Memorial Groves

Our intent is to include existing motts of trees within the new plantings, and we are working closely with local ecology consultants, Blackland Collaborative, and Dr. Todd Watson, a tree health expert with over 25 years of experience in the region. Together, we are reviewing all the surveyed trees and healthy, long-lived and non-invasive species that can be successfully preserved and maintained in large groups. As noted in the presentation, we have already identified ones that we make particular efforts to preserve as we begin the design phase.

The project area is not being “cleared”. In fact, our intent is to embed the components of the project in and around the larger, healthy, non-invasive trees. As we begin the design phase and lay out the project elements on the site, we will work with our ecological consultants to identify smaller trees that can be successfully transplanted within the project. It is too early in the process to know specific quantities of trees to be removed or transplanted, or even the total number of new trees to be planted.

There will be two new parking lots, one close to Memorial Drive and one at the north end of the project area. Most of the existing parking on W. Memorial Loop Dr. will remain.

As part of the design phase, the parking lots’ size will be evaluated and scaled appropriately. While it is inevitable that there will be some tree removals, the lots will be sited within the project area to minimize impact and the layout will be designed to work around existing trees as with other parking lots recently built in the Park.

As the team begins the design process, they will evaluate different materials for the parking lots, paths, and other aspects of the project. Concrete has been used for parking lots elsewhere in the park primarily for its durability (the Park receives millions of visitors per year). Mitigating environmental impacts through adjacent bioswales to filter and clean the stormwater runoff and planting islands for both existing and new trees will be part of the design, regardless of the material that is ultimately selected.

Wildlife and Biodiversity is something that Memorial Park Conservancy continues to monitor and assess. Our previous project experience has shown us that wildlife is quick to return to a project area once the project is complete. Currently, the native plants in this area of the Park are getting a lot of pressure from non-native invasive plants. This project will work to manage those invasives and establish a more diverse palette of plants in multiple habitats attractive to native wildlife species.

The scale of the project and its siting within the Park are inextricably bound to the size and location of Camp Logan itself. Many of the camp structures, drainage ditches and networks of streets were located here, alongside and because of the railroad, and not elsewhere, and are still discernible through visible archeological features.

This project will add a significant number of trees that will be planted among and around existing canopy trees.

A walkway across I-10 is not part of the Memorial Groves project; however, the Ten-Year Plan does include plans for future connectivity. The Conservancy continues to work with our partners at the City, Harris County and TxDOT to explore ways to accomplish this.

No. That portion of prairie will remain, and the extents of the project remain consistent with what was shown in the 2015 Master Plan.

Our design team is comprised of experts who understand the unique characteristics of Memorial Park, and that includes the existing prairie. We collaborate with contractors who have a proven track record of working in Memorial Park and are committed to preserving its natural beauty. Together, we ensure this project is carried out in a way that protects the existing prairie’s delicate ecosystem. Our goal is not only to protect this prairie but to add to it, enhancing its biodiversity and ecological value.

The exact species to be used in the regimental groves is still to be determined and will be part of a thorough exploration and review by our ecological design team.

The 100-acre site indeed offers the chance to achieve various objectives. As currently envisioned, the northern half is intended to feature quieter, more contemplative spaces. The southern portion of the project will host picnic areas, places for children to play, and accessible restrooms, in keeping with the amenities befitting a public greenspace.

No, the plan is to make these parking lots free of cost.

This project does not contemplate a noise barrier within the project footprint. For questions about I-10, please contact the Texas Department of Transportation.

Currently, a drainage ditch lined by trees and underbrush provides a natural barrier between the railroad tracks and the area of the site that will be activated by the project Additional safety measures will be explored as part of the design phase.

The overall project area is approximately 100 acres (see response to question no. 18), but that does not mean that every acre is touched by the project. The amenities contemplated (such as paths, restrooms, picnic areas, parking) will require some tree removal but, but in more limited and localized areas. The site will not be “cleared” (see also response to question no. 2).

