February 12, 2003

League City Parks and Recreation

The City of League City Parks and Recreation Department has received $418,423 in funding from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to help fund the city’s newly acquired Butler Longhorn Museum and Historical Park.  The amount from Texas Parks and Wildlife will be matched by leveraging the land cost.  The funds will be used to develop trails and repair one acre of wetlands, interpretive/educational areas, a butterfly garden, herb gardens, two fishing piers, a bird watching platform, picnic tables, play areas, among other amenities.

The Butler Longhorn Museum and Historical Park is located at the old Walter Hall estate located at 1221 Coryell Street in League City.  The residence will be renovated to include a museum.   The Gharardi family has donated their family home to the city.  The home will be placed on the property and later will become part of the exhibits.   A curator has been hired to oversee the development of the project.  

“Staff is very excited about receiving the funds since this grant cycle was extremely competitive,” said Parks and Recreation Superintendent Rhonda Cyrus.

The Museum is slated to be open Spring of 2004 and the park portion will open Spring 2005.   The museum will focus on the founding families of League City.