Neches River park getting face lift

Wanda Nichols Photo CLEARING THE BOUNDARIES -- Chandler city maintenance staff and Henderson County trustees under the supervision of CPD Chief Reeves (on backhoe) began the task of clearing the Neches River park boundaries Friday.

After years of neglect, the Neches River park, located at the city of Chandler's eastern city limits on State Highway 31, is getting a face lift.

On Friday, Chandler city maintenance staff and Henderson County trustees under the supervision of Chandler PD Chief Ron Reeves began the task of pushing back overgrowth and picking up trash...lots of trash.

"This park is in our city limits, " Reeves said. "If you litter and you're caught you will be punished, and it's going to cost you."

Reeves said trustees picked up six bags of litter throughout the park.

During their November meeting, the Chandler City Council approved taking the necessary steps to assume the responsibility of the park from Henderson County in order to clean up the park.

Subsequently, the Henderson County Commissioners Court approved the transfer of a lease agreement between the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority (UNRMWA) and Henderson County to the city of Chandler.

The lease covers 3.17 acres of land and had been in effect between the county and the UNRMWA since 1971 according to county records.

The city of Chandler wanted to have an agreement with UNRMWA in order to maintain the area and enforce the law there.

Reeves said the project will continue over the next several months and includes the repair and painting of numerous picnic canopies.