November 18, 2019
The City of West University Place is pleased to announce that Whitt Johnson Park, 6540 Wakeforest Ave., has now reopened to the public after completion of a $150,000 makeover!
The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a reopening celebration on November 17, 2019, where more than 200 residents enjoyed the renovated park. Improvements include a modern rotating climber, standalone spinner, stepping pods, balance challenge and GaGa ball. The existing tree house unit was equipped with ADA access, as well as, new artificial turf (safety surfacing) throughout the play area that helps prevent injuries and green up the park. Other improvements include new benches, picnic tables and water fountain, painting the fence, light poles and remaining playground equipment, and installing new St. Augustine grass in the open green space. The two basketball half-courts were resurfaced with new backboards added, and one half-court now includes multi-use play options with foursquare and hopscotch lines.
A couple of favorite playground updates that left everyone raving were the new rotating climber and the GaGa ball pit. Mayor Bob Higley remarked, “It’s wonderful to see so many West U residents and board members enjoying the park. Thanks to their input, the vision has come to life.” Parks and Recreation Director Susan White added, “The new features not only improve the aesthetics of the park, but they provide additional play opportunities for children of all ages. GaGa ball is a great draw for kids who are beginning to age out of traditional playground equipment.”
The improvements were funded through the generosity of the Friends of West University Parks Fund. For more information on the Friends, and all they do for West U’s parks, please visit www.westuparks.org. For complete project information, please visit www.westutx.gov/parkprojects.
Media Contact:
Parks and Recreation Department Phone: (713) 662-5367
E-Mail: jveld@westutx.gov