Courtesy: HARRA

From Randy Carlson, HARRA VP of Road Race Management:

I have recently visited with Rick Deweese, Park Administrator for Memorial and Hermann Parks, about the response to the proposed changes to Memorial Park. Rick advised that very few runners/walkers have responded. Most of the responses have come from the biking groups and neighborhood groups. Runners and walkers are the largest user group at Memorial. They also stand to benefit the most, that is if complacency doesn't cost them. Most of us would agree, and this is particularly true in politics, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Right now we are getting out squeaked. I am not suggesting that we will lose anything as a result of our silence, I am simply saying that we need show our support of the proposals that we deem beneficial to our needs as runners and walkers by responding and letting the Houston Parks Board and the Houston Parks Department know exactly what our needs are.

Proposal C is pretty much out of the question. Proposals A and B are considered the most realistic, both geographically and financially, and benefit runners and walkers the most. When you review these proposals also consider other options you would like to be implemented. I received an email from Scott Johnson the other day and he had some ideas to be considered.

1. A sound barrier wall between I-10 and the Park. The nice thing about this proposal is that it would be financed by the Texas Dept. of Transportation, not the Houston Parks budget.

2. Resurfacing of the 400 meter track. This was proposed initially by the HARRA Board to consulting group and did not make the cut. If this is something you would like to see happen, let them know.

3. Importance of safe pedestrian crossings over or under Memorial Drive.

It is very important that we runners and walkers take some role in the future use of this beautiful Park. Now is our chance. Please go to the website, http://www.hpbinc.org/public_meeting_2.htm, and view the proposals. Please let the Parks Dept. know your thoughts. You have until Sept. 30th.