Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Edgewood topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents say Edgewood Park rebuild long delayed; council told construction manager approval set for April
Summary
Residents of the Edgewood Park area pressed council members for a timeline on promised park improvements, saying funds were moved in 2007 and the community has waited years. City staff told the council services procurement is expected to be brought forward for approval in April 2025 and that construction is scheduled to start summer/fall 2025.
Residents and neighborhood leaders urged the City Council on March 31 to move more quickly on long-delayed improvements to Edgewood Park and to provide clear timelines for design and construction.
Cynthia Forbes, vice president of Super Neighborhood Council 72, told the council she and neighbors have ‘‘been waiting for our money since 02/2007’’ and that the park was repeatedly promised and funds shifted across years. "We deserve better," she told the council.
Why it matters: Edgewood Park serves hundreds of nearby children and community groups; residents said the park still lacks basic amenities and that repeated delays have left organized youth programs and civic groups without promised facilities.
What city staff and council members said: Council staff relayed that the parks director anticipates bringing procurement for design services to council in April 2025, and Houston Public Works described an accompanying detention project. Council Member Evan Shabazz and Council Member Pollard pledged to continue follow-up and to press departments for a firm schedule.
Details cited in public remarks and staff notes included an earlier allocation reported by residents of roughly $25–26 million in 2007 that has since been reduced; residents said current project funding stands at about $6 million. Council members and staff said the department expects selection of a construction manager in April and that park construction could begin in summer or fall 2025. Houston Public Works also said the project includes a detention element and a planned 12,000-square-foot community center with gymnasium, meeting rooms, warming kitchen, offices and restrooms.
Residents asked for regular maintenance and trash pickup along Vassarow and other nearby streets that contribute to flooding and accessibility concerns. Council members urged continued attendance at TIRS (tour) meetings and other planning forums and committed to keeping the project on the agenda.
Ending: Council members pledged more active follow-up; no final funding vote or construction contract was approved during the meeting.
