PATRONS for Bellaire Parks was founded to raise Bellaire residents’ consciousness as to the value of and the need for parks and green space in our urban lives; to identify and celebrate the park space we have, while working continuously to enhance and augment it with funds for additional parkland acquisition, maintenance and upgrades. The PATRONS board is filled with active and enthusiastic members of the community, including representatives of local businesses, and other volunteers with a long history of involvement in our Bellaire community. PATRONS wants Bellaire’s parks to continue serving as treasured gathering spots for families and seeks to raise funds to further Bellaire parks in accordance with the City of Bellaire’s Master Plan. Since its inception, PATRONS for Bellaire Parks has worked to raise funds for the City of Bellaire to develop and complete the construction of Bellaire Town Square - a hallmark gathering place in the center of our city. Once completed, Bellaire Town Square will feature an outdoor pavilion, an expansive events lawn, and a skate park, in addition to the existing tennis courts and Little League baseball field, the award winning Aquatic Center, and the Loftin Park playground. The Bellaire Town Square complex also includes the Recreation Center, City Hall, the Police and Court Building and the Fire Department.

PATRONS 2011 Board of Directors, who will serve through May 2012, are President Karen Erwin, David Onufer, Vice President of Administration; Randy McKinney, Vice President of Development; Kristi Coffey, Vice President of Publicity; Patrick Durio, Treasurer; Brenda Cauthen, Assistant Treasuer, Doug Christians, Secretary; and Terry Leavitt-Chavez, Past President. Additional voting members of the board are Jamie Allen, Diane McLaughlan, Cassie Neumann, Rob Pepper, Tassy Beasley, Betty Bellomy, Shelly Craft, Kathy Cherry, Cindy Siegel, and Lynne Skinner. Non-voting members include Diane Hasell, Sharon Veldman, Dede Fike, Kathy Biddle, Melinda O'Connell, and Toni Franklin. Councilwoman Mandy Nathan, Parks & Recreation Director Jane Dembski, Recreation Center Superintendant Cheryl Bright-West and Amegy Bank’s Dave Stevenson are advisory committee members.