Since 1924, Memorial Park has been a sought-after destination for Houstonians wanting to get outdoors. Spanning 1,500 acres—twice the size of New York's Central Park—the park offers hiking, biking, running, tennis, golf, and relaxation opportunities. Located in the heart of Houston, it holds the title of one of the largest urban parks in the country.
A Historical Landmark
The City of Houston purchased Memorial Park's land from the Hogg family to be used "only for park purposes." The park occupies what was once Camp Logan, a World War I training camp for 70,000 soldiers. In recognition of its military history, the park was named Memorial Park to honor those who trained and fought during the war. Due to its historical significance, Camp Logan is now an archaeologically protected site.
Development Over Time
For much of its history, Memorial Park underwent gradual development, including becoming a nature preserve and building the Arboretum and Nature Center as an educational and urban wildlife sanctuary. Improvements, including running trails and sculptures, were added to the park and continued over several decades. However, it wasn't until 2000, when the Memorial Park Conservancy was established, that significant changes began to take shape. The Conservancy raised funds for major projects, such as the construction of the Living Bridge renovation of the Alkek Tennis Center, and additional running trails were introduced.
The Master Plan
In 2015, the City of Houston approved a long-term master plan for Memorial Park. The Memorial Park Conservancy, in collaboration with partners including Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Uptown Development Authority, began several revitalization projects.
One of the most notable developments was the Clay Family Eastern Glades, which preserves the park's original ecosystem. The Glades include 550 newly planted native trees and host over 150 species of wildlife. Memorial Park's landscape was once predominantly grasslands, and Eastern Glades features 4.5 acres of native savanna habitat, with an open canopy of trees that supports grasses and wildflowers. The addition of Hines Lake further enhances this ecosystem by creating 1.5 acres of emergent wetlands, which serve as a habitat for various birds and native plant species.
A Landmark Project: The Kinder Land Bridge
Construction on the Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie project was completed in 2023. This significant addition to the park reconnected its north and south sides, creating a bridge for both people and wildlife. The Land Bridge also restored endangered Gulf Coast prairie habitats and added more wetlands to the area. Along with improving connectivity, these projects restored native ecosystems that had been altered over time.
Other noteworthy projects include the Sports Complex, Running Complex, and the Seymour Lieberman Trail Ravine Bridges. These initiatives continue to improve the park's recreational offerings while preserving its natural environment. Another major initiative, Memorial Groves, is slated for completion by 2027. This 100-acre area will pay tribute to the soldiers who trained at Camp Logan. Memorial Groves will include the remains of Camp Logan structures, new trees, and an interactive memorial that educates visitors about the Camp's history.
Centennial Celebrations
In 2024, Memorial Park began celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the Memorial Park Conservancy hosted "The Biggest Picnic in Houston" in March 2024, inviting all Houstonians to join in the festivities. To keep the celebration going, Memorial Park began "Live at Live Oak" in September and will continue these events, designed to align with important cultural celebrations four times yearly. The first two events celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and Diwali, and the upcoming "Live at Live Oak" celebrations in January and February will coincide with the Lunar New Year and Black History Month.
Additionally, a A Century of Stories: Celebrating Memorial Park is available for visitors in Eastern Glades through the end of the year. This self-guided tour is a temporary installation that honors the history of Camp Logan. More details about Memorial Park's centennial events and projects can be found at memorialparkconservancy.org.
"These projects that the Conservancy and our project partners have delivered are really transforming Memorial Park. They embrace all Houstonians and create more space for recreation, community, and enjoying nature. The fact that it is right in the middle of the city is really unique." – Holli Clements, Vice President of Engagement, Memorial Park Conservancy