
“Every time we add a new amenity to the park, we like to celebrate,”.(Sofia Benavides)
Benavides expressed her gratitude to fellow commissioners and county officials for their support in making the courts a reality.
Edgar Navarro, a member of the RGV Pickleball Association, expressed excitement about the new facilities.
“I’m very community involved, and I found that this sport is very community-oriented,” (Edgar Navarro).
Navarro highlighted that these are the first permanent public pickleball courts in Brownsville.
Plans for Future Improvements
County Parks Director Joe Vega spoke about the upcoming improvements to county parks, noting that $25 million will be invested in enhancements, including additional features for Benavides Park. “We’re fixing to start getting busy here,” he said, indicating that more developments are on the way.
During the ceremony, J.R. Raschilla, a drill instructor for RGV Pickleball, explained the rules of the game to attendees and led a demonstration. The project was funded by 2024 certificates of obligation, and the contractor for the courts was A&I Custom Manufacturing.
Sofia Benavides reflected on her husband’s legacy and expressed hope that the new courts would benefit the community.
“I try and bring something new every so often when we have money,” (Sofia Benavides).
County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. also praised the facility, calling it “state-of-the-art” and credited Sofia’s leadership for its success.
“It would not have been realized without Sofia’s commitment and leadership,” (Eddie Treviño Jr.).
News in Brief: Benavides Park Unveils New Pickleball Courts
Benavides Park in Brownsville has opened two new pickleball courts, costing approximately $183,000, to support the sport’s growing popularity. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Sofia Benavides, who inspired the courts, and Edgar Navarro from the RGV Pickleball Association, noting they are the first permanent public courts in the area. Plans for further improvements to county parks include additional features for Benavides Park.
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