Third Ward on Tap-Trill Edition, the Houston Housing Authority (HHA), the City of Houston, Friends of Columbia Tap, and the Rotary Houston Skyline came together today to celebrate the neighborhoods revitalization project and to reclaim outdoor space within the Third Ward Community.

A press conference with featured remarks from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, District D Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, HHA President and CEO David Northern, and Friends of the Columbia Tap Trail Founder Ed Pettitt kicked-off the event. The event included a block party, live music, food trucks, bike giveaways, bike contests, games, and prizes. The YMCA held a basketball clinic, Kids Meals provided meals and snacks for the kids, and 12 bikes with helmets were given away to local resident children.

Trill on Wheels and Crew Mob attended with their collection of Slab bikes along with several other exhibitors. This event was one of many projects that the HHA and its Third Ward–Cuney Homes Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) have planned for this year. All intended to reunite the community and encourage healthy outdoor activities through the use of trails and outdoor space within Cuney Homes and the Third Ward.

HHA President and CEO David Northern on the Revitalization Project:

“We have big plans to transform this space as a project of the Third Ward-Cuney Homes Choice Neighborhood Initiative. We are working to reimagine Housing in Cuney Homes and Third Ward that uplifts our people towards self sufficiency and pride. Today’s event is about reclaiming and revitalizing outdoor space by making The Columbia Tap Trail at Truxillo into a recreational space for people of all ages and abilities. And it is also about reclaiming our dignity as a community. Reactivating this 4-mile hike and bike trail reconnects us to our past. Over a hundred years ago this was the Columbia railroad route. What was once a route of hardship for our ancestors will now be a path to building a stronger community for generations to come. Today we celebrate and honor them with this initiative.”