Press Release

Houston Parks and Recreation Department
2999 South Wayside
Houston, TX 77023
Office: (832) 395-7022
Cell: (832) 465-4782

Five HPARD Partnership Projects  Receive

Parks & Natural Area Awards/Recognition

Five Houston Parks and Recreation Department Partnership projects have garnered recognition in the Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Area Awards.  The HGAC Awards program was created in 2006 to highlight the best practices and innovative approaches undertaken that focus on creating and improving parks and natural areas in the region.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park (LHWP) Phase I improvements project was recognized as a 2011 Award Winner in the Large Projects Category for its improved access to the approximately 5,000 acre park.  All LHWP improvements are meant to provide additional opportunities for access to the facility while address the ecological needs of the property.

Four other HPARD projects/properties also received Special Recognition for their innovative best practices.  They included:

• The Memorial Park Planned Forestry Conservation and Management Program Demonstration Project – A Houston Parks and Recreation Department partnership project with the Memorial Park Conservancy
• Market Square Park – A partnership project conducted by Houston Downtown Management District Main Street/Market Square TIRZ project designed by Lauren Griffith Associates
• The Rosemont Bridge – A Houston Parks and Recreation Department project in partnership with the Memorial Heights/TIRZ 5, and the Buffalo Bayou Partnership
• The Memorial Park Outer Loop Trail – A Houston Parks and Recreation Department project in partnership with the Memorial Park Conservancy

“We thank the Houston-Galveston Area Council for this award and for their recognition of the importance that parks and natural areas play in all our lives,” said Joe Turner, Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department.  “We are also thankful to all our partners who have helped fund and make these projects a reality.  Their support and partnership allows us to preserve and develop natural areas in a way that creates a better park experience for visitors while stewarding our natural resources.”