According to research conducted by the Urban Institute, parks have long been recognized as major contributors to the physical and aesthetic quality of urban neighborhoods. But a new, broader view of parks has recently been emerging. This new view goes well beyond the traditional value of parks as places of recreation and visual assets to communities, and focuses on how policymakers, practitioners, and the public can begin to think about parks as valuable contributors to larger urban policy objectives, such as job opportunities, youth development, public health, and community building.
To that end, H-GAC's Parks and Natural Areas program facilitates information exchange and planning efforts between various stakeholders and collaborators to protect and preserve parks and natural areas across the region.
NEW! Texas Parks and Wildlife Awards Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grants
Students and families from rural communities and inner cities will experience a taste of Texas Parks and Wildlife Departments’ programs and facilities, some for the first time. “This is the first time we’ve had so many rural communities to participate in the Community Outdoor Outreach Program” said Darlene Lewis, Program Director. “We recognize there is as much need in the smaller communities as we have in our larger cities and it’s nice to see more communities taking advantage of this program.” Lewis attributes the increase to the Department’s effort to conduct grant writing workshops around the state, promoting the program and offering technical assistance to applicants. Currently, there is $1.25-million available for grants for the next biennium with deadlines October 1st and February 1st. To find out more about the twenty-one sponsors receiving funds to get kids and their family’s outdoors, click here or visit the TPWD website.
2007 Parks & Natural Areas Best of the Best
H-GAC is pleased to announce its 2007 Best Practices in Parks and Natural Areas Honor Award Winners.These organizations have made significant contributions to the planning, acquisition and enhancement of parks and natural areas in the Houston-Galveston region.
>> Click here here to see the 2007 Award Winning Projects (PDF).
>> Click here to download a map of the award winning projects (PDF).
>> Download the 2007 Parks & Natural Areas Honor Awards Application (PDF).
>> View photo album from 2007 Awards Reception.
>> Read the Media Release here.
2006 Best Practices Parks and Natural Areas Honor Awardees
These awards were presented at the February 2007 Board of Directors Meeting.
>>Click here to see the List of Award Winners.
Parks Locator
>>Our Park Locator will help you find a park or natural area near you!
>>Go to the Parks Links page to visit various city and county parks websites.
More Information
For information about Parks and Natural Areas, please contact Kathleen Ramsey by phone at 713-499-6653 or by email kathleen.ramsey@h-gac.com