Credits: Houston Public Media
HOUSTON, Texas— Two weeks after Hurricane Beryl struck Houston, Memorial Park is still grappling with the extensive damage left by the storm. The Memorial Park Conservancy team has been working diligently to restore the park, with efforts focused on reopening areas safely for public use.
The hurricane caused substantial damage, including the loss or severe damage to hundreds of trees along roads and trails. Other affected areas include a ravine bridge, a sidewalk, a pavilion, wetland boardwalks, and the stretching deck at the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track. Additionally, several park sections were left without power for over ten days, necessitating around 3,600 staff hours for cleanup.
Despite these setbacks, much of Memorial Park has been restored, with wildlife adapting to the changes and visitors returning to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. This recovery follows damage from the Derecho storm two months ago, which also inflicted significant damage to trees and infrastructure, with the park experiencing four days without power.
Support from donations has been crucial in clearing roads, repairing assets, and reopening trails. However, the costs of recovery have been significant, and additional support is needed to continue the restoration process.
While the park currently cannot accommodate volunteers, donations to the Memorial Park Conservancy Fund are being sought to aid ongoing clean-up and repair efforts. These contributions will help ensure the park’s full recovery from these recent severe weather events.