Houston officials and community partners have broken ground on a major MacGregor Park renovation designed to preserve the park’s history while expanding its recreational facilities.
The $75 million public-private project will transform the 65-acre park in southeast Houston. Construction will occur in two phases, allowing sections of the park to remain open. Officials expect the project to reach completion in late 2028.
MacGregor Park renovation adds new amenities
The project will introduce new athletic, recreational and community spaces throughout the historic park.
Plans include a modern tennis center with 16 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and a new clubhouse. The renovation will also upgrade the existing swimming pool and add a pool house with a community room.
Additional improvements include renovations to the fitness center and basketball pavilion. A heavily shaded playground will offer inclusive equipment for children of different ages and abilities.
The park will gain three miles of walking trails and sidewalks. Plans also include a central promenade and improved connections to the Brays Bayou Greenway.
The greenway stretches nearly 50 miles and connects with Houston’s broader Bayou Greenways trail network. The new connection will provide park visitors with greater access to trails across the city.
Houston Parks Board will also commission public art installations celebrating MacGregor Park’s history and cultural importance.
Public and private partners fund $75 million project
Kinder Foundation provided a $27 million catalyst gift for the renovation. The City of Houston contributed $6.5 million, while Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 7 provided $4 million.
The project also received a $10 million Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The federal program supports recreational opportunities in underserved urban communities.
Other contributors include The Brown Foundation, Texas Children’s Hospital and the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation. The Cullen Foundation, Sarofim Foundation and Hildebrand Foundation also provided support.
Additional funding came from The Fondren Foundation, The Elkins Foundation, CenterPoint Energy Foundation, Phillips 66 and individual donors.
“What’s coming to MacGregor Park is a reflection of true partnership,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said. He credited city officials, Houston Parks Board, philanthropic organizations and community members for supporting a shared vision.
Community feedback shapes park design
Houston Parks Board used earlier community-focused master plans developed in 2016 and 2021. The organization then conducted more than 8,600 community engagement touchpoints during the design process.
Those efforts included public meetings, neighborhood events, park activations and digital outreach. Organizers gathered feedback on recreation, wellness, shade, accessibility and community gathering spaces.
Houston Parks Board President and CEO Justin Schultz said the project will honor the park’s role in generations of family and neighborhood life.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter that honors that legacy while reimagining what this park can be for future generations,” Schultz said.
MacGregor Park has served Houston residents for approximately a century. It remains an important recreational and cultural destination for communities near Third Ward and southeast Houston.
Houston team will oversee construction
Houston Parks Board is leading project management, fundraising and community engagement. Hood Design Studio developed the project’s conceptual design and guiding principles.
Talley Landscape Architects serves as the landscape architect of record. Bellows Construction is the project’s construction contractor. Both companies are based in Houston.
After construction, Houston Parks Board will maintain the park’s landscaping. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department will continue owning and operating the park while managing facilities and programming.
The two organizations will use a public-private maintenance agreement to support daily cleaning, long-term repairs and equipment replacement.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Kenneth Allen described MacGregor Park as his childhood park. He said the improvements will give more children opportunities to explore sports, nature and other interests.
The project represents one of Houston’s largest recent investments in a public park. Residents can follow construction updates and learn which areas remain open through the Houston Parks Board’s MacGregor Park website.