Westgate Residents Invited to Help Shape the Future of West Houston Parks at Healthy Parks Plan Workshop
West Houston residents will soon have the chance to help reimagine and improve local parks through the Harris County Precinct 4 Healthy Parks Plan, a new initiative aimed at enhancing outdoor spaces across the region. On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Precinct 4 Planning Department will host a public workshop at Terry Hershey Park (15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079), inviting individuals and families in Westgate to share their feedback and ideas for the future of parks, trails, and greenspaces.
Community Input Central to Park Planning
The June 25 event is one of three workshops being held to gather public input for the Healthy Parks Plan—a 14-month planning process launched in Spring 2024 that will shape the future of all 55 parks, greenspaces, and trails in Harris County Precinct 4. Community engagement is central to the project, and the Planning Department is eager to hear directly from park users about what improvements matter most.
Parks are more than just recreational spaces—they serve as hubs where neighbors connect, children grow, and communities flourish. Through the Healthy Parks Plan, Precinct 4 is committed to ensuring every resident has access to high-quality parks that meet local needs and reflect the unique character of each neighborhood.
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A Data-Driven, Equity-Focused Vision
In addition to community input, the plan incorporates rigorous data analysis and will result in a comprehensive implementation strategy. A key feature of the initiative is the Healthy Parks Index (HPI), which will evaluate each park based on four critical criteria:
- Community health
- Environmental vulnerability
- Park access
- Park underinvestment
By focusing on areas of greatest need, the plan aims to ensure equitable investment in parks and greenspaces—especially in neighborhoods that have historically been underserved.
Parks as Pillars of Public Health and Community Life
Research continues to show that access to parks improves physical and mental health, strengthens social bonds, and even boosts local economies. Parks offer places for exercise, relaxation, environmental conservation, and gathering. Yet, funding for parks remains limited.
By identifying clear priorities through both public feedback and data, the Healthy Parks Plan will help Harris County Precinct 4 pursue competitive grants and funding sources to reinvest in parks efficiently and equitably.
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Evening Event Encourages Broad Participation
The timing of the Terry Hershey Park workshop—held in the evening from 6 to 8 p.m.—is designed to accommodate working families and busy residents. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their vision for their local parks, connect with county planners, and contribute to a plan that will directly impact quality of life in their community.
Join the Conversation
- Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Terry Hershey Park, 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
For ongoing updates and more opportunities to participate in the Healthy Parks Plan, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News, your trusted source for community events and civic engagement in West Houston.
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.
