HOUSTON – Two weeks after Hurricane Beryl struck Houston, Memorial Park is still dealing with the aftermath. The staff at Memorial Park Conservancy have been working tirelessly since the storm hit to ensure that many areas of the park were reopened quickly and safely for public use.
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The park suffered significant damage from the hurricane, including the loss or significant damage of hundreds of trees along roads and trails. Damage was also reported to one ravine bridge, a sidewalk, a pavilion, wetland boardwalks, and a stretching deck at the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track.
Several park areas were without power for over ten days, and approximately 3,600 staff hours have been dedicated to storm cleanup. Despite these challenges, many parts of Memorial Park have been restored. Wildlife in these areas seems to be adjusting well, and families and nature enthusiasts have started returning to enjoy the park’s serene environment.
Areas Reopened
- Seymour Lieberman Trail (with caution advised in coned-off areas)
- Kinder Land Bridge & Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie
- Clay Family Eastern Glades and restrooms
- Roy H. Cullen Timing Track and restrooms
- Vale-Asche Foundation Playground
- Picnic Loop and restrooms
- Commuter Trail
- Cullen Running Trails Center
- Sports Complex restroom
Areas still closed
- Wetlands Boardwalks of Clay Family Eastern Glades
- Northwest Trail
- All Bayou Wilds Trails
The current recovery efforts come just two months after damage from the Derecho storm, which resulted in the loss or significant damage of over 150 trees and guardrail damage to two ravine bridges on the Seymour Lieberman Trail. The park endured four days without power during that storm.
The park’s recovery efforts have been supported by donations, which have helped clear roads, fix damaged assets, and reopen trails. However, the damages have incurred significant expenses, and further support is needed.
While the ability to safely accept volunteers is currently limited, donations to the Memorial Park Conservancy Fund are welcomed to help continue the clean-up, repair, and restoration efforts. Contributions will ensure that the park can be fully rejuvenated after such major weather events