Buckboard Park is located in the District’s Southeast quadrant and is heavily used by the community, with several schools, homes, and apartment complexes located nearby. Bart Baker, the North Houston District’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, recently talked with us about Buckboard Park’s history and upgrades in recent years. 

Piecing Together Lots for a Public Park

In the late 1990’s, the North Houston District acquired approximately two acres in the Imperial Valley neighborhood, which falls within both the management district and the TIRZ boundaries.

Several years later, the two organizations collaborated to develop the concept of Buckboard Park and put together the acreage for it. TIRZ 11 acquired the parcel adjacent to the District’s two acres, to make the park a little more than five acres.

Plans were developed to create a neighborhood park with playground equipment for various age groups, activities for children and families, and walkways for exercising, in addition to plenty of benches, picnic tables, and beautiful landscaping.

TIRZ 11 funded the park’s construction, which took place in 2008 and totaled $1,800,000. The North Houston District maintains the facilities and covers the cost of upgrades and replacement equipment as needed. This is the same partnership arrangement that TIRZ 11 and the District have established for other parks in the area.

Meeting the Needs of the Community

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Bart Baker said the District made the decision to purchase the land because of the community in the area.

“There are no other parks in the area, so Buckboard Park is heavily used by the Airline Drive community,” Baker said. With several single-family-home neighborhoods and apartment communities nearby, the greenspace fills a crucial need for recreational opportunities.

“The District focuses on park development because for a lot of people who live in the North Houston area, there aren’t many parks provided through the city and county. We hope to fill the gap to provide kids and families with fun, safe places to enjoy,” he emphasized.

Care & Maintenance of Buckboard Park

Dru Gutierrez, the District’s Director of Field Services, shared that gradual improvements have taken place at Buckboard Park over the course of the last six years. These upgrades and additions include:

• • Replacement of caterpillar art piece at the front of the park
  • Interior and exterior paved trail repairs
  • Replacement and addition of multiple pieces of playground equipment
  • Upgraded pour-in-place safety cushion pads under playground pods and the merry-go-round
  • Tree plantings on West side of the park
  • New irrigation system

Some of the tree plantings at the park were provided through a partnership with the Greens Bayou Coalition. “Greens Bayou Coalition has added lots of trees within the Greens Bayou Corridor. It’s a great program that has really enhanced the beautification of the area,” Baker mentioned.

Gutierrez said upcoming plans slated for the park include an updated pergola, new picnic tables, and bench replacements.

Artistic Touches You May Have Missed

Buckboard Park, like many TIRZ 11 projects, also incorporates public art elements throughout – ranging from colorful tiled mosaics to mini bronze figures and interactive sculptures.

The Cornett Butterfly Garden honors a former TIRZ board member, John Cornett, who had a strong connection to the area, having grown up in the neighborhood. Cornett represented Aldine ISD on the TIRZ board for many years.

Be sure to explore all of the art features at Buckboard Park, located at 70 Buckboard Drive!