The fields at the Brownsville Sports Park are now shining brighter, thanks to the installation of a new state-of-the-art Musco Lighting System funded by a $700,000 Quality of Life grant from the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC).
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday to commemorate the completion of the project, which is one of several Fiscal Year 2025 Quality of Life initiatives supported by BCIC.
The upgraded lighting system significantly extends the hours the park is accessible, allowing teams to practice later and offering residents more opportunities to stay active after work and school.
“When we invest in places like the Brownsville Sports Park, we’re investing in the daily moments that strengthen our community—family time, teamwork, health, and connection,” said Mayor John Cowen Jr. “Brownsville is a city on the move, focused on creating opportunities, building pride, and making sure that every neighborhood has access to the resources that contribute to a strong quality of life. The Brownsville Sports Park is an important part of that vision, and today’s improvement is another step forward.”
The Sports Park is a major hub for recreational and competitive sports in the region, regularly drawing large crowds for events and tournaments.
“This is a special place where our city comes alive—where kids build confidence, families spend time together, neighbors connect, and all of us can get outside, be active, and recharge,” said District 3 City Commissioner Gustave De Leon. “That’s why investing back into public spaces like the Sports Park, with the support of BCIC, is so important. These are shared community assets, and when we take care of them, we’re taking care of Brownsville.”
Commissioner At-Large “A” Tino Villarreal Jr. added, “Today’s lights represent that the games will be played, whether there’s clouds, it’s dark, or it’s nighttime. We are open for business. We are open for kids to fill these fields, enjoy being athletes, and learn how to become great human beings.”
Interim City Manager Alan Guard emphasized that the lighting system is part of a broader citywide effort to improve public health through infrastructure.
“The City of Brownsville has taken a deliberate approach to enhancing community health and wellness by investing in infrastructure and public spaces that facilitate daily physical activity for residents,” Guard said. “These upgrades help increase access and usability, for more hours, for more people, and for more purposes.”
The enhanced lighting system not only supports athletic activities but also promotes safety, inclusion, and year-round community engagement at one of Brownsville’s premier recreational facilities.
