By Allan Jamail
Houston, TX. – Friday, February 1, 2019 — Members of the Houston Parks Board met with the same citizens of the Wood Shadows II Subdivision where a proposed hike and bike trail back on October 26, 2018 met strong criticism. Back then the suggested route would have been placed close to the backside of their homes. The main complaint then was this would allow users of the trail to possibly wander into their yards and maybe break-in or steal things from their backyards.
The newest proposal relocated the trail to the front side of the homes going along Lafferty Oaks street. It now will include a new neighborhood park to be constructed on vacant lots where flood prone homes were obtained by Harris County’s Flood Control buy-out program and demolished.
Lisa Kasianowitz, Houston Parks Board Outreach Manager (above photo in red boots) conducted the meeting and Chip Place Managing Director of Capital Projects for the Houston Parks Board assured the citizens the new park and entire trail will be maintained to prevent high grass and trash from littering it. They said the area will be patrolled by police patrol cars and the bike patrol and will only be open from dawn to dusk. The new trail and park will put out for construction bids this summer.
Iris Jones the Secretary of the Wood Shadows II Civic Club and a nearby homeowner said, “For 30 years we have lived peacefully in Wood Shadows II subdivision, all we want is a nice safe and clean neighborhood.” She thanked the Park’s Board members for responding to their concerns.
Joaquin Martinez, Director of Constituent Services for District I Houston Councilman Robert Gallegos provided assurances Houston police would come and respond to complaints reported should citizens see anyone or any activity suspicious.
Martinez suggested the new park would be ideal for the group’s annual neighborhood gathering for National Night Out Crime Prevention night. Permanent park benches and tables are available if the group wants them for birthday and graduation parties.
Houston Parks Board is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to quality parks and green space in the Greater Houston region. The mission is to create, improve, protect and advocate for parks for everyone.
Since 2012, the nonprofit has been leading the Bayou Greenways 2020 project in partnership with the City of Houston and Houston Parks and Recreation Department as well as in close coordination with the Harris County Flood Control District. To view an interactive map of the projects, visit www.houstonparksboard.org and click on “Bayou Greenways 2020.”