Commissioner Lesley Briones hosted a community celebration at Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton Saturday, September 9, marking the start of a series of events throughout Harris County Precinct 4 to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

“For my family and the thousands of Latino families across the Precinct, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time of celebration, but also an opportunity to deepen our connections, understand each other’s stories, and listen to ways we further empower the Latino community,” Commissioner Briones said.

Over 300 people gathered at the park to enjoy the sounds of mariachis and feasted on a variety of cultural delicacies served by a local food truck vendor, along with face-painting and piñata and papel picado making activities for children.

During the event, Commissioner Briones led a workshop for Gulfton residents to provide their input on the Burnett Bayland Park Master Plan. Community members shared their ideas to reimagine the park as a signature destination in Southwest Houston. Children were especially asked to provide their ideas on what they would like in the park, with engaging activities that included creating a collage for the park’s redesign.

In June, Harris County Commissioners approved a $700,000 contract for the master plan which aims to double the park’s greenspace. Precinct 4 will pursue public-private partnerships, grants, and philanthropic funding to maximize the impact of the County’s investment, and plans on spending a substantial sum to renovate Burnett Bayland into a best-in-class community space.

Over the next nine months, Precinct 4 will engage with the community and compile feedback on their vision for both the park and surrounding area.

“We know Gulfton has waited a long time – too long – for serious investment and consideration for this park. We are fully committed to ensuring the plans for this park are of, by, and for the people of this community,” Commissioner Briones said.

Latinos make up 42 percent of the Precinct 4 population. From the Panamanian neighborhoods in Brays Oaks and Mission Bend; to the Columbian, and Garifuna communities in Alief; to the Mexican and Salvadoran communities in Gulfton; to our Venezuelan neighbors in Cypress and Katy—we proudly celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within Precinct 4.