MHS Planning & Design, in partnership with the City of Center, undertook the development of Portacool Park, covering 4.3 acres. The project, with a preliminary cost estimate of $977,534.00, was substantially funded by a TPWD grant and external contributions. 

The park includes playgrounds, a sprayground, various trails, horseshoe and washer pits, refurbished sports courts, covered basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, bench stations, a native botanical garden, restrooms, bioswales, ample parking, and an attractive entry feature. 

A distinctive element of this project was partnering with Portacool, a local cooling fan systems company, to create a Portacool Cooling Station at the park’s pavilion, primarily for spectators and players at the volleyball and basketball courts. This cooling station, typically seen in private venues like sports arenas and warehouses, demanded a novel design approach. The final design featured a robust enclosure made of stone and wood, complete with a metal gate for efficient airflow, water and electrical connections, and secure maintenance access, tailored to the needs of a public recreational setting.