News Summary
Brison Park in College Station, Texas, has been designated as one of 64 Lone Star Legacy Parks. This recognition highlights the park’s historical significance and its impact on the community. Originally established in 1921, Brison Park features the memorial ‘Twelve Poles of Light,’ honoring the Aggies who lost their lives in the 1999 Bonfire collapse. The designation emphasizes the park’s role in preserving local history and promoting community resilience.
College Station, Texas – Brison Park has been officially designated as one of 64 Lone Star Legacy Parks by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society. This announcement was made during the College Station city council meeting held on April 24, 2025, marking a momentous occasion for the local community.
Originally established in 1921 by the Southside Neighborhood Development Corporation, the park was initially named Dexter Park. It underwent a name change in 1980 to honor Fred Brison, a recognized community advocate and a nationally renowned horticulture professor. This recognition of Brison Park underscores its historical significance and enhances its value within the community.
During the city council meeting, various council members spoke about the importance of Brison Park to the local community. It features the notable “Twelve Poles of Light,” a memorial dedicated to the twelve Aggies who tragically lost their lives during the Bonfire collapse in 1999. This memorial was officially dedicated to the public on November 18, 2000, and comprises twelve lampposts, each marked with a plaque bearing the name of one of the victims.
Councilman Dennis Maloney played a pivotal role in the establishment of this memorial, which is designed to blend seamlessly into the park’s natural beauty. The understated design serves as a poignant reminder of that fateful event while preserving the park’s inviting atmosphere. Visitors to the park often overlook the memorial at first; however, once they notice the first plaque, they are drawn into the memorial’s significance.
This dedication not only serves as a space for reflection but also reinforces the community’s commitment to remembering its history and traditions. The memorial remains an essential aspect of College Station, providing comfort and solace to those who visit. The overwhelming sense of community resilience is reflected in the park and its memorial, which are symbolic of strength and remembrance.
Brison Park’s designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park adds another layer of historical significance. In recognition of parks that have demonstrated long-term community value and contributions to the state’s recreational and cultural heritage, this designation highlights the park’s role within College Station. It stands alongside other parks across Texas recognized for their unique history and contributions to communities.
This recent accolade reaffirms the park’s role not only as a recreational area but also as a site of value and preservation for historical events that shape the identity of College Station. The city encourages residents and visitors alike to visit Brison Park and explore its rich history, as well as the serene environment it offers.
In conclusion, Brison Park’s recent recognition as a Lone Star Legacy Park is a testament to its significance in the College Station community. Through its history, natural beauty, and the Memorial of the Twelve Poles of Light, the park continues to serve as a cherished space for both reflection and recreation, embodying the spirit of the community it represents.
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Additional Resources
- WTAW: State Designation for College Station’s First City Park
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- KBTX: Take a Tour of Historic Southside Neighborhood
- Google Search: College Station Bonfire Memorial
- The Battalion: Respect and Recognition
- Google Scholar: Aggie Bonfire
- Fox 44 News: AM Recognizes 23rd Anniversary of Bonfire Tragedy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bonfire tragedy Texas A&M
- Waco Tribune: Remembering Bonfire – Hand Family Lost Daughter
- Google News: College Station Parks Recognition
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
