Marking a transformative milestone for Gulfton, Commissioner Lesley Briones and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for the Burnett Bayland Park Project, marking the start of a bold reimagining of this landmark green space in the heart of Gulfton.

“Gulfton is the Ellis Island of Harris County, a place where families from across the world come to build their lives. And their voices shaped this bold, inclusive vision for Burnett Bayland Park. We are grateful for the public-private partnerships that are helping us deliver on the re-imagined vision for Burnett Bayland,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.

Initiated in September 2023, the Burnett Bayland Master Plan used deep community engagement to solicit feedback from more than 1,000 community members at three workshops, 850 survey participants, and 30 civic and stakeholder groups.

The project captured Gulfton’s vision for one of its most treasured public spaces:

• Safer and More Accessible Park for All: Upgrades such as safer pedestrian crossings, wide, well-lit trails, and multiple entry points will make it easier for families, older adults, and individuals with mobility needs to enjoy the park’s vibrant atmosphere.
• Nature and Sustainability at the Forefront: Planting more native trees and expanding shaded areas 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.
• New Amenities for Families and Events: The addition of a community garden and boardwalk will elevate experiences and create endless possibilities for community connectivity.
• Upgraded Recreational Facilities: Burnett Bayland Park’s well-loved soccer fields and sports courts will receive a facelift while new options, such as pickleball courts, will be created.
• Economic and Social Connection: The Gulfton community’s legacy will live on through a new community center, designated food truck areas, and a permanent farmers market space. Conveniently located near the planned METRO Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station, the park will become an even more accessible place.

Precinct 4’s public and private partners in this effort include Precinct4Forward, the National Park Service, the Brown Foundation, CenterPoint Energy Foundation, and The Baxter Trust.

"As a child, Burnett Bayland Park was always more than just a park to me and my family,” Sandra Rodriguez, President, Gulfton Super Neighborhood #27. “This isn’t just a park improvement; it is a representation of our park’s beauty, resiliency, and potential. This groundbreaking is more than just infrastructure, it’s a social transformation.”

“We are excited to be here and witness the groundbreaking, not just because of all the work that went into it, but because it is a physical manifestation of investing in Gulfton. These were also highlighted as the deep need for collaboration,” said Maria Hernandez, Executive Director, Madres del Parque.

“After decades of inaction and the development of numerous master plans, Commissioner Lesley Briones has acted decisively to put this plan into action,” said Luis Guajardo, Director of Planning & Community Development. “Through this reimagining of Burnett Bayland, we are creating a brighter future for all Gulfton residents to connect with each other and nature.”

“This park is more than just a park, and the updates will change the perspective of the community. It takes bold vision and commitment to turn this space into what the community deserves, and Commissioner Briones has the commitment and vision necessary,” said Harris County Engineer Dr. Milton Rahman.

“We look forward to returning in 2026 to open Gulfton’s premier new park, built by and for this incredible community. And as we launch our capital campaign for future phases, we welcome new partners to join us in building a more resilient, inclusive, and connected Harris County for everyone,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.