Community engagement is one of the three founding principles for 50/50 Park Partners with the goal of creating improvements, projects, and volunteer support that are responsive to the community.
To achieve this goal, the lead organizations behind 50/50 Park Partners connect with community groups, leaders, and residents to create a series of virtual listening sessions and develop a personalized outreach plan..
We work with City of Houston Council Members to identify existing community groups and meetings so that people who use the identified 50/50 parks the most have the opportunity to give input.
HOW DOES A COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION WORK?
Each session may be different, but will have a similar set of standards to ensure people who attend learn what the 50/50 Parks Partners initiative is, have the opportunity to discuss how the park currently operates and serves the community, and identify assets need the most help.
Potential projects will be shown for consideration based on previous assessments by Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Together, the community will help chose projects to be considered.
Following the Community Listening Session, 50/50 Park Partners will work to determine the final list of project(s) in coordination with the community to provide a corresponding timeline for improvements.
50/50 Park Partners look forward to working with each community to help make these critical improvements to beloved neighborhood parks.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS
This page will be updated as Community Listening Sessions are scheduled. Questions about any of the Community Listening Sessions? Email info@houstonparksboard.org for more information.
PREVIOUS COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS FOR FIRST ROUND OF PARKS
Update for all first round parks: Parks are estimated to begin construction in 2022. Communities, partners and elected officials will be notified in advance.
Love Park
On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 50/50 Park Partners held a virtual Community Listening Session to gather feedback on existing conditions of Love Park and listen to community input on potential future improvements.
Love Park Community Listening Session
Based on the input received, balanced with available funding, the top three desired improvements identified by the community are: a playground, trail improvements, and increasing open space.
These specific improvements at Love Park include replacing playground equipment, adding a new exercise station, consolidating picnic areas to create more open space, improving the baseball field, repairing walkways, re-aligning the walking trail, and improved lighting.
E.P. Hill Park
On Thursday, January 7, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Sunnyside Complete Community’s monthly meeting to host a virtual Community Listening Session and gather input on potential future improvements to E.P. Hill Park.
E.P. Hill Park Community Listening Session Recording
Start the video at the 1 hour and 2 minutes (1:02:22) mark for the Community Listening Session.
Tuffly Park
On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Kashmere Gardens Complete Community’s monthly meeting to host a virtual Community Listening Session and gather input on potential future improvements to Tuffly Park.
On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, a second listening session was hosted by the Greater Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood to gather additional input on Tuffly Park.
Based on the input received and available funding, the top three desired improvements identified by the community are: a playground, a trail extension and picnic area, and an exercise station.
The anticipated improvements at Tuffly Park include a new exercise station, improved parking lot, resurfacing the walking trail, replacing and relocating picnic tables, improved lighting, adding concrete pads for bleachers, and improvements to the basketball court.
Mayfair Park
On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Fort Bend-Houston Complete Community’s monthly meeting to host a virtual Community Listening Session and gather input on potential future improvements to Mayfair Park.
Mayfair Park Community Listening Session Recording
Start the video at the 24 minute and 12 seconds (21:12) mark for the Community Listening Session.
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Mayfair Park will include adding a new 2-5-year-old playground unit and new swing sets, improving park lighting, and replacing park benches and picnic tables.
Harwin Park
On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Alief-Westwood Complete Community meeting for a virtual Community Listening Session to gather input on potential future improvements to Harwin Park.
Harwin Park Community Listening Session Recording in Spanish
Harwin Park Community Listening Session Recording in English
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Harwin Park include more lighting, a new picnic pavilion, a new exercise station, and improved walkways. Construction began in August 2022 on these improvements.
Special thanks to our Park Partner for this park, Community Health Choice!
Separate, but concurrent, from the 50/50 improvements described above is the active construction of the redevelopment of the playground area at Harwin Park. That project is part of a Houston Parks and Recreation Department Capital Improvement Project, and managed by the City of Houston General Services Department on behalf of HPARD.
