HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL - NARRATIVE SUMMARY - October 4, 2024
BRISON PARK – NARRATIVE SUMMARY
Fall 2024
Brison Park, established in 1921 and originally named Dexter Park, is a cornerstone of the Southside Historic Neighborhood in College Station, Texas. The park was developed as part
of “College Park,” the first off-campus residential area created primarily for Texas A&M faculty. The Southside Development Company, formed by five faculty members, purchased land
adjacent to the southern edge of the campus and designed the subdivision around this central park, complete with a lake fed by a branch of Bee Creek.
In the early years, Dexter Park was a popular site for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and even ice skating in the winter. The park was not only a community gathering
location, it’s lake was also a place of church baptisms. However, in 1939, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) drained the lake to address safety concerns related to mosquitoes
and malaria. Afterwards, the park became a cherished green space providing a welcome retreat for residents and visitors.
In 1947, Dexter Park was sold to the City of College Station, becoming the city’s first municipal park. Restrictions were put in place to preserve its natural environment, and the park
was renamed Brison Park in 1987 to honor Fred R. Brison, a nationally known horticulture professor at A&M and an active community advocate.
Brison Park has since become a community hub for the Southside Historic Neighborhood. Its shaded areas, nature trails, and well-known birding locations attract both local residents
and out of town visitors. The park is home to 193 species of birds, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers. Additionally, a 100-year-old Post Oak tree in the park, the
“Brison Oak,” stands as a living symbol of the neighborhood’s long history.
The park also plays host to important events such as the annual Fall Gathering and Spring Event. These foster a strong sense of community and promote conservation efforts, with volunteers
working to protect native habitats and maintain the park’s ecosystem. In 2000, Brison Park became the site of the City’s “Memorial Bonfire Lights” honoring the 12 Texas A&M students
who lost their lives in the 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse. This memorial includes 12 acorn lamp posts with individual plaques commemorating the victims.
From its origins as a recreational lakefront park to its current role as a peaceful green space and memorial, Brison Park has remained an integral part of the Southside Historic Neighborhood.
Residents continue to take pride in preserving its natural beauty and historical significance, ensuring that Brison Park will remain a treasured part of the community for future generations.