The total project area includes the portion of the Park that extends from I-10 (northern boundary) to Memorial Drive (southern boundary), and from the railroad tracks (western boundary) to the Memorial Park Golf Course (eastern boundary). This is approximately 100 acres.

The design team includes local ecologists and arborists who will assess the health of the existing trees, offer guidance on tree preservation, and provide long-term management strategies to maximize the health of the existing and newly planted trees. Some of these strategies will include removal of invasive species and relocation of smaller trees to create optimal conditions for establishing a healthy, long-lived canopy.

The design team is committed to working around large, mature existing trees, but inevitably, there will be some trees that end up in direct conflict with proposed amenities. When feasible, these will be transplanted within the project area, and if not, they will be taken down and mulched to amend and enhance the existing soils.

The project will preserve the existing prairie meadow along the current railroad and utility right of ways and will look to further expand this ecology. Further along in the design process, the team will be able to quantify the extent of the certain ecologies within the project.

The Memorial Groves project is part of the 2015 Memorial Park Master Plan that was unanimously approved by City Council and supported by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department after over a year of extensive public engagement through online surveys, workshops, and public meetings. More than 3,000 Houstonians participated in this extensive public input process. A desire for historic educational opportunities – spaces for all ages to learn about Houston’s history, including the widely unknown or under-told history of Camp Logan – was a theme that emerged in public feedback. Memorial Park Conservancy and our partners are committed to ongoing public engagement and as the design process begins, we look forward to hearing your feedback.

Thanks for the suggestion! Memorial Park’s Running Complex now has a new on-site cafe, Vibrant, which opened in April 2024. It offers a variety of healthy food options, as well as coffee and drinks. Live Oak Court in Clay Family Eastern Glades also hosts food trucks that serve a variety of refreshments.

Memorial Park Conservancy continues to study how visitors enter and exit the Park. We will continue to work with the city and community partners to understand the best ways to implement these measures.

Memorial Park Conservancy is eager to learn more about the fascinating narratives connected to Camp Logan. We have reached out to The Heritage Society for additional information on this particular question. If you have a story you would like to share, please email groves@memorialparkconservancy.org.

There are no new roads proposed within the project area. Access to and within Memorial Park is a topic addressed in our Master Plan and Ten-Year Plan. As the Park continues to evolve, we remain open to discussing and adjusting transportation options.

Our goal is to create a park that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We value your input and welcome ongoing conversations about how to best serve the community.

While you might not be able to see the actual train tracks from the project area, you’ll definitely notice the trains when they are passing by.

Yes, interspersing parking spots with trees has become the signature of the Memorial Park parking areas, creating a more welcoming and sustainable environment. This approach provides much-needed shade and improves stormwater management.

In addition to the shade and native plantings, our stormwater management practices further contribute to a healthier ecosystem. By incorporating natural features and sustainable techniques, we’re able to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff and create a more resilient park.

The Outer Loop Trail will remain a vital part of Memorial Groves, serving both walkers and cyclists.

The aim is to pay tribute not only to the soldiers but to everyone who contributed to the Camp’s efforts. This encompasses the farmers cultivating vegetables, the chefs preparing meals, and those involved in constructing, maintaining, and dismantling the Camp. A significant portion of the City of Houston participated in this massive enterprise, so it’s important to convey the scale of this commitment. The goal is to highlight not just the soldiers who trained here, but also the collective narrative of this city and its involvement in World War I, alongside all the soldiers who took part.

That very rail line served as the route for soldiers arriving at Camp Logan and departing for war. When you consider the proximity to the rail line, it becomes a significant reminder of the connectivity among the many soldiers coming to Houston from across the United States. This connection plays an important role in the memorial. While the noise is unfortunate, the reality of its historical significance may outweigh this downside when viewed as a whole.

Understanding how visitors enter and exit the Park, the various pathways within it, and the connection from all directions is a focus of ongoing research for Memorial Park Conservancy. Together, with the city and our partners, we are committed to studying these aspects and implementing our findings in the future.