The City of Orange is excited to announce plans for the extensive renovation of Levingston Park, with the support of Golden Triangle Polymers (GTP). As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance local green spaces, Levingston Park will be transformed into a nature park, providing residents and visitors with an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty.
Levingston Park, a 25-acre area nestled along Adams Bayou and accessible from Border Street, is surrounded by Orange, The Cove, and West Orange neighborhoods. Named after Samuel Levingston, the founder of Levingston Shipyard Co., the park features a historical marker, a small playground, a bench, and a covered pavilion. The park’s landscape is adorned with Pecan, Sweet Gum, and Live Oak trees, making it a hidden gem within the community.
According to Public Works Director Adam Jack, the renovation project is made possible through a partnership with GTP, which plans to install pipelines across the property. The funds from this agreement will be allocated to the park’s transformation, which is estimated to cost nearly $1 million. Planned enhancements include a walking track, estimated at $125,000, and the installation of restrooms, budgeted at $260,000.
The Master Plan for Levingston Park includes exciting additions aimed at attracting wildlife enthusiasts and families. City officials have researched the various bird species that frequent the park, noting that approximately 400 types of birds migrate through the Orange area. The park’s rich biodiversity, including a notable population of butterflies, makes it a prime location for nature observation and educational activities.
Heather Betancourth of GTP stated that construction of the pipelines will begin shortly, with completion expected by the end of the year. The project will be further supported by collaborations with the Texas Master Naturalists, Orange County Master Gardeners, the Golden Triangle Audubon Society, the Native Plant Society of Texas, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Shangri La Botanical Gardens, and the Center for Resiliency at Lamar University.
This collaborative effort underscores the City of Orange’s commitment to preserving and enhancing natural spaces for public enjoyment. The renovation of Levingston Park is poised to create a vibrant, community-centered space that celebrates the area’s natural beauty and rich history.
