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Afton Oaks Park Initiative
A group of interested homeowners has formed within Afton Oaks to put together a plan for the development of a small public "pocket" park to serve the residents of Afton Oaks and the neighboring areas. This group is known as the Afton Oaks Park Initiative, and it is a separate group within Afton Oaks and is not formally affiliated with or currently financially supported by the Afton Oaks Civic Club.
The Afton Oaks/Richmond area was specifically cited in the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department's 1999 Master Plan as an area in need of a "pocket park", which the Parks Department describes as:
- Less than one acre
- Serves a ½ mile radius
- Located within a neighborhood
- Daytime use only
- No parking spaces required
- Contains small playground, support facilities such as bike racks, trash cans, signage, trees/landscaping, a possible gazebo/shade structure, artwork and a picnic table. No basketball, sports court area or restrooms would be contemplated.
The Afton Oaks Park Initiative has focused on available lots to the west of Afton Oaks, in the mixed-use and higher-density area between Afton Oaks and Vossdale. The "triangle" green spaces at Kettering/Oakshire are specifically not targeted for development into a more formal park. In addition, the Afton Oaks Civic Club would not own the park or have any of the liability risks of ownership; if developed, ownership would remain with the City of Houston. The Afton Oaks Park Initiative has held meetings with the Houston Parks Board and City of Houston officials and remains optimistic that public/private funding for a park to serve Afton Oaks is achievable. Realization of this goal will require fundraising from the neighborhood and interested foundations and individuals.
If you would like more information on the Afton Oaks Park Initiative or want to join the group and help make a park happen, send an e-mail to parkproject@aftonoaks.org
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