Renovations of historical River Oaks Park under way
Renovations for River Oaks Park, one of Houston’s most beloved and popular recreation areas, broke ground on June 11 with a ceremony hosted in the park by Council Member Oliver Pennington, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Friends of River Oaks Park. River Oaks Park is at 3600 Locke Lane.
Popularly known as “Pumpkin Park” in recognition of its iconic Cinderella Pumpkin coach, River Oaks Park has been cherished by generations of Houstonians since its creation in 1938 during the development of River Oaks subdivision.
Joe Turner, director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, revealed plans for the park’s improvements. Turner said the park was last updated in 1990 and that many of its features, including the cherished pumpkin, are not up to today’s city codes or American with Disabilities Act standards. Plans for the playground’s new look include separate toddler and older-child play areas, elevated decks with picnic tables, a “Little Free Lending Library,” and a repaired and refitted pumpkin coach.
Friends of River Oaks Park, a group of neighborhood volunteers dedicated to improving the park, and the Houston Parks Board have created an endowment campaign entitled “Leave Your Mark on Pumpkin Park.” Focused on the playground and the historic community center building designed by John Staub, the campaign offers a number of opportunities to participate in present renovations and help fund future improvements.
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty River Oaks agents and Martha Turner SIR are “Picnic Table Sponsors” for the endowment campaign and underwrote the cost of the event’s printed materials.
Martha Turner SIR agents Martha Adger, Mary Craddock, Liz Daniel and Jay Monroe attended the groundbreaking along with Terri Lemons, Martha Turner SIR community outreach manager. Adger donated a child-painted tile for the park’s planned pergola in honor of her two golden retrievers, Isabelle and Buddy. River Oaks’ longest resident, Corny Oldham, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1948, was also present at the event.