Forum Park Community Listening Session
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Alief-Westwood Complete Community meeting for a virtual Community Listening Session to gather input on potential future improvements for Forum Park.
Forum Park Community Listening Session Recording in Spanish
Forum Park Community Listening Session Presentation Slideshow in English*
*This session was not recorded in English.
Note: Start the video at the 13 minutes and 28 seconds (13:28) for the 50/50 Park Partners Community Listening Session.
Based on the input received and available funding, the identified priorities include adding a new parking lot with lighting, updating the asphalt trail, replacing picnic tables and grills in the picnic area, adding a shade sail near the playground, upgrading site lighting, adding a new mini-pitch and half basketball court, and creating associated detention.
Construction began in August 2022 on these improvements.
Special thanks to Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation for making the half basketball court and the soccer mini-pitch possible.
Langwood Park Community Listening Session
On Thursday, February 25, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Langwood Park.
Langwood Park Community Listening Session Recording in English
Langwood Park Community Listening Session Recording in Spanish
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Langwood Park will include resurfacing the walking trail, replacing the playground, improving the picnic area, adding a new exercise station, and improving drainage.
Nieto Park Community Listening Session
On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Nieto Park.
Nieto Park Community Listening Session Recording in English
Nieto Park Community Listening Session Recording in Spanish
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Nieto Park will include improving the water sprayground surface, replacing the playground equipment and fall surface, replacing benches and picnic tables, adding a new exercise station, and replacing damaged concrete sections around the basketball court.
Dow Park Community Listening Session
On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Dow Park.
Dow Park Community Listening Session Recording
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Dow Park will include replacing the playground equipment, adding a light pole, upgrading a light pole, repurposing three tennis courts into a new soccer mini-pitch, restoring one practice tennis court into a full tennis court, and adding walking trail connections.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2022.
Bendwood Park Community Listening Session
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Bendwood Park.
Bendwood Park Community Listening Session Recording
Based on the input received and available funding, the improvements at Bendwood Park will include improving the tennis courts, adding a new exercise station, replacing the basketball court, improved lighting, and repairing and replacing sidewalks.
Freeway Manor Park Listening Session
On Tuesday, March 30, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Freeway Manor Park.
Freeway Manor Park Community Listening Session Recording in English
Freeway Manor Park Community Listening Session Recording in Spanish
Based on the input received and available funding, improvements at Freeway Manor Park will include resurfacing the parking lot, repairing the walking trail, replacing park benches, regrading the baseball field, updating the picnic areas, repurposing the tennis court to a soccer mini-pitch, and improving park lighting.
PREVIOUS COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS FOR SECOND ROUND PARKS
Update for all second round parks: Parks are estimated to begin and end construction in 2023. Communities, partners and elected officials will be notified in advance.
Cliff Tuttle Park Community Listening Session
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Denver Harbor Civic Association’s monthly meeting to host a community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Cliff Tuttle Park.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
To view a recording of the presentation, click here.
Based on the input received and available funding, improvements will include the expansion of and improvements to the playground, the addition of an exercise station, improving the basketball court, and updating elements of the skate park.
Grimes Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Thursday, November 18, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners participated in the Sunnyside Complete Community’s monthly meeting to host a community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Grimes Park.
To view a recording of the presentation, click here.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: replacing the playground, renovating the basketball pavilion, the addition of a walking loop, improved site lighting, improvements to the tennis court and football fields, and updates to the picnic area.
Aaron Ledet Park Community Listening Session
On Monday, November 22, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a Community Listening Session on potential future improvements to Aron Ledet Park.
The meeting was held in-person at the White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77088.
A recorded version of the presentation will be posted soon.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: replacing the playground, added lighting, improvements to the walking trail and concrete work, improvements to the spray ground, updating the basketball court, adding a picnic shelter, and repainting the pavilion.
