Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | September 2025

Development

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Park makeover aims to transform Gulfton green space in 2026

County’s rst crisis response facility for at-risk children coming to Gulfton

Children without placement in Harris County, 20202024 Approximately 100 children per month, on average, are placed in temporary, unlicensed housing solutions until a suitable placement can be secured.

Revitalization and expansion eorts within Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton, spearheaded by Harris County Precinct 4, is moving forward after a June groundbreaking marked the beginning of long-awaited investments in green space, equity and community in the neighborhood. The framework According to Precinct 4 master plan documents, the long-term vision for the park includes expand- ing its footprint from 32 to 75 acres. The project will aim to transform the park with various initiatives identied in the planning process, including: • Creating safe pedestrian crossings and wide, well-lit trails • Planting more native trees and expanding shade • Adding new pickleball courts • Providing a new community center • A designated food truck, farmers market space

The timeline Phase 1 encompasses the southern portion of the park and began construction in April with a projected completion date of April 2026, according to project details. Phase 2 will include the northwest side of the park and is slated to begin construction in the fall of 2026. Phase 3 will be for the northeast section of the park and is expected to begin con- struction in mid-2026. Funding the project Phase 1 will cost an estimated $27 million in funding, with Phase 2 at $22.6 million, which includes a $11.3 million federal grant, according to Harris County Precinct 4’s oce. However, Precinct 4 and county engineer ocials are continuing to work with partners to build a funding plan to implement the full vision of the plan. As of press time, the cost for Phase 3 was not available.

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Harris County is in the process of building its rst crisis center for children at risk of entering the foster care system. The new facility, slated for completion in summer 2027, will be located within Gulfton’s

Commission on July 10 to fund the construction of the new county facility. It will provide temporary, short-term housing and wraparound services for up to 16 children without placement, for up to 30 days. Children dened as “CWOP” by the Texas Depart- ment of Family and Protective Services are children who have been removed from their homes but await placement from the state to a licensed facility. Once the 30 days pass, the stage agency assumes custody of the children. Going forward Precinct 4 ocials said grant funding will also cover renovation costs for an existing park facility that will be utilized while the new facility undergoes construction. Renovations on the existing facility are projected for completion by early 2026.

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Burnett Bayland Park. What they’re saying

Burnett Bayland Park’s expansion leverages Harris County’s real estate assets.

The program will be operated under The Harris Center, the county’s behavioral care department. Public Aairs Director Amanda Jones said in a July news release that the new facility is a partnership between multiple county and state entities. “This new facility will better serve some of the most vulnerable youth,” Jones said. The cost Harris County commissioners approved an $8 mil- lion grant from the Texas Health and Human Services

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SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

RENDERING COURTESY HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

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Children and Youth Services The program will run out of a temporary, renovated facility until the new facility location is secured and built, Precinct 4 ocials said.

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