James Driver All Inclusive Park

About the Project

Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s vision is to create a space children and adults of all abilities can use. James Driver Park will be expanded to accommodate children with all levels of abilities, including those with and without disabilities. Commissioner Garcia believes parks should be for everybody regardless of limitations and challenges. The expansion will be the first of its kind in the area and it will be a great attraction for the East Aldine community.

We have made some great progress on what started as a vision! Commissioner Garcia has been working hard to move the James Driver All-Inclusive Park project forward. When complete, the park will serve as a hub for the local community, providing a space for residents of all ages and abilities to exercise, socialize and play.

Located in an underserved part of Harris County, the revitalized James Driver Park should also help to revitalize the surrounding community and will serve as a destination to visitors to the city. 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 premier park.

Reasoning for James Driver Park

Accessibility

This location has direct access to US Highway 59 and public transportation. It is also a central location of Precinct 2 and overall Harris County

Expansion Capabilities

James Driver Park has plenty of greenspace to create the premier park.

Programming Possibilities

James Driver Park has two community centers, Northeast Community Center and the YET Center. With these two established facilities, future programming in connection with the park can be tailored to the needs and wants of the community.

Planned Amenities

Among its many unique amenities, the new park will feature:

An improved and widened walking trail that will accommodate two people in wheelchairs, side by side
A playground featuring specially designed, wheelchair-friendly equipment where kids can spin, sway, swing, slide and splash
An outdoor gaming and fitness area featuring bocce, shuffleboard, chess tables, corn hole, bean bag toss and fitness equipment
A misting area and plenty of shade, providing relief from the heat
A remodeled and expanded community center, open in back to reveal lush green space
A covered dining space and outdoor picnic areas
A sensory garden featuring indigenous perennials
An event lawn and pavilion for musical and other entertainment
An art wall for installations of art by local artists
A cistern that will capture rainwater for water play and irrigation
A METRO bus stop and plenty of parking
A designated parking area for taco and other food trucks
Room to expand and grow

Timeline

The Park is planned to have a summer 2021 completion.

Cost

The total cost of this project is $7.6 million