Houston City Council Approves Local Park Rename

Submitted by Friends of W. 11th Street Park

On June 9, 2021, City Council unanimously passed the recommendation from Kenneth Allen, Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department to rename the City of Houston West 11th Street Park, located at 2400 West 11th street, to the LORRAINE CHERRY NATURE PRESERVE.

”The Parks Department is pleased to honor the memory of this outstanding Houstonian with the renaming of this park,” said Kenneth Allen, Interim Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “When citizens like Dr. Cherry are invested in making their neighborhoods better, they do the work that needs to be done to make it happen.  That’s what Dr. Cherry did with this park, and because of her efforts we’re a much better City.  I want to give a special thanks to all of our great partners for coming together for this great cause.”

District C Council Member Kamin stated, “this is a beautiful way to preserve her memory and dedication to improving green space in the City of Houston.”  Dr. Lorraine Cherry is best known for her activism to preserve the 20-acre natural area that was acquired by the City in 2007.  Starting in 1998, she led a group of volunteers and coordinated with community leaders, local business leaders, government officials and Houston Parks Board in the successful nine-year campaign to raise the funds to purchase the property from HISD.

“Renaming the park to honor Dr. Lorraine Cherry was the least we could do as a city to recognize her tireless work and dedication. She was a fierce community advocate, a role model, and an inspiration to so many. I ask that people visit the nature preserve and enjoy what Dr. Cherry worked to protect. Her memory will be a blessing to all, especially those who enjoy green space,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.

“West 11th Street Park is a true natural treasure, and because of Dr. Cherry’s commitment, we were able to preserve this land for generations to come. It is only fitting that the park be renamed to the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve in her honor,” said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “Protecting and growing Houston’s parks and green space portfolio requires the passion of individuals, and Dr. Cherry’s legacy is a shining example of what can be achieved through community service.”

“Many, many people and volunteers helped to make the purchase of the Park happen,” stated Robert Delgado, Board Member of Friends of West 11th Street Park.  “At any point in time, the deal could have fallen through. Lorraine was the glue at several crucial points that held it together. She was successful in this endeavor because she approached all politicians with a kind heart and assumed that they were there to help the community.”

Texas State Senator Whitmire stated, “Lorraine’s passion and dedication to West 11th Street Park inspired me to pursue state funding to purchase the remainder of the property for the park. Generations of families can pay tribute to Lorraine’s legacy when they visit and enjoy the nature preserve she worked so hard to protect. I applaud the Houston City Council for unanimously voting to allow the renaming of the West 11th Street Park to the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve.”

“Dr. Cherry’s community service was not limited to her work for the preservation of West 11th Street Park. She also served on the Timbergrove Manor Civic Club as chairperson for Environmental Affairs for more than 10 years.  She was also an active member of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove Super Neighborhood Council 14, chair of Parks and Beautification,” said Darlene Wayt.  “It was a privilege to serve with Lorraine on both the TMCC and the SNC-14 for several years and as a member of Lorraine’s committees.  No matter the wide-ranging issues that came before both organizations, we all looked to Lorraine as a voice of reason and mediation.  Lorraine’s only agendas were community service, problem-solving and getting the jobs done.    Lorraine treated everyone with respect, consideration and was willing to listen to various points-of-view.”

Lorraine assisted in the creation of the Friends of Jaycee Park and provided the group with guidance in their successful goal of renovating the Jaycee Park. The renovations featured a 1/3-mile walking trail, new basketball court, renovated tennis courts, new playground, H-E-B Water Playground, reforestation, picnic tables, benches and new baseball field lighting.

In addition, Lorraine acted as liaison for both SNC-14 and the Houston Parks Board regarding the design of the Bayou Greenways, White Oak Bayou and Bryce - West 11th Gateway Trailhead. This three- year project required numerous hours spent in meetings discussing revisions and incorporating community comments.

“Dr. Cherry’s legacy is one of phenomenal community service due to her unrivaled dedication to the creation, preservation, and improvement of green space in the city.  Friends of West 11th Street Park have raised funds for several amenities the Park enjoys, such as raised trail system and a wireless cellphone tour.  The Park is part of the Buffalo Bayou Loop in the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. This is why in 2017, the community responded with 788 signatures on a petition campaign to rename the Park after her death,” said Delgado.  “The effort to honor her by renaming the Park was truly a community grassroots event.  Generations to come will continue to enjoy the fruits of Dr. Lorraine Cherry’s labor.” Visit the Friends of West 11th Street Park’s website for additional information.