History of the Park

Originally owned by the Hogg Foundation, the West 11th Street Park property was conveyed to the University of Texas over fifty years ago, and subsequently sold to the Houston Independent School District. The land has been a de facto park since the surrounding neighborhood was developed in the 1950s. Some residents who played here as children thirty years ago are now raising families in the same area.

In early 2001, a Park Advisory Council (PAC) was formed to plan and implement activities related to the park, and to serve as liaison between the surrounding community and PARD. In January 2005, the PAC reorganized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation called Friends of the West 11th Street Park. The Friends have devoted their efforts to activities that will increase knowledge about and enjoyment of West 11th Street Park. In the 5-1/2 years we have been in existence as a formal group, we have accomplished the following:

With the cooperation of the mowers from the Parks and Recreation Department, the understory of this lovely forest is slowly growing back, and a surprising variety of saplings, small shrubs, wildflowers, and native grasses have returned to the site.

Small existing footpaths that were made over the years by continued usage were enhanced and widened, enabling dog owners, walkers, and runners to more easily enjoy the forest. It is not uncommon to see 10 or more people at once using an area that was previously much less accessible. Again, the city mowers have been instrumental in keeping the edges of the trails cleared.

A large stand of wildflowers planted on the south side of has been re-seeded every year. A small educational butterfly garden has recently been replanted and enhanced.

A quarterly e-letter about the ecology of the West 11th Street Park is being sent to ~ 150 subscribers.

Subsequent to an article written for the Audubon Society Newsletter, birding enthusiasts from throughout the area have been coming to the park to see some of the 6 species of woodpecker that have been identified here. The park has also been visited by the Ornithology Group of the Outdoor Nature Club of Houston, who participated in a spring migration bird count in the park in April and May of this year.

The North American Butterfly Association sponsors regular visits to the park, and the 4th of July butterfly count now includes the park on their inner loop itinerary.

As a result of the increased usage and awareness of this asset, the neighborhood and the community association are even more committed to preserving this park.

Date of last edit: 25 Jun 2006

Created by: V.H. Hitchings