Bolivar Peninsula Vision, a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the future of the Peninsula, is proud to share progress on several initiatives aligned with its five guiding pillars:
- Expansion of green spaces and environmental preservation
- Development of workforce housing solutions
- Improved access to healthcare and social services
- Support for quality education and youth programming
- Job creation and economic opportunity
Since its approval as a non-profit this summer, Bolivar Peninsula Vision has focused on three of these pillars—environmental preservation, economic development, and education—making significant strides toward long-term impact.
Environmental Preservation
The organization has filed a Beach Nourishment permit covering all 27 miles of Bolivar Peninsula’s shoreline. Working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and TxDOT, which dredges twice annually at the ferry landing and recovers nearly 700,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, Bolivar Peninsula Vision is advancing efforts to restore and protect the coastline.
The next step involves hiring an engineering firm to complete the permit process, requiring more than $300,000 in fees and an estimated 18 months of work. The nonprofit will present the project to Commissioners Court to secure funding through GOMESA. Commissioner Joe Giusti has been a strong supporter of the initiative, recognizing its long-term benefits for the Peninsula. Additionally, discussions with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) are underway to secure future funding for sand placement.
Economic Development
To boost tourism and local opportunity, Bolivar Peninsula Vision is exploring the development of playoff-quality baseball fields, modeled after successful projects in Gulf Shores, Alabama. These facilities would attract families and athletes to the Peninsula, with tournaments expected to bring 1,700–2,000 visitors per event.
During peak summer tournaments such as the World Series in June and July, attendance could reach 3,000 visitors per week, providing a major economic boost to local businesses.
Education & Youth Programming
Bolivar Peninsula Vision is looking to partner with junior colleges and OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) to expand educational and lifestyle course offerings for residents. Announcements of new classes scheduled for the upcoming year will be released soon, marking the beginning of a broader effort to enhance learning opportunities for all ages on the Peninsula.
Community Engagement
Bolivar Peninsula Vision remains committed to advancing all five pillars and welcomes community involvement. A recent meeting with the new Galveston County Grants Writer and Commissioner Joe Giusti underscored the importance of securing grant funding to support these projects.
Bolivar Peninsula Vision is led by a dedicated board of community leaders:
- Mark DeSantis
- Mike Hoover
- Beth Boles-Terminella
- Jim Denys
- Chris Williams
- Christina O’Dell
Residents and supporters are encouraged to share ideas, volunteer, or join committees to help shape the future of the Peninsula. Please contact Mark D. DeSantis, President, at 512.470.0376.
