What is Friends of Pumpkin Park?

Friends of Pumpkin Park is a new non-profit organization (EIN: 92-2085373) that is spearheading the renovation of Pumpkin Park. The park was established as “River Oaks Park” in 1938 and has been affectionately called “Pumpkin Park” by the community for decades. The park was officially renamed “Pumpkin Park” by Houston City Council in late 2023.

What are the project components?

The park has been a beloved feature of the neighborhood for decades that encourages visitors to explore, play, enjoy the beauty of the greenspace, and come together with the community for celebratory events. To enhance the park’s infrastructure, the project will undertake several improvements, including:

• Renovate the community center:: bringing the building up to code, enhancing the HVAC system, adding a servery kitchen, installing a new roof, incorporating AV capabilities, etc.  

• New restroom building

• Redesigned walking trail

• New picnic grove

• Covered outdoor classroom

• Basketball and beach volleyball court enhancements

• Tennis court pavilion

• Playground area improvements, including decking

• Infrastructure improvements: detention to address water accumulation issues and flooding concerns, as well as a new trash and mechanical yard for more efficient maintenance

• Landscaping: enhanced greenery and grounds throughout the five acres of park land

How has Friends of River Oaks Park been a part of the process?

Since the project’s inception, we have worked closely with Susan Cooley, the longtime President of Friends of River Oaks Park. As a dedicated steward of the park, she has shared invaluable insight into past challenges and provided guidance on how the park can continue to thrive. Friends of River Oaks Park will continue its current level of involvement in park operations and maintenance until Friends of Pumpkin Park starts construction on the new project.

How much will it cost?

The total cost for the project is estimated at $11.2 million. This includes a $2.5 million endowment to maintain the park in perpetuity. We partnered with Leslie Elkins Architecture and Johnny Steele Design to develop the project plans, as well as ETM Associates to determine the maintenance and operations plan for the park.  In 2023, we launched the initial fundraising efforts, and we are pleased to share that a handful of generous contributions has resulted in more than $7.55 million in support.

What are you doing with the allocation for other parks? How will you decide which parks to support, and who will make the improvements to those parks?

We are currently working with the Houston Parks Board to identify park projects in underserved areas of the city to allocate $1 million in funding, representing 10 percent of our goal.  Because the Parks Board has done a comprehensive assessment of more than 100 neighborhood parks and identified their needs, we are confident that we will make a wise investment that makes the greatest impact possible. This means that we can remain focused on Pumpkin Park, but a trusted partner will ensure that our gift to parks in other neighborhoods is used to maximum advantage. The Houston Parks Board will also be responsible for managing the improvements made to these parks.

Is the City of Houston committing any funding to the project?

After the master plan has been implemented and the renovated Pumpkin Park has been dedicated, the City, through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), will continue to fund the maintenance and staffing of the Park at current levels, supplemented by additional funds provided by the Friends of Pumpkin Park endowment. This will guarantee that the park is maintained to the high standard laid out in the master plan and our maintenance plan. We are in ongoing conversations with HPARD to evaluate opportunities for additional funding support from the City of Houston and/or other public sources.

Who will manage the project development?

Friends of Pumpkin Park is in the process of entering into an agreement with Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) on behalf of the City of Houston for the renovation of the park. Houston Parks Board (HPB) will serve as the project manager.

How will the park be maintained after the renovation?

HPARD will continue to support the on-going maintenance of the park.  Friends of Pumpkin Park is also establishing a $2.5 million endowment to safeguard the park’s proper maintenance in perpetuity.

Who is leading the campaign?

Margaret Elkins Davis is the founding president of Friends of Pumpkin Park; she is joined by fellow board members Warren Davis, Jenny Elkins, and Leslie Sasser. Together, they established a strong committee of dedicated community members, which includes Hally and Gordon Carver, Susie and Joe Dilg, Laurie and Scott Dorfman, Sarah and Carey Ford, Jill and Dunham Jewett, Madeline Kelly, Nancy McGregor and Neal Manne, Carolyn and Jake Sabat, Randa and K.C. Weiner, and Janie and Daniel Zilkha.

The committee is in the process of meeting with community members to share information about the project and ask for support for the campaign.

What is the project and campaign timeline?

The project is currently in design development, which we anticipate lasting through Fall 2025.

How can I support the project?

Thank you for supporting Pumpkin Park. Charitable contributions may be made via check payable to “Friends of Pumpkin Park” with the gift designated to “Capital Campaign” on the memo line. Please mail to:

Houston Trust Company

Attn: Pumpkin Park

3737 Buffalo Speedway, #200

Houston, Texas 77098