Situated on the border of Mexico, Brownsville, Texas has many assets, such as a diverse population and culture, natural resources including miles of resacas (small oxbow lakes) and world-class birding, and proximity to the coast and international trade. Brownsville’s population is also heavily Hispanic and is challenged by high obesity, diabetes, and poverty rates, with 31.4% of residents living below the poverty line. Brownsville is also in an environmentally-sensitive area and is susceptible to flooding and severe weather events. With this workshop, the City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department hopes to strengthen its cross-sector partnerships to improve environmental resilience in the parks and trails system, promote active and healthy lifestyles, and leverage opportunities for workforce and economic development.
Photo credit: City of Brownsville
