Levy Park - Reopening February 25
3801 Eastside, Houston

Once a haven for Houston's baseball enthusiasts, Levy Park will open after receiving a massive makeover. Included in the $10 million renovations is a dog park, community gardens, playgrounds galore - from splash features to climbables - an activity lawn, pavilion, and lush landscaping. The grand re-opening on February 25 features food, games, and fun for the whole family!

Speedsportz Racing Park at Grand Texas - Grand opening TBD
22994 Hwy. 242, New Caney

If you have followed Houston's decades-long theme park saga (rumors of Disney World, another Six Flags, and then another Disney World, etc.) know that Grand Texas has been in the works now for several years up in Montgomery County. With the delays in construction, it's only natural to not get your hopes up, but one piece of the puzzle (technically two, counting the recently opened RV park) is finally complete.

Speedsportz Racing Park opened in December, but its official grand opening has yet to be scheduled. This means a racetrack is open for riders 12 years old and up, but still in the works is the main building that will include video games, food and beverages, and a party room, as well as the large performance track for individuals with their own karts. It will also include a racing school. It's currently open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Rendering courtesy of Midtown Houston

Midtown Park - Reopening in late Spring
2811 Travis St., Houston

You know that unsightly vacant lot at Main and McGowen? Its transformation into a six-acre park is nearly complete. There is a soft opening for Super Bowl weekend, but will then close for more art installations to be completed. It will have its grand opening in late Spring, and residents will get to fully enjoy the city's latest urban park - complete with a lawn, pavilion, wetland stream and trail, splash ground for kids, playground, game courts, a dog park, and a space for farmers and artisan markets.

Rendering courtesy of Freelon.com

Emancipation Park - Reopening June 18
3018 Dowling, Houston

This historic Houston park has a rich history. Rev. Jack Yates, a Baptist minister and former slave, led efforts in Houston to create Juneteenth celebrations to honor the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (the news didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865, six months after it was signed by Abraham Lincoln). In 1872, the reverend and his church, Antioch Baptist, purchased 10 acres of land and named it Emancipation Park. A $33 million renovation will be complete this summer and includes refurbished landscapes, playgrounds, and a new community center, pool house, and recreation center. 

Top rendering courtesy of Levy Park Conservancy