Sugar Land council approves interlocal deal with Fort Bend County to restore Duhasick Park

The Sugar Land City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to authorize an interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County that will transfer operations and maintenance of Duhasick Park to the county and pave the way for major improvements.

Kimberly Terrell, interim director of communications, said the roughly 50‑acre ranch property donated to the city in 2001 includes a historic house and trees subject to deed restrictions and that the county’s master plan will be required to preserve those features. “The county will complete a master plan within 12 months,” Terrell said, and all construction will require city approval.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Myers, who spoke at the meeting, said the county’s park bond provides $10.4 million for park projects, with $9.2 million proposed for Duhasick Park and $1.1 million for Ganaway Lake Park. Myers said the county has an agenda item Thursday to finalize the county’s execution of the agreement and that officials look forward to moving immediately on the improvements.

Council members and residents praised the collaboration. Former mayor Dean Herbachik told the council he had discussed donor Mrs. Duhasick’s wishes to keep the site open for neighborhood children and to preserve the pecan trees, urging the city to accept the county’s resources to complete long‑deferred improvements.

Councilmember Watley made the motion to approve the interlocal agreement; Councilmember Single seconded it. The council approved the agreement on a 7–0 vote. Terrell said the city will retain oversight to ensure compliance with the original deed restrictions and will receive a portion of any revenue generated on the site.

Next steps include finalizing and executing the interlocal agreement at the city and allowing the county to act through its commissioners court, after which the county will proceed with the master plan and public engagement required by the agreement.