The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) requests Council approval authorizing the submission of an Urban Outdoor Recreation grant application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). The grant application must be submitted to TPWD by November 6, 2020. Also, authorizing the HPARD Director or designee to act as the city’s representative in the application process, with the authority to accept and expend such grant funds, as awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the grant. HPARD is requesting $898,000 in grant assistance for the development of the Sunset Heights Park at 6000 North Main Street, Houston TX 77009; the location of the former METRO Heights Transit Center of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. The total proposed grant project cost estimate is $1,796,000. The source of the City’s required $898,000 match is from the Park Special Fund, Bond Funds and in-kind resources such as landscaping performed in-house or by volunteers.
The former METRO Heights Transit Center is an .88-acre (38,333 sf) property located in a prime commercial area of the Greater Heights, one of Houston's major historic and cultural neighborhoods. This neighborhood is also one of the earliest planned communities in Texas just 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Downtown Houston. HPARD acquired the property to preserve open space in this area of high need for parks. The neighboring community has been involved in determining the needs for the park and will be included during the design phase of the project. The project scope will preserve the architectural feature at this property while working with the existing amenities to create a park. Proposed new concepts for the Sunset Heights Park include improvements to the existing structure, a small stage, an ADA accessible playground (a portion of which will be undercover), restroom improvements, a splash pad, open lawn area, a walking path, tricycle track, perimeter fencing, parking, detention and bioswale or rain garden with educational signage. Existing native trees will be preserved. Benches, picnic tables and game tables will also be strategically placed for year-round enjoyment.
Fiscal Note: No fiscal note required on grant item
Director's Signature:
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Steve Wright, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department