Public Park Set For Major Overhaul

HOUSTON (AP) — A sprawling public park in the nation's fourth largest city will get an overhaul in a restoration project that officials say could cost up to $300 million.

The Houston City Council on Wednesday approved a 20-year master plan for Memorial Park, with additional parking spots part of the effort.

Authorities plan to create two land bridges to connect major portions of the 1,500-acre park. Experts also recommend improvements such as irrigation systems and improved drainage as part of recovery from the 2011 drought.

The plan was the subject of months of public hearings and research. It was put together by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Memorial Park Conservancy and the Uptown tax increment reinvestment zone.

Authorities plan to use public and private dollars to fund the improvements.