HOUSTON – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded a $1 million Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to renovate and further develop Squatty Lyons Park. As one of 3 community parks in the Greater Houston area and 25 across the state to receive this competitive grant funding, the City of Houston will match the grant with $1 million of its own funds for this improvement project.
“I am pleased and grateful for the City of Houston’s efforts and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s decision to invest in our Northside community.” said State Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston). “I am even happier for the kids and the volunteer parents of the North Houston American Little League who never stopped hustling and advocating for this neighborhood.”
The proposed improvements to Squatty Lyons Park were identified as needs in both the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s updated Parks Master Plan and in Capital Improvement Project meetings hosted by District Council Member Ed Gonzales (District H) regarding neighborhood needs. State Representative Walle had also advocated vigorously for these improvements in communications with city officials and in support of this grant application.
“This funding is a shot in the arm in efforts to better Northside parks,” said U.S. Congressman Gene Green (D- Houston). “Congratulations to Rep. Walle and the City for working on getting this funding.”
“I have worked throughout my time in public service to fix and update this park where I grew up playing baseball,” said Rep. Walle. “These planned improvements will make Squatty Lyons Park a true nexus of community activity that our residents can enjoy and take pride in.”
The Squatty Lyons Park Improvement Project scope of work will include:
The renovation of all ball fields to enhance future little league play with the addition of new fences, backstops and dugouts, leveling, grading, repairing and sodding all fields, repairing/replacing lighting, and installing new irrigation systems
The renovation of the existing softball field to make it accessible to children with disabilities
The refurbishment of the two parking areas to include over 100 additional parking spaces
The expansion of the playground area will be expanded and refurbishment with new play elements
The development of a new concession with restrooms
The development of a loop walking trail and an exercise station
Design and construction services, demolition of concrete areas, site preparation, grading of new areas
Landscaping with native plantings.