History

Public parks were a rarity at the turn of the last century.  So when the Houston Electric Company announced in 1903 that they would build a grand new park there was considerable interest from the citizens of Houston.  Highland Park, the park's original name, was to be built on 30 acres of the Beauchamp Springs tract between Houston Ave. and Little White Oak Bayou at 212 Parkview. The Houston Electric Company said it would spare no expense in making this the finest park in the South and invested $30,000 in its construction.

Early on a restaurant and a dance pavilion were constructed to accommodate up to 1,000 people.  A dam across Little White Oak Bayou was built which created a large artificial lake to accommodate small motor boats.  A streetcar line was also installed that deposited park goers right at the entrance of the park.

This was only the second park in the entire city and was just a short cable car ride from our bustling downtown.  It attracted thousands on the weekends because of its host of activities including music concerts, concessions, rides, and boating, not to mention its beauty.  Some 5,000 people were reported to have attended its grand opening on July 4, 1903!

The park was very successful and continued to thrive from 1903 to the end of the decade.  It was purchased by the city in 1911 and was renamed Woodland Park in 1914.  In 1915, Houston's first zoological collection started at Woodland Park with a pair of ostriches paid for by penny donations from Houston school children. Within one year, Woodland Park had collected up to 60 specimens and park attendance had increased to as many as 500 persons on Sundays.  In 1916, the Department of Public Parks was created and the construction of a shelter building and a swimming pool were completed under the first parks bond issue.

In 2018, Woodland Park was named a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS). According to TRAPS, “A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on their grounds.  A designation as a Lone Star Legacy is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park.” Click here to learn more about park history!

Our Mission

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The Friends of Woodland Park, Inc. (FWP) is a 501-3C non-profit dedicated to preserving the park's natural habitat along with its unique historical significance to the City of Houston, and to providing for the enjoyment and education of all who visit.

Our Recent Sponsors

Volunteering is free, but supplies and tools and perks are not. We offer profound thanks to the following businesses and individuals for their continued financial and/or material support of our efforts.

  • Uncle Bean’s Coffee

  • Active Passion

  • SWA Group

  • Good Dog Hot Dog

  • Christina deHaven of Haven Creative