Houston Heights Association unveils plans for renovations at Donovan Park

New playgrounds, a wooden train play structure and a grassy play hill are among the features proposed for the next phase of improvements at Donovan Park in the Houston Heights.

Plans for the renovation were shared over the weekend during the park’s Halloween party, giving residents a first look at what could be coming to the neighborhood green space.

The proposed design includes two playgrounds: one for children ages 2 to 5 and another for children ages 5 to 12.

Other planned features include swings, new sidewalks, a wooden train play structure, a drawbridge play feature and a grassy hill for children to climb and play.

The plans also include a shaded pavilion, a native planting area and a donor tile wall or walkway.

The estimated cost of the next phase is about $2 million.

Donovan Park is privately owned and maintained by the Houston Heights Association, rather than the City of Houston. As a result, the proposed improvements will rely on private fundraising and community support.

Organizers said approximately $150,000 has been raised so far. About $60,000 went toward developing the park’s master plan, with the remaining funds being saved toward the larger project.

The association plans to pursue sponsorship opportunities as fundraising continues. Construction cannot begin until additional funding is secured.

The park was built with help from community members in 1996 and has served the neighborhood for decades.

For more information about the plans or future fundraising opportunities, residents can contact the Houston Heights Association.