FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   CONTACT: Estella Espinosa
March 28, 2005                                                 713.845.1135

                            Representative Garnet F. Coleman,
                            Council Member Ada Edwards and
                  The Houston Parks and Recreation Department
                      Announce MacGregor Park Improvements

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department today announced a One Million Dollar Texas Parks and Wildlife matching grant for MacGregor Park Improvements. The funds will provide roadway improvements and baseball field lighting as well as playground, picnic, pavilion and landscaping upgrades for MacGregor Park.

Representative Coleman, while on the House Appropriations Committee, secured the $500,000 for matching funds in 2001. “These important improvements to MacGregor Park will enhance the quality of life, not only for families in my district, but for all Houstonians,” said Representative Coleman.

Council Member Ada Edwards, District D said, "I am excited about the parks improvements. I want to thank State Representative Coleman and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department for their commitment and continuing efforts in making McGregor Park a state of the art facility."

Houston Parks and Recreation Director Joe Turner is ready to begin the first phase of improvements to the park. “We are pleased to announce the initial phase of development will begin within the next three months. These upgrades will provide MacGregor Park users with an enhanced recreational experience and will put MacGregor Park on its way to achieving recognition as one of Houston’s premiere parks.”

Acquired in 1925, MacGregor Park is rich in history and has served the surrounding community for over 80 years. Zina Garrison learned to play tennis on MacGregor Park courts and returns every year to the Homer Ford Tennis Center to give back to her community with the Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy. MacGregor Park's baseball fields are home to the RBI baseball program. Its basketball pavilion is the site for numerous pickup games and every summer the MacGregor Park swimming pool provides area youth with a safe place to swim.

Additional amenities include proximity to the Braes Bayou walking trails, picnic and playground areas, and a disc golf course. In addition, MacGregor Park will be the host site for the 116th annual Texas State Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for April 29, 2005.

MacGregor Park is located off of Calhoun between Braes Bayou and Old Spanish Trail. From Downtown Houston, take I-45 to the Spur 5 exit and turn right onto Spur 5. Take Spur 5 to the Calhoun exit and turn right onto Calhoun. Take Calhoun to South MacGregor Way and turn left into MacGregor Park.

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