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Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Director Turner

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department was created by City Ordinance on March 15, 1916. The Department of Public Parks, as it was called at that time, began with two facilities - Sam Houston Park and Hermann Park. Taken together, they totaled about 465 acres of land.

Today, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) stewards and manages over 38,992 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston; develops and implements recreational programming for citizens of all abilities; maintains greenspace for the Houston Public Library and the Houston Health Department and manages all H.P.A.R.D. facilities.

The Department’s 9 divisions work together to fulfill the Department’s Mission:

“To enhance the quality of urban life by providing safe
well-maintained parks and offering affordable
programming for our community.”

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Joe Turner, Director H.P.A.R.D.
               Biography

Golf

Awesome Courses! Affordable Prices!
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides 7 challenging public golf courses for citizens' enjoyment. From Memorial Park, one of the highest rated municipal courses in the state, to the well maintained and lower priced Brock and Gus Wortham Parks, H.P.A.R.D.’s municipal golf courses offer a diverse range of venues from which to choose.

Memorial, Hermann, and Gus Wortham Park Golf Courses are inside the loop. Sharpstown, Melrose, Brock and Glenbrook are outside the loop. All courses, except for Glenbrook have driving ranges. More

In addition, H.P.A.R.D.’s First Tee of Houston at FM Law Park offers youth, ages 7-18, an opportunity to learn the game of golf.

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HPARD Latest News

»» A Grand Re-opening for Market Square
The newly-redeveloped Market Square was re-opened to the public Saturday, August 28. Mayor Annise Parker took part in the festivities, and a crowd of downtown residents and visitors came out to enjoy the new gardens, performance space, dog park, and Niko Niko’s kiosk. Artwork long a part of Market Square has a beautiful new setting. The renovation was paid for through the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. More

 

»» Fall Activities in the Park Catalog Available Now!
Plan your fall around activities in your local parks! H.P.A.R.D.’s Fall Activities Guide and Class Catalog, available online and at your local H.P.A.R.D. Community Centers, offers a list of programs for all ages and abilities offered during the fall. Pick up or print your catalog today. More

 

»» Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Wildflower Planting
It’s a Houston tradition, and you can take part in it again this year! Volunteers are needed to plant seeds for next spring’s beds of wildflowers! Event Flyer More

 

»» Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
HPARD, in conjunction with the General Services Division, is currently conducting a survey of users of the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (1475 West Gray). The study will analyze the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center and study what possible future facility upgrades could happen with the appointed budget. More

 

»» Pool Hours Change
As Summer Swim Season winds down and students return to school HPARD Pool Schedules are changing. Beginning August 13 to Labor Day (Monday, Sept 6), HPARD will open a reduced number of pools on Saturday and Sunday only. More

 

»» Rock the Cradle for Johnny Kicks Cancer
World Cup Contest
Come out to the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark October 23 for the 3rd Annual Rock the Cradle for Johnny Kicks Cancer World Cup Contest! An amazing line-up of talent will thrill spectators and challenge participants! Live music by Honky, Golden Axe, and more! Flyer More

Closed Under Repair or Reconstruction

Under Repairs

Some HPARD Facilities may be under repair. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to reopen the facilities as soon as possible.

Under Renovation

Some HPARD facilities are under renovation or will soon undergo renovation.

»» Ervan Chew Park June 2010 – September 2010
The Ervan Chew Park Pool complex is being removed and replaced with a water sprayground. Nearby pools include MacGregor Park, Memorial Park, Love Park and Stude Park. Part of the Ervan Chew Dog Park will be fenced off during these renovations.

»» F.M. Law Park. August 2010 – October 2010
New lighting is being installed at F.M. Law Park.

»» Marian Park Aug 17, 2010 - February 2011
Construction has begun on the Marian Park Sprayground. Scope of work includes: new water playground, front entry plaza paving, additional parking, landscape and irrigation, site grading and drainage, trellis and awnings, and some painting and power washing around the community center.

»» Metropolitan Multi-Service Center August 23, 2010 - December 2010
Scope of work includes: new looping sidewalk, picnic tables, benches, drinking fountain, site grading and drainage, and kiosk.

»» Stuebner Airline Park August 23, 2010 - April 2011
Scope of work includes: site clearing and utilities, new playground and swings, sprayground, picnic pavilion, entry drive and parking lot, concrete walks, security lighting, new benches and picnic tables, and tree planting.

»» West End Park Aug 2010 – Dec, 2010
Construction will begin shortly at West End Park with construction starting Sept 7, 2010. Scope of work includes: walkways, detention, site grading, fencing, benches, and a new playground. Project completion is expected in 90 days.

»» Woodruff Park Aug, 2010 – Oct 2010
Construction is expected to begin next week. Scope of work will include, fencing, a walkway, a swing set, a slide and a half basketball court, grading and site clean up. Project completion is expected in 60 days.

Contact HPARD



Contact Us:

Media Room:

Media Contact:


Texas Open
Records Requests:

Houston Parks and
Recreation Department

2999 South Wayside
Houston, Texas 77023

Phone: (832) 395-7000
Email: askparks@houstontx.gov

HPARD Divisions & Phone numbers

HPARD Press Release Archive

Estella Espinosa
Work: (832) 395-7022
Cell: (832) 465-4782

hpardrecords@ houstontx.gov

Twitter    Askparks    CitizenNet    311

Online Registration

Online registration is available for SELECT Adult Sports Leagues and Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

Adult Sports Leagues

HPARD Calendar

 

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Urban Gardening Program


Urban Gardener
Learn how you can become an Urban Gardener and grow your own produce!
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Garden Line
The new issue of Garden Line by Brent Moon is now available.
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Park Partners

HPD Crime Monitoring


Citizens can use the Houston Police Department’s new Crime Monitoring website to track crime trends in neighborhoods all over town.
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HPARD Photo Gallery

 


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