HOUSTON – Houston city leaders have confirmed plans to renovate Hermann Park Golf Course were put on pause after concerns from workers, golfers and community members who said they were left out of the process.
Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the district where the course is located, told KPRC 2 she took those concerns directly to Mayor John Whitmire.
“My biggest objection was there was no engagement with the golf enthusiasts or the community,” Evans-Shabazz said. “Certainly it’s a historical park. The first park where African American golfers could participate in the sport.”
In July, KPRC 2 was the first to break the story about a temporary closure expected at the course due to development work.
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The city announced the $30 million renovation plans in August in partnership with the Hermann Park conservancy and Astros Golf Foundation.
“This is another example of improving quality of life through collaboration. Parks belong to the people of Houston, and I am excited about this collaboration to improve the Hermann Park Golf Course, while preserving public access,” said Mayor John Whitemire, in a press release.
Council Member Evans-Shabazz said major changes to the course are not expected anytime soon and is encouraging the public to reach out to her office with any concerns.
“We were supposed to have a committee meeting where they were going to lay the plan out, and then we were supposed to have a press conference and then a community engagement. I think that was kind of backwards,” said Evans-Shabazz.
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Diane McDonald, a golfer with Hermann Park’s women’s league, said she hopes her voice and the voice of other golfers can be part of the process.
“Every course needs a facelift, but not at the cost of its character. Let us be involved with the decisions, not just golfers, but people who walk around here too,” said McDonald.
Dr. Evans-Shabazz said crews will aerate the course beginning Tuesday. From Sept. 9 through Sept. 14, green fees will be reduced.
No public meetings have been scheduled to discuss larger renovation plans.
McDonald said golfers are not opposed to improvements, as long as the course remains a full regulation, affordable 18-hole experience accessible to Houstonians of all backgrounds.
“We welcome upgrades, but we don’t want this course altered in ways that push people away,” Evans-Shabazz said.
Hermann Park Golf Course first integrated in 1954, making it the first public course in America open to all races.
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