The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) recommends that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and Harris County (The County) to authorize the County to become responsible for the operation and maintenance of all areas of Freed Park, including the City Maintenance Items (as defined below) in accordance with the terms of this second amendment.
Acquired by the city in 1958, Freed Park is approximately 5.06-acres, located at 6818 Shady Villa Lane in Houston, Harris County, Texas.
The City and County entered into that Interlocal Agreement for Operation and Maintenance of Freed
Park, effective May 21, 2015, subsequently modified by the First Amendment, effective August 31, 2020, which provided that the County would maintain and operate all areas of Freed Park with the exception of the Community Center, the Gym (including the restrooms and landscaping inside the wrought iron fence) and the Community Garden (the "City Maintenance Items”).
The proposed second amendment authorizes the County to become responsible for the operation and maintenance of all areas of Freed Park, including the Community Center and recreational programming, the Gym, public operations (including the restrooms and landscaping inside the wrought iron fence), and the Community Garden. The County shall be responsible for providing all utilities, security, fixtures, furnishings, and equipment necessary for the operation of the Park at the County’s sole cost. It is contemplated that the County will make capital improvements to the Park for the benefit of the public. Future capital improvements by the County will be subject to prior approval of the City.
The City will have until January 31, 2024, to access the Park and the Existing Structures to remove the items belonging to the City. The County agrees that from the effective date of this second amendment, the County shall be solely responsible for all existing structures, capital improvements, litter removal, illegal dumping, and maintenance of trees within the Park, which will adhere to the City of Houston Planting Standards during the duration of this agreement.
Fiscal Note: No significant fiscal operating impact is anticipated as a result of this action.
Director's Signature:
_____________________________
Kenneth Allen, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department