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HOUSTON (December 28, 2023) – Texas Children’s Hospital is proud to announce a $1.5 million donation it has pledged to Houston Parks Board to support the renovation of MacGregor Park.
The gift, which is being made in honor of Ann Lents and Tom Bacon — current and former board members of both Texas Children’s and Houston Parks Board — will support a 5-year renovation plan that is slated to begin in January 2024. The plan includes a new Texas Children’s play area, infrastructure enhancements, 20 new capital projects and much-needed park maintenance.
“For almost 70 years, the mission of Texas Children’s has been to help ensure the health and well-being of the communities we serve, so when the opportunity to help support revitalizing our city’s historic park arose, we enthusiastically agreed,” said Mark A. Wallace, President and CEO, Texas Children’s Hospital. “To make the gift even more special, we are making this donation in honor of Tom Bacon and Ann Lents. I cannot think of a better way to help ring in the New Year than to know we’re contributing to the beautification of our local park — a place visited by many of our patients and families — and honoring two very important people in the Texas Children’s family.”
"Following a comprehensive and community-based master plan process, we heard what Houstonians want and need from MacGregor Park" said Beth White, President and CEO, Houston Parks Board. "With a visionary master plan and generous support from Texas Children's Hospital, the transformation of the beloved MacGregor Park will enhance and preserve this vibrant greenspace to ensure it continues to be a hub for community connection, where people can come together to celebrate and enjoy outdoor activities. This project reflects our commitment to park equity and improving the quality of life for Houstonians."
Named after Henry Frederick MacGregor, this 65-acre park along Brays Bayou in southeast Houston has served as a recreational space for many Houstonians and their families since the 1920s. It features a memorial statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. by sculptor Ken Washington, the Homer Ford Tennis Center — where Olympic and professional athletes have trained — as well as an outdoor basketball pavilion, a 1.25-mile hike and bike trail, a lighted sports field, a swimming pool and a wellness center.
The planned renovations are comprehensive in nature and include both land and facility improvements. By increasing equitable access to greenspaces and providing Houston families with possibilities for connection, growth and activity, the renovation of MacGregor Park is perfectly aligned with the mission of Texas Children’s Hospital: to create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education and research.
Houston Parks Board will proceed with design in January 2024. Construction is estimated to begin in 2025.
Learn more about Texas Children’s Community Benefit Efforts.
About Texas Children’s
Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.
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