Houston City Council Takes One More Step To Implement Memorial Park’s Master Plan

The Houston City Council approved an ordinance this week that will help develop the master plan for Memorial Park.

But not all members of the council were convinced the measure is ideal.

The ordinance the council passed means the city will delegate the maintenance of Memorial Park's green space to the Memorial Park Conservancy.

The private nonprofit will also assume the responsibility of raising funds to implement Memorial Park's Master Plan.

The City Council unanimously approved that master plan last April.

Nonetheless, Councilman Mike Laster showed a lot of concern about the decision.

"I am very uncomfortable in giving operations and management control of this... of this magnitude to a single conservancy board," said Laster during the council’s public meeting on Wednesday.

Mayor Annise Parker, however, defended passing the ordinance.

She contended that the formula agreed on with the Conservancy has already worked with other public spaces.

Mayor Parker noted that "the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Buffalo Bayou Park and Bayou Greenways are all operated in a very similar manner".

With this week’s approval of the ordinance, the Memorial Park Conservancy is committing to raise $1 million dollars annually for maintenance and operations.

The Memorial Park Master Plan (renderings inside)

Today in Houston Newsletter Signup

We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. If you'd like to sign up now, fill out the form below and we will add you as soon as we finish the transition. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Your subscription will be migrated over.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit