Houston Republic

A city-wide coalition of stakeholders aiming to revitalize Houston’s parks was recently joined by several new corporate sponsors as the 50/50 Park Partners began construction at Hartman Park, the first park the coalition has taken on.

The 50/50 Park Partners coalition involves multiple entities, including the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Parks Board and Houston Parks and Recreation Department, according to a city press release. Recent corporate sponsors supporting the coalition include Perry Homes, which has committed to being the “Pacesetter” for the program with a $1 million donation. They are joined by Chevron, Valero Energy Foundation, Community Health Choice, Crown Castle, and H-E-B in sponsoring the program.

Funds from sponsors will be spread across projects throughout the city, with prioritization to those with the greatest identified need, according to the release. 

“I want to thank all of our corporate sponsors for joining the 50/50 Park Partners initiative as we transform 50 neighborhood parks across Houston,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “2020 reinforced the importance of parks in healthy, vibrant communities. I am proud to see our city come together to bring long-term improvements to our beloved neighborhood parks.”

As the first park to be identified for improvements by the coalition, Hartman Park will receive new playground equipment intended for the 2-5 and 5-12 age groups. Those will include “colorful playground units” for the younger children, as well as swings, spinners and resurfacing of the playground areas.

In addition, the Hartman Park construction will include improvements to walkways, ramps and drainage. There will also be new benches and a new bike rack.

The coalition is looking for its next project even as the Hartman Park project gets underway, and is holding community listening sessions to discuss conditions at 11 other community parks.