The proposed funding includes approximately $8.5 million from the Parks and Recreation Dedication Fund, $2.5 million from the Parks Consolidated Construction Fund and an additional $20,000 from the Contributed Capital Project Fund to support improvements at 25 neighborhood parks across Houston.

According to the Houston Parks Board, the parks were selected after an analysis of more than 180 neighborhood parks identified locations with some of the greatest need for upgrades and investment. More than 40 community engagement events have already been held, reaching over 1,600 residents to help shape future improvements.

“Let’s Play Houston is a public-private partnership, and the public funding component represents the City of Houston’s largest investment in neighborhood parks in its history,” Justin Schultz, president and CEO, Houston Parks Board, told Chron in an emailed statement. “This recent City Council approval moves the initiative one step closer to delivering these much-needed park improvements in partnership with Mayor John Whitmire.”

The initiative was first announced in March as a public-private partnership led by Mayor John Whitmire, the Houston Parks Board and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. At the time, organizers said the broader program could eventually become the largest investment in neighborhood parks in Houston history, combining roughly $60 million in public and private funding.

“Every neighborhood deserves to have a great park that its residents can enjoy,” Whitmire said in a March statement.

Here’s where the money could go if the proposal is approved:

District A: Haden Park, Schwartz Park
District B: Trinity Gardens Park, Lakewood Park
District C: Lawrence Park, American Legion Park
District D: Bricker Park, Zollie Scales Park, George T. Nelson Park
District E: Greenwood Park, J.P. White Park, Dylan Duncan Memorial Skate Park
District F: 6640 Wilcrest Greenspace, Kirkwood Park
District G: Pumpkin Park, Francklow Park
District H: Montie Beach Park, Clark Park, Warren Park
District I: Andover Park, Brookline Park
District J: E.L. Crain Park, Bonham Park
District K: Haviland Park, Beulah Maxie Park

Houston Parks Board said 11 parks are currently in the design phase, while another 14 are still undergoing community engagement to help determine the scope of future improvements.

“To date, our organization has conducted 66 community engagement touchpoints across all project sites and anticipates beginning construction on four parks this fall,” Schultz added. 

Chron has reached out to Mayor Whitmire’s office for additional comment.