Citizens Coalition
A bayou initiative with Bush backing: Parks By You wants to improve Houston'sgreen space
Houston parks have much green space to gain from a $410 million public bond package that will be put to voters in November, and though the date is still months away, grassroots activists have already started getting the word out.
Parks By You, a cleverly-named coalition of citizens working to connect bayou trails, improve neighborhood parks and increase access to both, was launched this summer to promote the benefits — from public health and safety to environmental preservation — of proposed park expansions.
The group's first goal is to pass the Nov. 6 bond issue, which would allocate $160 million worth of improvements to those bayous and parks. Its ultimate vision is to make green spaces available, so that no Houstonian would have to travel more than 1.5 miles to enjoy the great outdoors.
The group's first goal is to pass the bond, which would allocate $160 million worth of improvements to those bayous and parks, on Nov. 6.
A YouTube PSA video released in late July features upbeat testimonials from some of the coalition members: A spandexed and cycling State Sen. Rodney Ellis, City Councilman Ed Gonzalez in running gear, council member Stephen Costello wearing a suit and tie, plus a handful of other political supporters and community members.
Among the other faces is a familiar name — Pierce Bush (grandson of George H.W. and younger brother to model and philanthropist Lauren Bush Lauren), a self-described "avid park user" who works at an investment firm and co-chairs Parks by Young Professionals.
"You will know that your vote made the difference that made this thing possible," says Bush, who encourages Houstonians to create the city that they want by voting in November.
Watch the video above.
