Pct. 2 breaks ground for James Driver All-Inclusive Park

Conceptual View shows the extensive development of the park, with facilities developed especially for people of all ages with limited abilities.
Conceptual View shows the extensive development of the park, with facilities developed especially for people of all ages with limited abilities.

Built for people of all ages and abilities

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia proudly broke ground on the expansion of James Driver Park last Wednesday. The expansion, the first of its kind in Precinct 2, will make James Driver Park an all-inclusive park, a regional destination for persons of all ages and abilities. Local community members and leaders, including Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado and Texas State Representative Armando Walle, celebrated the exciting occasion at the park on Wednesday, December 16th.

The official groundbreaking for the new James Driver Park took place last Wednesday, Dec. 16. Speaking at the ceremony were Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, State Senator Carol Alvarado, and State Representative Armando Walle.

“We have to make sure that we recognize the fact that people, children in particular, with physical and cognitive disabilities are among the largest underrepresented minority groups in the Houston/ Harris County area, and we need to do more for them,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “This park will be addressing an entire spectrum of special needs – a space where children with disabilities can play alongside with friends and siblings, as well as their parents, caregivers, physical therapists, educators, or even physicians.”

The $7.6 million project, has already been recognized as having an important role in the county. Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded the park a $1.5 million grant to transform James Driver Park to a space for residents of all ages and abilities to exercise, socialize, and play. Located in an underserved part of Harris County, this expansion project should also help to revitalize the surrounding community and will serve as a destination to visitors of the city.

“One of the things that this park will do is provide opportunities for other children who grew up just like us. If it weren’t for these parks, we would not have a place to go hangout, to go play basketball, to come bring family members that may have special needs,” said Representative Walle, an Aldine area native.

The expansion will include an improved and widened walking trail that will accommodate people in wheelchairs, a playground specially designed for people of all abilities, both physical and cognitive, an outdoor gaming and fitness area featuring bocce, shuffleboard, chess tables, corn hole, bean bag toss and fitness equipment. It will also include a misting area and plenty of shade to providing relief from the heat, covered dining space and outdoor picnic areas, sensory garden featuring indigenous perennials, an event lawn and pavilion for musical and other entertainment, and so much more!

“This [park] will be put to good use for generations and generations to come. The kids are going to be able to feel welcome, to feel at home, to feel safe, and this is just another jewel in the cap of Precinct 2,” said Senator Alvarado.

Construction is expected to be complete in the Summer of 2021. For more information on the project, visit: https://hcp2.com/AllInclusive-Park.

James Driver Park, a 29-acre park and community center located in northeast Houston along US Highway 59 with plenty of premier greenspace to create the premiere park.