College Station, September 19, 2025
News Summary
College Station is renovating its basketball facilities to encourage community engagement in sports while paying tribute to Officer Brad Smith upon his retirement from the police department. The Lincoln Recreation Center’s courts are being resurfaced and painted, with further upgrades planned. A retirement ceremony for Officer Smith is scheduled, welcoming the public to celebrate his service. Additionally, a local basketball court will be renamed in honor of NBA champion Alex Caruso as part of the city’s sports facility initiative.
College Station is enhancing its community basketball facilities while simultaneously honoring the service of Officer Brad Smith, who recently retired from the College Station Police Department. The renovations to local basketball courts are part of the city’s initiative to promote sports and recreational activities among residents.
On Thursday, the basketball courts at the Lincoln Recreation Center pavilion temporarily closed for resurfacing and new paint. This rejuvenation effort will extend to additional basketball courts in the area over the next two weeks, pending favorable weather conditions. These upgrades aim to create a welcoming and modern environment for basketball enthusiasts of all ages.
In addition to the court renovations, a retirement ceremony for Officer Brad Smith is scheduled for Friday, March 21, at the Lincoln Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This ceremony aims to celebrate Smith’s dedicated service and significant impact on the College Station community. At the conclusion of the event, an emotional moment is to be shared as Smith’s family and patrol squad will escort him outside to respond to his final radio call. This will be marked with a “10-42” designation, symbolizing he is now out of service. Although this will be a private moment, the radio broadcast will be available for attendees inside the gym to partake in the occasion.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony to honor Officer Smith’s contributions to the city and Brazos County. Due to expected large attendance, those planning to attend are encouraged to carpool, as parking around the Lincoln Center will be limited. A public parking lot will be available near the basketball courts, with overflow options near nearby baseball fields. Handicapped parking accommodations are also being provided for convenience. Following the ceremony, the College Station Police Department’s Motor Unit will manage traffic at the intersection of Eleanor Street and Holleman Drive to ensure safety and ease of access.
The College Station City Council has also recently approved a notable initiative concerning community sports facilities. A basketball court at Castlegate Park is set to be renamed in honor of NBA champion Alex Caruso. Caruso’s achievements, including his time at Consolidated High School, Texas A&M, and the Los Angeles Lakers, prompted the council to recognize his contributions to the sport. The renaming will be celebrated with a dedication proposal during summer after the NBA season concludes. The vote among the council members was predominantly in support of the renaming, showcasing a shared commitment to appreciating local talent.
Alongside these community developments, Texas A&M University is undergoing changes in leadership. President Mark Welsh has announced his resignation, effective September 19, following scrutiny over his management of personnel issues. The Texas A&M Board of Regents has begun the search for a new permanent president while designating an interim president to take over temporarily. Additionally, various projects, including appointments such as Dr. Christopher Maynard as president of A&M International in Laredo, have been approved to improve educational leadership.
Furthermore, the Cox-McFerrin Center for Aggie Basketball is a significant new facility that spans 68,000 square feet to support men’s and women’s basketball teams. This center includes practice gymnasiums, locker rooms, player lounges, and offices for coaches. It is designed to enhance training and recruitment experiences for student-athletes, integrating modern amenities such as LCD flat-screen TVs and multimedia capabilities throughout.
FAQ
What improvements are being made to the basketball facilities in College Station?
The basketball courts at the Lincoln Recreation Center are being resurfaced and repainted, with additional courts scheduled for improvement in the following weeks.
When and where is Officer Brad Smith’s retirement ceremony?
The ceremony is on Friday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Center in College Station.
What will happen during Officer Smith’s final radio call?
His family and patrol squad will escort him outside to hear his final radio call, marked “10-42” (Out of Service). This moment will be private but broadcast for attendees inside the gym.
Is the public invited to the ceremony honoring Officer Smith?
Yes, the public is invited to attend the retirement ceremony to honor his service to the community.
What are the parking arrangements for the ceremony?
Parking will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool. Public parking is available near the basketball courts with overflow options at the baseball fields, and handicapped parking is provided.
Why was a basketball court renamed in honor of Alex Caruso?
It was renamed to recognize Caruso’s achievements, including his connection to the local high school, Texas A&M, and his career in the NBA.
What is the future of the Texas A&M University presidency?
President Mark Welsh has resigned, and the Board of Regents is searching for a new permanent president while appointing an interim leader.
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Additional Resources
- KCEN TV – Officer Brad Smith Retirement
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- WTAW – Castlegate Park Renaming
- Google Search: Alex Caruso College Station
- The Eagle – Community News
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M Basketball
- 12th Man – Cox-McFerrin Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M University
- Aggies Wire – Henry Coleman Reflection
- Google News: Texas Aggies Basketball
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.
