Pct. 2 plans major work in Driver Park to create county-wide “inclusive” park

The Revitalization of Driver Park would include: Green areas new athletic fields; Black areas additional parking; Light Green, “inclusive” play areas for use by handicapped persons; Blue areas, new and expanded recreation facilities; Yellow areas expanded basketball and sports courts; Purple areas detention ponds. The Northeast Community Center is the center building.
The Revitalization of Driver Park would include: Green areas new athletic fields; Black areas additional parking; Light Green, “inclusive” play areas for use by handicapped persons; Blue areas, new and expanded recreation facilities; Yellow areas expanded basketball and sports courts; Purple areas detention ponds. The Northeast Community Center is the center building.

ALDINE – Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a public information meeting last Tuesday, June 25 to introduce his concept for an “inclusive” county park.

He also asked the public for their input on what they want in the park for the use of families and folks with limited mobility whether they are elderly, handicapped, or otherwise restricted. He emphasized that the park would be for all ages. He noted that in Harris County, there are at least 500,000 persons with limited mobility or a handicap that could be served by this park.

Garcia noted that the new park could revitalize the East Aldine area, and add value to the surrounding community. He has budgeted $4 million dollars for the park development, but hopes with matching grants and other sources to expand the work to as much as $8 million.

Also making the presentation were Reynaldo Guerra, who is director of Capital Projects for Precinct 2, and landscape architect Tara Klein, of the firm Four&One.

Klein explained some of the features of the park design, including automobile access from the US59 frontage road, special recreational equipment designed for persons with disabilities or limited mobility, improvements to the existing equipment and park elements, and the promotion of the park as a county “Destination” Park.

Klein and Garcia emphasized that the park is in the early design stages, and encouraged residents to give the team input on their desires and needs. Questionnaires were distributed, but there is also a website to submit your thoughts, at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8TFDKN2.

Questions on the survey include whether you support improving Driver Park; how you get to the park; where you are coming from; your age group; do you have a disability yourself or someone close; how often do you go to Driver Park; which area of the park needs improvement; which activities do you use the most; which activities do you use the least; what type of amenities do you want to add to the park.

Amenities that were suggested for the park include a playground, splash pad, driveway improvements, walking and bike trails, fitness stations, pavilion for community events, open lawn, art and sculpture, and restrooms.