On Thursday, June 19, 2025, from noon to 3:00 p.m., residents across west Harris County, including Westfield Ranch, will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of their community parks. As part of the Katy African American Heritage Society’s Juneteenth Celebration at Woodsland Park (443 Danover Road, Katy, TX 77494), Harris County Precinct 4 will host a community workshop focused on the Healthy Parks Plan, an ambitious effort to revitalize public parks and greenspaces throughout the precinct.

A Plan to Strengthen Community Through Green Spaces

The Healthy Parks Plan is a 14-month initiative launched in Spring 2024 by the Harris County Precinct 4 Planning Department. Its mission: to create a master plan for all 55 parks, greenspaces, and trails within the precinct’s borders. Through a blend of public input, data analysis, and strategic planning, the initiative seeks to create healthier communities and a better quality of life for residents of all ages.

Organizers emphasize that public participation is essential. The June 19 workshop is one of three scheduled across the precinct, giving local residents, children, and families a platform to voice their ideas and concerns.

Parks are more than just recreational spaces—they serve as hubs where neighbors connect, children grow, and communities flourish. Through the Healthy Parks Plan, the Precinct 4 Planning Department is inviting the community to share their ideas and priorities for future park improvements.

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Healthy Parks Index: Data-Driven Equity

A cornerstone of the plan is the development of a Healthy Parks Index (HPI). This tool will rank parks based on four critical factors:

• Community health
• Environmental vulnerability
• Park access
• Park underinvestment

By identifying the areas of highest need, the index will help guide where investments and improvements should be made first. This data-driven approach will ensure that resources are allocated equitably, addressing long-standing disparities in public park quality and access across neighborhoods.

Making the Case for Park Investment

Improving parks isn’t just about adding new playgrounds or picnic tables. Studies consistently show that access to green spaces improves mental and physical health, fosters social connection, supports youth development, and even enhances environmental resilience. These benefits can also drive economic growth, boosting nearby property values and attracting businesses.

However, funding for parks remains limited. By creating the Healthy Parks Plan and prioritizing community-supported improvements, Precinct 4 hopes to become more competitive for grants and state and federal funding opportunities, maximizing impact with every dollar spent.

Part of a Larger Celebration

The timing of the workshop during the Katy African American Heritage Society’s Juneteenth Celebration is no coincidence. Juneteenth is a time of reflection, celebration, and community empowerment—an ideal backdrop for discussions about the future of public spaces.

Residents are encouraged to bring the whole family and take part in this interactive planning process. Activities and materials will be tailored to engage people of all ages, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and gather input.

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Join the Conversation

• Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Woodsland Park, 443 Danover Road, Katy, TX 77494
• Hosted at: The Katy African American Heritage Society’s Juneteenth Celebration

For more information and updates on the Healthy Parks Plan, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News, your local resource for community development and civic engagement news in West Harris County.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.