Houston Open closures

Regarding “Houston Open notebook: Travis Vick off to good start in hometown debut,” (Nov. 10): Houston Open, the annual golf tournament, is taking over the Memorial Park golf course again. The event opened up the lanes that were under construction by Memorial Drive but closed the parking spots for those who use the park for activities like walking and running.

Walking and running are one of those rare activities that almost anyone can enjoy without making too big of a dent to the wallet. Longer term, walking and running can prevent heart diseases and increase the quality of life by supporting better mental and physical health. Golfing is accessible predominantly for rich white men.

The city kept Memorial Drive closed for the second biggest running race, the Houston Half Marathon and 10K that is attended by thousands of runners, handcyclists, walkers and volunteers on the eve of Halloween. Just a week later all the construction is finished right on time for the Houston Open for those privileged few who play golf ? As the road was being opened, the golf tournament closed the parking areas so walkers and runners have no other way to access their activities than by foot. Riding a bike is barely an option due to the lack of safe bike lanes leading to Memorial Park.

Marika Mohr, Houston