Friends of Mandell Park will officially break ground on the renovation of Mandell Park. City officials, including Houston Parks and Recreation Department director Joe Turner, are scheduled to speak at the ceremony.

The nonprofit organization has raised more than $1 million for the project through foundations, companies, City of Houston PARD and individual donors. Acknowledgement is given to Kathrine G. McGovern/The John P. McGovern Foundation for their generous gift. When completed by fall 2014, the park will include an expanded organic community garden with handicap accessible, raised planting beds, a state-of-the-art compost station and a meadow bordered by a curving seat wall and tree-lined walkway. Additionally, the park will maintain its pocket prairie, a project of Katy Prairie Conservancy and Houston Audubon Society.