Donovan Park — Attraction in Houston

Very cool, and unique park in the Heights. The bike trail runs right next to the park. Ice cream, and sorbet at Cloud 10 Creamery is right across the street.

Here's a little history:

For five consecutive days in October of 1996, a close-knit community in Houston, Texas, rolled up its collective sleeves and built a lasting legacy for its children. Families, neighbors, craftsmen, teachers, students, local businesses, and friends of Houston Heights joined together in a monumental effort to construct what is now The Heights Playground. They worked from early morning until late night. They sawed, drilled, hammered and painted. They served food, tended minor wounds, and provided child care. They gave their time, their skills, and their hearts, yet asked nothing in return.

Donovan Park is the Cinderella story of a formerly underutilized park transformed into a unique fantasy play-space through the power of community involvement. Over a period of nine months, thousands of dedicated volunteers and supporters participated in the fundraising, organization, and building of a dream that became a reality. Today, it is a place that sparks young imaginations, encourages social interaction among cultures, and serves as an inspiration to future generations. Incorporating original ideas contributed by area school children, Donovan Park was designed by community-built architectural pioneers, Robert S. Leathers & Associates of Ithaca, New York. With its railroad theme and Victorian-era turrets, the playground reflects the historic character of its surroundings.

It serves the neighborhood as both a distinctive architectural landmark and as a popular family gathering site where young hearts and imaginations can run free. It stands as a loving tribute to the children who inspired its construction and as a testament to the caring spirit of the Houston Heights community.

We no longer take reservations for the use of this park. It is first-come, first-served. Due to limited volunteer trash pick up, we request parties of five or more to take their trash with them. For the safety of our children, barbecue pits, open flames, and dogs are...

This is a unique and creative playground that's completely made out of wood (okay, maybe 10% is metal/plastic). It's super fun with large structures and lots of little nooks and crannies for your kids to discover. Two wooden (stationary) trains, bridges, slides, swings, and a multi-level platform provide the perfect back drop for hours of fun. There are also two picnic tables (wood picnic tables, of course) that are prime real estate for eating lunch, or just sitting and watching your kid. Last wonderful thing about this park is that it's walking distance from Revival Market (great coffee!) and Lee's Fried Chicken & Donuts! They are both located1 block south. I would give this park the full five stars.... if it only had a restroom option. There are no facilities on the premise, not even a portapotty. So friends, make sure your LOs do their business before...

Overall, this is an awesome park. There is plenty to do for a wide range of ages. Park is maintained by the Houston Heights Community Association and they do a pretty awesome job. It’s right across the street from Heights Mercantile, so you can make a fun half day advantage of going to the park then getting ice cream or crepes. Can’t give five stars for the following reasons: 1) drainage is not good and the path that runs through the Center if the park is almost always muddy 2) some features are in disrepair (last time I was there, the big red swing was missing straps. Other parents told me they’ve seen kids fall out of the swing and get hurt and 3) there are no washroom facilities.

Come prepared to be a little muddy, watch your children closely on the equipment, be prepared for an open air change...