There's hope for 11th Street park

A couple of months ago, the 11th Street park was in danger of being sold to private investors, to be used, most likely, for residential development. There now seems to be a silver lining: Houston city council has approved an agreement that will hopefully result in the city purchasing the park from HISD, which is ready to unload the property.

The city has approved $4 million towards the $9 million price tag for the 20-acre park. The Parks Board and local neighborhood group Friends of West 11th Street Park have donated $1.6 million towards the purchase, leaving just a few million left. The Parks board will most likely have to seek a loan for the remaining amount. The city has until Jan. 7 to finalize the purchase.

HISD purchased the site 70 years ago, but has never used it. While the park hasn’t reached the notoriety as other parks in Houston, its home to many different species of birds, large pine trees, and 200 different type of plants. Residents in the area have enjoyed the park’s serenity for generations, and look forward to continuing that tradition.

This is the first time the Parks Board has ever sought out a loan to save a park. There are still some doubts that it can be done before the deadline, but Timbergrove Manor residents are hopeful.

Photo: flickr user jeffbalke