Construction to start soon at Levy Park Upper Kirby District plans overhaul, multiple additions to Eastside Street facility

Upper Kirby District Deputy Director Travis Younkin indicates where a pavilion is planned as part of renovations at Levy Park. Other spaces can be used for a farmers market and craft fairs. Upper Kirby District Deputy Director Travis Younkin indicates where a pavilion is planned as part of renovations at Levy Park. Other spaces can be used for a farmers market and craft fairs. Photo: R. Clayton McKee, Freelance Photo: R. Clayton McKee, Freelance Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Construction to start soon at Levy Park 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Little-known and little-used Levy Park in Upper Kirby is about to get on the map.

The Upper Kirby District is preparing to transform the park, which covers about six acres on Eastside Street between Texas 59 and Richmond Avenue, through a $10 million project, with construction set to begin in the fall and finish in about a year's time, said Travis Younkin, the district's deputy director.

Plans include addition of a farmer's market, children's play area, rain garden, event pavilion and lawn with seating for up to 1,900, said Younkin, whose group is an umbrella organization for the Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority, the Upper Kirby Management District and the nonprofit Upper Kirby District Foundation.

The plan also calls for restroom facilities, a café and interactive water features.

"The idea is that if you come here for one thing you'll discover five other things that you want to do," said Younkin, adding that the goal is to draw residents not only from surrounding neighborhoods but from throughout the city.

Acquisition of a small adjacent parcel will allow addition of land to improve street access and visibility.

Previously, a community garden and a fenced area provided for dogs were added to the park, which was established in 1952. Also, a rundown pool was removed.

The redevelopment authority is taking on $6.5 million of the cost, while the Upper Kirby District Foundation is working to raise private funds to cover the difference.

"Levy Park is a hidden gem," Younkin said. "It's a public park that nobody knows about, and it's the only public green space that we've got that's readily accessible, and we want to make sure it's well-used.

"There are massive oak trees in the park that we'll be incorporating into the children's area," he said, adding the water features will be "completely unique from a splash pad."

The Upper Kirby District hopes the park will attract residents and office workers expected to move in the area as part of commercial and residential real estate under construction nearby. Houston-based developer Midway, which developed CityCentre and downtown's GreenStreet, is constructing Kirby Grove, which will boast residential, office and dining options.

"On the Richmond side (of the park) there will be a residential component with 270 loft-style apartments that are under construction right now on the south side," Younkin said. "On the north side they're doing an office building with a restaurant component."