Pearland - Friendswood - Manvel | January 2026

Health & wellness

BY RACHEL LELAND & HALEY VELASCO

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This annual guide highlights opportunities for residents to engage in healthy activities and learn about wellness-related topics in their community. All stories were written by Community Impact’s team of local journalists. In this edition, readers will nd reporting on how neighborhood amenities, parks and recreational areas support physical activity, overall well-being and community connection.

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Pearland, Manvel prioritize play for all unanimously approved a contract at its Jan. 5 meeting with Crane Group LLP for the City Hall expansion and Heritage Park project, exceeding $2 million.

Percentage of disabled population, ages 517 in Brazoria County

8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

In an eort to ensure park spaces can be used for all, Pearland and Manvel are prioritizing inclusiv- ity in their upcoming park projects at Indepen- dence and Heritage Parks. The overview On Dec. 8, Pearland City Council approved applying for a $1 million Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for the new playground. Pearland voters approved a $16 million bond in 2023, including $700,000 for an inclusive play space at Independence Park. The Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland, a nonprot organization, is leading a $5 million campaign to cover remaining costs. “Independence Park is our largest space in Pearland,” said Je Webb, president of Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland. “If that’s going to be our key space, then everyone should be able to enjoy it.” Down the road, Manvel City Council

5.8%

The eort for an inclusive playground in Manvel is driven by resident Reaghan Velasquez, who has spina bida and has advocated for accessible play spaces since fth grade. “I’m just proud to represent a community that always gets overlooked … those little things, yes, they’re little, but they mean so much,” Velasquez said. Looking ahead Fundraising for the inclusive Independence Park playground runs through mid-2026, with construc- tion expected by 2029, according city documents. As Heritage Park moves into the construction phase, City Council also plans to launch fundrais- ing initiatives, such as selling personalized bricks and signage, to support the park’s amenities.

3.6%

*2020 DATA IS USED WITH AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5YEAR ESTIMATES. ALL OTHER YEARS USE 1YEAR ESTIMATES. SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Heritage Park

Independence Park

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