The 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 community members with children, local businesses, and other representatives with a long history of involvement in the 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, The Patrons for Bellaire Parks has worked to raise funds for the City of Bellaire to develop a new Aquatic Center, playground, and Bellaire Town Square- a hallmark gathering place in the center of our great city. When complete, Bellaire Town Square will feature an outdoor pavilion, an expansive events lawn, a paved plaza with interactive water feature and a skate park, in addition to the existing tennis courts and Little League baseball field, recently completed aquatic center and Loftin Park playground. The BTS complex also includes the Recreation Center, City Hall, the Police and Court Building and the Fire Departments. Next on Patron’s agenda is to raise funds to build an interactive water fountain, skatepark, pavilion, and great lawn that will be a joy for Bellaire families of all ages. Recently PATRONS met to elect its 2010 Board of Directors, who will serve through May 2011. Taking the helm this term is newly appointed President Terry Leavitt-Chavez, a longtime Bellaire resident. Joining Leavitt-Chavez on the board include Cassie Neumann, Vice President of Administration; Randy McKinney, Vice President of Development; Kristi Coffey, Vice President of Publicity; Pat Durio, Treasurer; Josie Brown, Secretary; Betty Bellomy, Past President. Additional voting members of the board are Melinda O'Connell, Diane McLaughlan, Karen Erwin, Kathy Biddle, Dietra Aronack Fike, Karen Vine Fuller, David Onufer, Victoria Aguilar Suarez, Tassy Beasley, Chriss Jesse, Leslie Manner, and Erin Kimzey. Non-voting members include Diane Hasell, Sharon Veldman, Dave Stevenson, and Toni Franklin. Mayor Cindy Siegel and Councilwoman Mandy Nathan are advisory committee members.