A map of amenities at the new 30-acre Water’s Edge Park in downtown Corpus Christi. A ribbon-cutting for the park is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Great Lawn.
A beach volleyball court that could draw televised competitions will soon be built on McGee Beach at Water’s Edge Park in downtown Corpus Christi. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi recently announced it will build the court and cover an existing basketball court to shade players from the summer sun. Construction should begin in the fall. Islander Courts and the Islander Pavilion will both be open to the public.
TAMU-CC’s announcement comes as the city prepares ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the improvements recently completed at the newly named Water’s Edge Park. The ribbon will be cut at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Great Lawn, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd. The 22-acre park includes Sherrill Park, McGee Beach, and McCaughan Park.
Live music precedes the events with The Veterans Funky Rock Jazz Band playing from 5:30-6 p.m. Activities, games, and more music are planned from 6:30-7 p.m.
The amount of money donated to build both facilities is so far secret but not anonymous. Funds are being provided by TAMU-CC and Fulton Coastcon Construction, the company that designed and built Water’s Edge as well as several major products for the university.
The newly renovated 30-acre Water’s Edge Park, formerly known as Bayshore Park, has proven to be a popular addition to downtown. Part of it was formed from the realignment of Shoreline Boulevard, which moved the street west away from the waterfront, opening up more green space for recreation.
New playground equipment, benches, restrooms, and the city’s first dog park are just some of the amenities added. Another bonus: Those using the park no longer have to cross Shoreline Boulevard to get from the park to the waterfront. The money for both the street realignment and the park came from a $13 million bond election in 2008.
The Islanders suited up their first sand volleyball team in the spring of 2016, competing at the Division I level of the NCAA. The season runs during spring semesters. Championship games are usually played in early May. The NCAA added the sport to its list of 90 Division I sports the same year.
Now in its second year playing NCAA volleyball, the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas served their way to the top of the Small College Beach Volleyball Championships. They were named champions during Division II playoffs April 8 at Hickory Point Beach, Florida.
