Bridgeland Dedicates Park to Retired CFISD Superintendent
Bridgeland, a master-planned community in Cypress developed by Howard Hughes Holdings Inc., has dedicated a one-acre park adjacent to CFISD’s Bridgeland educational village in honor of retired superintendent Dr. Mark Henry.
Representatives from Howard Hughes, CFISD, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and Cy-Fair Educational Foundation came together for a park dedication ceremony on Jan. 18.
Dr. Mark Henry Park is located along Parkland Common, a one-mile linear park system in Bridgeland’s Parkland Village and continues the community’s mission to prioritize greenspace and provide walkable pedestrian connections to nearby schools including Wells Elementary School, Sprague Middle School, and Bridgeland High School.
“I was surprised and honored to learn of the park namesake,” said Dr. Henry. “My wife, Cindy, and I built our forever home in Bridgeland, and we look forward to bringing our grandchildren to the park. It is a beautiful space that is utilized by many district families, and I am delighted to be a part of it.”
The dedication was a reflection of Dr. Henry’s storied career spanning 42 years in the education sector, including 12 years in CFISD.
During his CFISD tenure, Dr. Henry oversaw two bond programs that provided funding to build five schools in Bridgeland: Pope, Wells and McGown elementary schools; Sprague Middle School and Bridgeland High School. All five campuses, along with CFISD, achieved an “A rated” school district designation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Dr. Henry also helped raise $1 million for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) through the annual Superintendent’s Fun Run and grew CFEF’s Donate to Educate program to provide more than $1.6 million in scholarships for graduating CFISD seniors.
Known for his unwavering community involvement, Dr. Henry served as chairman of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce as well as a Board trustee for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) and HCA Houston Healthcare.
“We are honored to dedicate one of Bridgeland’s parks to such a beloved resident and leader within our community,” said Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for Howard Hughes. “It is our vision that Dr. Mark Henry Park will serve as a gathering spot and place for imaginative play for its residents and provide safe connections for students walking to school for years to come.”
Source: CFISD
