Foresight at center of multi-use project

In 1993, when Rosenberg, Texas, purchased a 368-acre site along state highway 36, it began work on a project that, seven years later, would yield a regional stormwater detention system, a park, and a civic and convention center. The result is a community “center” in an area that once was designated for residential development.

At the time of the purchase, the land was owned by a national homebuilder. However, when the Texas building industry collapsed, the builder’s plans for the parcel lay dormant. Rosenberg purchased the site for $452,000 (paid from the general fund) and began planning for a stormwater detention system.

The project focused initially on stormwater drainage and streambed improvement in the Seabourne Creek watershed. Engineering and hydraulic studies indicated that a basin needed to be constructed, and the SH 36 site was the perfect spot. Surrounded by 600 acres of land that would eventually be developed, the site could accommodate a basin that would eliminate the need for developers to use additional land for on-site detention.

Excavation of the detention basin began in 1995. The facility was designed to cover 65 to 70 acres, and about half has been excavated to date. (To save money that would be spent on digging, hauling and dumping the dirt, Rosenberg is now selling the dirt to developers, the state DOT and other entities, and requiring the buyers to dig and haul the dirt themselves. As a result, construction of the basin has slowed.) The $2 million project is being funded by a city bond issue.

Studies showed that, when the basin project was complete, there would be a significant surplus of land. With visions of a park in their heads, Rosenberg officials earmarked a portion of the surplus land.

Spanning 164 acres, Seabourne Creek Park cost $554,000 to construct and was funded primarily with a $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It contains a 4.5-acre lake stocked with channel catfish, black bass and blue gill; two miles of walking trails; and a one-mile jogging and cycling trail. Additionally, it features a 9-acre wetlands basin that was created with islands and a connecting boardwalk. The area provides year-round sanctuary for local and migratory birds, and, in case of extreme stormwater events, the wetlands can serve as a detention basin. There are no ball fields or playgrounds in the park; instead, the city encourages visitors to enjoy bird watching, fishing, walking and picnicking.

Contiguous to the park, Rosenberg also has built a 20,000-square-foot civic and convention center. The $2.1 million facility was funded with another $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a $400,000 grant from the Rosenberg Tourist Development Board, and $150,000 in corporate and private donations. The remaining portion came from the Rosenberg Development Corp.

The center will accommodate conferences and seminars, as well as recreational programs. Recalling the city’s history as a railroad stop, its facade was designed to resemble that of a train depot.

Work continues on Rosenberg’s detention basin, but the city dedicated its new park and civic/convention center on July 4 during its Family Fourth Celebration. Officials expect the combined project to enhance recreation and attract tourism, and provide long-term capacity for stormwater management. Additionally, more than 100 acres of the site remains undeveloped.