Donovan Park’s $2 million plans, a new way to track delayed city projects and what to know for Election Day

Hey there!

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween weekend! I had a great time handing out candy, and loved seeing so many families out enjoying the neighborhood. And the costumes! You all did not disappoint. 🎃

If you snapped any photos of your little ones, pets or favorite Halloween decorations around the Heights, send them my way. I’d love to share some of your photos!

Here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.

🛝 Donovan Park shares a first look at its $2 million renovation plans

There’s a lot to look forward to at Donovan Park!

Plans for the park’s next phase of renovations were shared over the weekend during the Donovan Park Halloween Party, which organizers say drew a great turnout and positive feedback from the community.

The proposed improvements include two playgrounds designed for different age groups: one for children ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12.

Other features in the plans include:

• New sidewalks and swings
• A wooden train play feature
• A drawbridge play feature
• A grassy play hill
• A shade pavilion
• A donor tile wall or walkway
• A native planting area

But there’s an important distinction: This is phase two, and the park still needs to raise the money to build it.

Donovan Park is privately owned and managed by the Houston Heights Association. The estimated construction cost is approximately $2 million.

Organizers say they have raised about $150,000 so far. That funding helped cover phase one, including the creation of the park’s master plan, which cost about $60,000. The remaining funds are being saved toward the construction goal.

The association says sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

So, while the plans are exciting, there is still a significant fundraising effort ahead before construction can begin.

🗳️ Election Day is tomorrow! Here’s where Heights residents can vote

If you didn’t early vote, Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where to vote:

You are not limited to one assigned polling place. You can vote at any open Harris County Voting Center on Election Day.

That said, there are several around the Greater Heights.

Some include:

1. Heights High School – Bulldog Practice Gym: 560 East 14th Street, Houston, TX 77008
2. Hamilton Middle School – Library: 139 East 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008
3. Love Park Community Center – Gymnasium: 1000 West 12th Street, Houston, TX 77008
4. Mount Sinai Baptist Church Family Life Center – Gym: 902 West 8th Street, Houston, TX 77007
5. Proctor Plaza Park Community Center – Main Multipurpose Room: 803 West Temple Street, Houston, TX 77009
6. SPJST Lodge 88 – Annex (behind the main building): 1435 Beall Street, Houston, TX 77008

More locations can be found, here.

What should you bring?

Texas voters should bring an acceptable form of photo ID. That includes:

• Texas driver’s license
• Texas personal identification card
• Texas Election Identification Certificate
• Texas handgun license
• U.S. military ID with a photograph
• U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph
• U.S. passport

You can also bring a printed sample ballot or notes to help you remember your choices.

One more thing: Your ballot depends on your home address. Two people who both consider themselves Heights residents may have different local races.

I put together a full voting guide with information about what’s on the ballot, voter ID requirements and how to find your sample ballot.

Read my Heights voting guide here.

🚧 Ever wonder what happened to that delayed road or sidewalk project? Houston wants to make it easier to find out.

This is something I hear from Heights residents all the time: What happened to that road project? Why did construction stop? Is it still happening? And when will it finally be finished?

Last week, Houston City Council adopted a measure intended to give council members more information when certain city construction projects are delayed, canceled or significantly changed.

The measure addresses proposed changes to certain infrastructure projects, including work involving streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, drainage, bridges, trails and parks.

In simple terms, it’s intended to help council members keep track of significant changes to city projects, including work that may be delayed or no longer moving forward.

I’ll be watching for how this affects projects in and around the Heights.

🌳 Lawrence Park: Don’t be alarmed by all the dirt!

If you’ve driven by Lawrence Park lately, you’ve probably noticed a pretty major transformation underway. And by transformation, I mean there’s dirt EVERYWHERE.

The park is in the middle of a major renovation following a September groundbreaking. So if you’ve passed by and wondered what in the world is happening, don’t be alarmed. This is what construction looks like!

The project includes two new shaded playgrounds, improved walking paths and park surfaces, new connections to the MKT Trail, a fitness area and improvements to the baseball field bleachers.

The improvements are intended to make the park more accessible and create better connections for people walking, biking and using the trail.

Construction is on schedule to be complete in up to a year (summer 2027!!)

So, yes, it’s a little messy right now. But there’s a lot planned for this park!

🏡 A neighbor update: The Victorian on Heights

A historic property in the Heights has a new chapter. The Victorian on Heights has opened as a venue for weddings and private events, bringing a new gathering space to the neighborhood.

As the venue gets started, One of you messaged me wanting to learn more about what neighbors can expect, particularly when it comes to parking, event sizes and noise.

I spoke with owner April Dardis, who says she and her husband live directly across the street. Here’s what she shared about how they plan to manage events:

• Parking: The venue has secured off-site parking at two locations, on Heights Boulevard and Yale Street. Valet is included with larger wedding packages. For smaller events, typically 15 to 30 guests, attendees may use permitted street parking or neighboring properties where owners have allowed parking.
• Capacity: Weddings and private celebrations can accommodate up to 99 guests. Events may be scheduled on weekdays or weekends, depending on bookings.
• Noise: According to Dardis, the venue’s agreements require amplified music to end by 11 p.m., with the property vacated by midnight.
• Questions or concerns: Dardis says residents can contact her directly!

It’s always interesting to see a historic Heights property take on a new life. As the venue gets established, I’ll be keeping an eye on how it is settling into the neighborhood!

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That’s it for this week! As always, if there’s something happening on your block, a neighborhood issue you think deserves a closer look, or a story you think I should know about, send it my way.

And don’t forget those Halloween photos. I’d love to see them!

Nicole