Memorial Park Expands with Eastern Glades Completion

Promoting ecological restoration and moments of socially distant gathering, the transformational new project opens to the public this weekend.

webBoardwalk Walking Path over Hines Lake and wetlands in Clay Family Eastern Glades; Image Courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy
webBoardwalk Walking Path over Hines Lake and wetlands in Clay Family Eastern Glades; Image Courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy

At a moment in time when extra space is at a premium, Memorial Park has reclaimed 100 acres of previously inaccessible parkland, opening up a large swath of picnic areas, native wetlands, open green spaces and trails to the public.


The Clay Family Eastern Glades is the first major project completed from the Memorial Park Master Plan, which was announced in 2015. Among the most exciting components of this reclamation project is Live Oak Court, a “food truck court” with an event lawn. There are also three covered picnic pavilions, four additional picnic areas, and a plaza next to the 5.5-acre Hines Lake — which, in addition to offering a stunning view, provides stormwater detention and resuse for irrigation.

The communal areas are envisioned as places for future co-ops and farmer’s markets, and the architecture of the pavilions and even the benches throughout is inspired by the 1920s. This is because plans for this space were on the table when Memorial Park was first created 100 years ago — but when the Great Depression hit, this section was never realized.

Additionally, more than two-and-a-half miles of boardwalks and walking trails are newly available, and a pedestrian entry to the park, which welcomes an estimated 10,000 people a day, now sits at one of the original entrances to Camp Logan, a historic WWI military training facility for which Memorial Park is named. Throughout the Glades, visitors will notice quotes by Houstonians, depicting what Memorial Park means to them, engraved in concrete; these were curated by Madison Petaway, the city’s 2020 youth poet laureate.

And a final but substantial hallmark of the Clay Family Eastern Glades project— named for Robert and Emily Clay, who donated $10 million toward the Master Plan — is the ecological restoration and conversion that took place over the last several years. The Conservancy removed invasive species undergrowth, and promoted biodiversity through the planting of more than 150 native species across 40 acres of parkland.

AT TOP: Boardwalk Walking Path over Hines Lake and wetlands in Clay Family Eastern Glades

Dispatches
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seeded connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

THE MEANING OF “cool” evolves. In the ’50s you might have thought greasers were cool, with their leather jackets à la Danny Zuko. In the ’70s, a long-haired activist or a Studio 54 reveler in Halston. In the ’80s, a Wall Street master of the universe?

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

Gong Cha's Pride Lemon Ai Love Yu bubble tea (photo by Jayna Kropas)

HOUSTON RESTAURANTS, BARS and other venues are getting in on the month of fun with specials and donation opportunities in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. From glittering rainbow cake to eye-popping cocktails and rooftop movies, check out these local spots.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food