Joe Matthews Park

Construction on Joe Matthews Park at 4133 Oak Ridge Dr in Mont Belvieu is complete. The project passed its final TDLR accessibility inspection in February 2025, confirming the site meets state standards. This new construction effort covers a 942,840 sq ft site in Chambers County, transforming a former pump station property into a comprehensive recreational area for the City of Mont Belvieu.

The scope of work included extensive infrastructure and amenity development. Contractors built new parking areas, roadways, and pathways to support increased visitor traffic. Key features added include an observation deck, a dock, and a playground. The project also involved the rehabilitation of an existing pee-wee ballfield and basketball court, ensuring these facilities are ready for community use.

Design and Funding

Matthew C Long & Assoc LLC (MCLA) served as the design firm of record for this $2,500,000 project. Tim Mullins was the registered accessibility specialist overseeing the work. The project is funded through public funds and public land, reflecting the City of Mont Belvieu’s investment in local infrastructure. This filing was registered with TDLR in January 2024, with construction starting in April 2024 and concluding with the inspection in February 2025.

This classification indicates a low risk of flooding for the new structures and amenities. The project’s cost of $2,500,000 is above the median estimated cost for new construction filings in Chambers County, which stands at $1,600,000. However, the cost per square foot of $3 is below the county median of $105, reflecting the extensive land area involved in this park development rather than a single building structure.

Third-party sources provide additional context on the park’s features. The City of Mont Belvieu’s official website noted that the renovation includes the City's first "blue trail" with a floating kayak and canoe dock. This dock provides access to waterways, connecting the park to the surrounding natural environment. A YouTube video titled "Mont Belvieu Parks Tours - Joe Matthews Park" described the site as having an entirely new look and feel, highlighting its status as one of the City's oldest parks undergoing significant modernization.

The City of Mont Belvieu has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $22,480,000. These include the Eagle Pointe Recreation Center and Sam Houston Loop - Loop Rd. The completion of Joe Matthews Park adds to the City's portfolio of recreational and infrastructure improvements. The project was scheduled for a 305-day build window, which is close to the county median of 304 days for similar new construction filings. The successful completion of this project ensures that the new amenities are accessible and compliant with state regulations.