Health & wellness
BY MELISSA ENAJE
West U eyes pickleball courts, trail connectivity in parks master plan
How we got here
West U officials completed the city’s first parks and open space master plan in 1989, according to agenda documents. A second plan was developed in 2000, and by 2015, a volunteer citizen task force was added to the project. Before the October updates, the city utilized the 2015 master plan. A full update to the city’s parks and open space master plan was recommended for 2030, according to White, where park officials will be looking at key points within the city, and possibly include a citizen task force for the project. “Generally, these plans only have a shelf life for 10 years, and we’ve pushed it out for 15,” White said.
Considering new green spaces, lighting and shade needs, pickleball interests and safe pedestrian access to parks are some of the improvements and ongoing efforts being considered in West University Place’s parks and open space master plan. In November, West U’s Parks and Recreation’s 11 new board members were appointed, not long after City Council unanimously approved several master plan revisions during an Oct. 27 meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Susan White said the updated plan ensures the city’s facilities evolve over time. “The updated plan serves as a guiding document for current and future West U residents and also its leaders when we’re considering making decisions regarding our parks and recreation facilities,” White said.
West University parks
MEMORIAL PARK
Six parks, excluding Friends Park, Liberty Hill and the Recreation Center playground, have been evaluated to ensure they remain vital for the limited space available West University Place city limits
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BISSONNET ST.
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MEMORIAL PARK
West U and connecting trails, outside parks Residents expressed a desire to have walking paths within parks and trails that currently do not exist within the city.
W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.
N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
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BRAYS BAYOU
SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BISSONNET ST.
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West University Place
The update
W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.
KILMARNOCK TRAIL ROUTE
The master plan updates were a collaboration over the last year between the city’s Parks and Recreation board members and city staff. Ongoing efforts for park improvements have occurred since 2015, officials said. White said recommendations included adding information regarding the following:
• Lighting and shade analysis • Needs and interests for pickleball courts and public art • Connectivity to Brays Bayou and Memorial Park trails • Adding safe railroad crossings by the Recre- ation Center • Adding safe pedestrian access to parks such as Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire
CENTERPOINT RIGHT-OF-WAY RAIL ROUTE
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Master plan suggestions include the consideration of constructing a hike- and-bike trail along Kilmarnock Ditch towards Brays Bayou.
N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
BRAYS BAYOU TRAIL
• Colonial Park inventory • Wier Park renovations
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SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
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