Harris County, TX (September 26, 2024) — Harris County Precinct 4 has been awarded an $11.3 million grant from the United States Department of the Interior for its Burnett Bayland Park Improvements Project, marking a major milestone in revitalizing this vital community space 

 The grant, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), will support substantial upgrades to Burnett Bayland Park, located in the heart of Gulfton. 

Dubbed the "Ellis Island of Texas”, Gulfton is Houston’s densest neighborhood, home to a diverse population of 50,000 residents.  

"Gulfton is one of the most vibrant, diverse communities in the nation. This $11.3 million grant will amplify and accelerate Harris County Precinct 4's investment in revitalizing Burnett Bayland Park, ensuring that Gulfton families can access the safe, dynamic outdoor spaces they deserve, “said Commissioner Lesley Briones. 

Precinct 4 has spent the last 12 months developing the Burnett Bayland Park Master Plan, which incorporated feedback from more than 1,000 community members at three workshops, 850 survey participants, and 30 civic and stakeholder groups. The project captures Gulfton’s vision for one of its most treasured public spaces. 

The grant will fund renovations of the existing park and the development of 40 acres of unused park land.  Precinct 4 will also use the funds to plant trees and native plants to combat the urban heat island effect in Gulfton, where the lack of tree canopy makes the area 17 degrees hotter than other parts of Houston.  

“The Precinct 4 team is privileged to serve the Gulfton community alongside community groups who have long championed residents' dream for a safe, beautiful, and accessible Burnett Bayland Park,” said Anne Sung, Chief Policy & Innovation Officer for Harris County Precinct 4. “The project is a collaborative, community-driven effort, and we are deeply grateful to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the National Park Service for their partnership to transform this vital green space.” 

In July, Commissioner Briones, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and METRO Chairwoman Elizabeth Brock unveiled the final Burnett Bayland Master Plan Park concept. The plan highlights features such as enhanced connectivity, expansive green spaces, ponds, a gathering lawn, picnic areas, and sports fields.   

“The positive effects of the Burnett Bayland Park revitalization project will be felt well beyond the bounds of the park,” said Reynaldo Guerra, Harris County Precinct 4’s Chief Infrastructure Officer. “This is not just a park, it's community development at its core. We are building based on community needs, taking their input and infusing it into a transformative public space that addresses sustainable infrastructure, economic development, housing quality, and affordability for the greater Gulfton area.” 

The design phase began in August 2024, with construction slated to begin in late 2025. Phase 1A of construction is expected to be completed by 2026, and the $11.3 million dollar grant will specifically fund construction Phase 1B, which is slated to start in 2026. 

Harris County Precinct 4 has now secured $39 million to deliver Phases 1A and 1B of the Burnett Bayland Revitalization Plan.  The federal funds will cover approximately 30% of Phase 1, giving a significant boost to implementing the community’s long-term vision for Burnett Bayland, which will expand from a 35-acre public space to a 75-acre signature destination in Southwest Houston.