Houston parks department says they plan to reinstall basketball hoops at Proctor Plaza Park

Basketball hoops could return to Proctor Plaza Park more than two decades after they were removed, according to an Oct. 27 memo from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department director to Mayor John Whitmire.

In the memo, HPARD Director Kenneth Allen said the department had elected to reinstall the basketball goals following a decision not to proceed with a previously proposed community survey.

The plan calls for three basketball goals on one half of the pavilion court. The other half, closest to the playground, would remain available for community events and daily activities, according to the memo.

The memo does not specify when the hoops would be installed or clarify whether additional approval is required before work can begin.

The development marks a shift from the city’s previously stated approach to the issue. In an Oct. 15 statement to KPRC 2, the office of District H Council Member Mario Castillo said residents needed a meaningful opportunity to weigh in before changes were made.

The office said it was communicating with HPARD to assess the feasibility and cost of reinstalling the hoops, as well as potential safeguards to address neighborhood concerns. They office said HPARD had suggested a community survey or another inclusive process to gather residents’ input.

Residents remain divided

The basketball hoops were removed more than 20 years ago after nearby residents raised concerns, according to Castillo’s office.

Some neighbors now support bringing them back, saying the hoops would provide children and adults with a place to play basketball close to home.

Others have raised concerns about noise, safety and how activity near the pavilion could affect families using the playground and the space for other activities.

The disagreement has left residents weighing recreational opportunities against concerns about how the shared park space is used.

In its Oct. 27 memo, HPARD acknowledged a clear divide in the neighborhood while outlining its plan to reinstall the goals.

Questions remain about the decision

The memo does not explain why the proposed survey was abandoned or detail how resident feedback was considered before HPARD decided to move forward.

It also does not specify what role, if any, the mayor’s office or District H played in reaching the decision.

Those questions are central to what happens next, including whether residents will have another opportunity to share their views.

KPRC 2 has asked for clarification from HPARD and the mayor’s office about the approval process, the decision to forgo the survey and the timeline for installation.

More updates to come as they’re made available.