Simon Minchen Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Wednesday, December 1, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a virtual Community Listening Session on Simon Minchen Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a recording of the meeting in English, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting in Spanish, click here.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: the addition of lighting and a new playground, improving the baseball field, creating a multi-purpose athletic field, adding a walking loop/trail, creating a front entrance, renovating the parking lot, and an update to the basketball court.
Oak Meadow Park Community Listening Session
On Thursday, December 8, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners hosted an in-person Community Listening Session on Oak Meadow Park to discuss potential future improvements.
The meeting was held in-person at Forest Oaks Baptist Church, 1845 Forest Oaks Dr., Houston TX 77017.
To view a PDF of the presentation, click here.
Based on the input receivedand available funding, improvements will include: replacing the playground, resurfacing the walking trail, adding benches, renovating the basketball court, improving the baseball/soccer fields and site drainage, adding a picnic pavilion, updated lighting, and replacing the volleyball court.
Briarbend Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Sunday, December 12, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners joined the Charnwood Civic Club meeting for a virtual Community Listening Session on Briarbend Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a PDF of the presentation, click here.
To view a recap of this meeting click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: an update to the playground, improving the walking trail, improvements to the gazebo, and added lighting.
Braeburn Glen Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners will host a virtual Community Listening Session on Braeburn Glen Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a recording of the meeting in English, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting in Spanish, click here.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: additional lighting, an update to the playground with an added shade structure, renovation of the volleyball court, adding benches, and replacing the fencing.
Hidalgo Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Thursday, December 16, 2021, 50/50 Park Partners joined the Manchester-Magnolia Park Complete Community meeting for a virtual Community Listening Session on Hidalgo Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a recording of the meeting in English, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting in Spanish, click here.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: a new playground, restoration and improvement of the spray ground, updating the baseball fields, adding a public art element, improved detention, and clearing the shoreline along the bayou.
Scenic Woods Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Monday, January 10, 2022, 50/50 Park Partners joined the Fontaine Place and Scenic Woods Civic Club for a virtual Community Listening Session on Scenic Woods Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on input received and available funding, improvements will include: replacing the playground and adding shade structures, adding an exercise station, improvements to the basketball and tennis courts, improving the baseball and multi-purpose athletic fields, and adding bollards throughout the site.
Tanglewilde Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 50/50 Park Partners hosted a virtual Community Listening Session on Tanglewilde Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a recording of the meeting in English, click here.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
Based on the input received and available funding, improvements will include: the addition and improvement of lighting to the picnic pavilion, updating the playground, improved site drainage, and an upgrade to the multi-purpose athletic fields.
Forest West Park Virtual Community Listening Session
On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 50/50 Park Partners joined the Central Northwest Super Neighborhood for a Community Listening Session on Forest West Park to discuss potential future improvements.
To view a copy of the presentation, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting in Spanish, click here.
To view a recording of the meeting in English, click here.
Based on the input received and available funding, improvements include: replacing the playground, improvements to the walking trail and site drainage, adding lighting, a reconfiguration of fencing, upgraded site drainage, a renovation of the multi-purpose athletic fields, and removing the basketball court.
Questions or Comments?
If you were unable to attend a Community Listening Session for a 50/50 park, or you have additional input, please email info@houstonparksboard.org with the name of the park in the title of the email.
Recordings in Spanish
Live interpreting is intended to facilitate communication and understanding, and only the original language version can be used on record. Please contact Houston Parks Board if you plan to quote our interpreted version or use it for other legal, literary, or scholarly purposes.
Grabaciones en español
La interpretación en vivo existe para facilitar la comunicación y el entendimiento, y sólo la versión en el idioma original puede utilizarse oficialmente. Por favor comuníquese con Houston Parks Board si planea citar nuestra versión interpretada o usarla para otros propósitos legales, literarios o académicos.
Click here to visit our frequently asked questions section about the 50/50 Park Partners initiative.
Download our 50/50 brochure here.
50/50 Park Partners is an initiative led by Houston Parks Board, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Greater Houston Partnership.
