Ahead of pumpkin season, organizers have announced big plans for Pumpkin Park in River Oaks. The community park is set to undergo a major $11.2 million renovation that will comprise of enhanced green spaces, added facilities, and upgrading its community center.
During the development of River Oaks, the five-acre green space at 3600 Locke Lane was established as “River Oaks Park” in 1938. Over the years the park offered play spaces, climbing structures, gardens, and a quarter-mile granite walking trail. One of its signature longstanding attractions, a life-size Cinderella-inspired pumpkin carriage prompted the park to change its name. In late 2023, the Houston City Council voted to officially designate the space as Pumpkin Park.
Now, the park is set to undergo a major renovation. Priced at $11.2 million – including a $2.5 million endowment for park maintenance in perpetuity – the renovations are presently in the design phase. Leading the renovation campaign and fundraising efforts is community advocate and Friends of Pumpkin Park president, Margaret Davis.
Friends of Pumpkin Park is, according to its website, is presently formalizing an agreement with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department on the park’s renovation, which will be managed by the Houston Parks Board.
In an effort to modernize the park space and enhance park infrastructure, the masterplan calls for extensive improvements including the following:
- Community center renovation
- Revamped walking trails
- Enhancements to the beach volleyball and basketball courts
- Added tennis court pavilion
- Decking and playground enhancements
- Redesigned walking trails
- Covered outdoor classroom
- New picnic grove
- Landscaping
- Infrastructure improvements
Thus far, the park has obtained nearly 90% of its funding goals through private donations and foundations. The project is presently in its design development, which is expected to last through Fall 2025. No prospective timeline for the groundbreaking nor opening has been released. Interested parties can learn how to support the project through its website here.