New Kraken-Themed Playground Opens at Carol Fox Park, Strengthening Community Bonds Near Harvest Bend
For more than three decades, Carol Fox Park has stood as a testament to community spirit and volunteerism in Jersey Village. Now, the beloved park—located at 15913-15977 Jersey Dr., Jersey Village, TX 77040—has a fresh look, thanks to a newly revealed Kraken-themed playground designed to engage children of all ages while paying homage to its rich history.
The transformation of Carol Fox Park has been years in the making. Initial funds for improvements were allocated in October 2023, followed by months of public input sessions, community meetings, and design collaboration with Kimley-Horn, GameTime, and Cunningham Recreation. The goal: preserve the natural beauty and existing shade trees while modernizing the play experience for today’s families.
The new playground features imaginative Kraken-themed structures, enhanced pathways for improved circulation, and security lighting that adjusts in the evening to ensure safety without disrupting the park’s tranquil setting. A small gazebo and sand volleyball court remain available for rent, ensuring the park continues to serve as a versatile community hub.
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This upgrade holds special meaning for long-time residents who remember the original playground, built in 1992 by 400 volunteers on National Volunteer Day. At that time, individuals left their personal marks—handprints and heartfelt messages—in the park’s concrete sidewalks, symbolizing their commitment to building a shared space for generations to come.
The new project invited those original contributors back into the process. Residents with existing handprints were offered the chance to add new messages or symbols to the redesigned playground. At the same time, newcomers were encouraged to contribute their own imprints, bridging past and future while creating a shared legacy.
Community members were enthusiastic about the opportunity. At a public design kickoff meeting, organizers encouraged families to “bring your play experts”—children of all ages and abilities—to share their ideas for the future play structure.
Honoring History While Building the Future
The City of Jersey Village emphasized its commitment to maintaining the park’s identity. “Our vision for Carol Fox Park is to cultivate an environment that continues to welcome and unite all members of our community,” city leaders noted during the planning process. “Together, we can create a space that embodies the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect, making the park a JV landmark for another 30 years and beyond.”
For Harvest Bend residents and neighboring communities, Carol Fox Park’s updated features represent more than just new equipment. They embody a shared history and collective future. From its roots as a volunteer-driven initiative to its new era of inclusive, themed design, the park continues to be a place where memories are made and traditions endure.
Residents can still rent the gazebo for gatherings or enjoy the sand volleyball court while exploring the new playground. And for those who have yet to visit, the park is only minutes from Harvest Bend, offering an easily accessible destination for family outings and community connections.
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A Place to Celebrate and Belong
With the Kraken-themed playground now open, Jersey Village invites everyone—from legacy families to recent arrivals—to enjoy and add to the story of Carol Fox Park.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on upcoming community events and additional park improvements expected through 2025.
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.
