The first phase in the construction of Gateway Park, located along Main Street between 28th and 29th streets in downtown Bryan, was completed in time to be used as a public space during the Texas Reds Festival June 20-22.
The park's look reflected designs made by first-year landscape architecture students led by Jodi Naderi, assistant professor of landscape architecture at Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture.
Texas Reds is an annual two-day downtown event celebrating the history of the beef and wine industries in the Brazos Valley. The park site was next to the festival's music stage.
"We are so pleased that, through our mother's foresight and generosity, a park to compliment Bryan's historic downtown is nearing the initial phase of completion,” Stephanie Sale Singleton told the city of Bryan June 19, the day before Texas Reds began.
Singleton worked with the City of Bryan to create the park for the city’s citizens and visitors using grants from her mother’s Bryan beautification trust.
“Our parents, Gloria and Chic Sale, would be thrilled to see this spot of beauty for all to enjoy. My sisters, Courtney and Lynsey, join me in applauding the City of Bryan for the creation of this park," Singleton said.
Phase 2 of the park, according to the city of Bryan’s website, will feature the installation of a splash pad fountain and an open-air pavilion, which will function primarily as a covered meeting facility. The pavilion will be constructed to resemble the historic rail depot that once stood at the location. A schedule for the construction of Phase 2 has not yet been determined.
