Facelift Planned for Houston's Second Oldest Park
Woodland Park is the second oldest public park in Houston. It was established in 1903 by a private developer as Highland Park, predating the adjacent Woodland Heights subdivision by four years. The park was conveyed to the city in 1911 and renamed Woodland Park in 1914. Although the construction of I-45 (North Freeway) has reduced the park's original 30 acres, Woodland Park has remained in continuous use since its construction at the turn of the 20th century.
Although the grounds are well-maintained, the Woodland Park Community Center, built in 1947, requires significant repairs and improvements. The Woodland Heights Civic Association has committed proceeds from its October Centennial Celebration events to enhance this important community resource, and wishes to restore the exterior of the historic community center to its original condition and improve the interior so that it will be used by a greater cross section of the community.
Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Houston Parks Board are joining with the Woodland Heights Civic Association to help renovate this significant historic resource.
A scope of work detailing improvements to the park and community center is in the works and, once complete, will be reviewed by the Houston Parks and Recreation and community for approval. |
