Emancipation Park

I recently moved to 3^rd ward and found myself with the new rescue pup and a three storey townhouse with no yard lol.
My new rescue Mastiff and I spend a lot of time in Emancipation Park these days. It’s a great park with lots of history…
It has a nice variety of features from a playground to a baseball diamond, to tennis courts, to a track and a pool.

My new neighborhood, Houston’s Third Ward, is steeped in history– from the European immigration to the Great emancipation for which its name honors. Emancipation Park began as a tribute to early Juneteenth celebrations in Texas commemorating President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. In 1918 the city of Houston acquired the Park which served as the only municipal park for African-​Americans. Through the years many improvements have been added to this neighborhood center. Today, the park consists of a large swimming pool with water slide, community center, basketball and tennis courts, a football field sizable enough for a soccer match, many picnic benches to the southeast side, a playground and ample space to throw a frisbee or play fetch with your pooch. I’ve noticed family parties and picnics during my labored jogs along Dowling Street, and have been told by a neighborhood business owner that Juneteenth celebrations are still the norm to commemorate this beautiful park and historic attraction. Although I am new to the neighborhood, I look forward to continued enjoyment of this neighborhood gem. As of October 26^th it looks like there will be even more to enjoy as the city has broken ground on a $ 33 million renovation expected to be completed some time in 2015. If you have a free weekend, check out the park for a picnic and wander around the mingling of Midtown and EaDo. There are new restaurants and bars popping up monthly. My favorite recently is to enjoy a walk around the park followed by a visit to Doshi House Café. The owner Deepak is knowledgeable of and more than happy to discuss the history of the neighborhood.