HOUSTON – From the sky, Eleanor Tinsley Park looks like a postcard — a peaceful green space nestled against Houston’s skyline, where families come to picnic and joggers loop along the trails.
But on the ground, signs of trouble are starting to surface.
KPRC 2 visited the park this week and found broken glass from car windows scattered near the trails, trash overflowing from bins, and reports of trucks setting up shop late into the night. According to park officials, many of those trucks belong to unpermitted scooter vendors operating after hours.
“We’ve had issues with these vendors showing up with big trucks and motorized scooters, ignoring park rules,” said Anne Olson, president of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which oversees the park. “They ride across the grass, go on trails, and attract crowds that sometimes linger well past dark.”
Olson says it’s not just a nuisance — she believes it’s contributing to a shift in safety.
A video posted earlier this week captured gunshots ringing out at the park during a late-night birthday gathering. Since then, parkgoers have told KPRC 2 they’re more cautious.
“I usually come here alone to walk, but hearing gunshots makes me think twice,” one woman said. “I stick to the well-lit areas now.”
What the numbers show
According to Houston Police Department data, there were 509 reported thefts from motor vehicles in ZIP code 77019 between January and May 2025. Vandalism, shoplifting, and car thefts were also common. However, only two of those reports were logged specifically along Allen Parkway, the road that runs through Eleanor Tinsley Park.
That’s why KPRC 2 reached out directly to HPD for clarity.
A spokesperson with HPD’s Central Patrol Division confirmed to KPRC 2 that officers have seen a “rise in calls” near the park in recent weeks. In response, patrols have increased, and the department plans to deploy bike units to maintain a visible presence and deter potential crimes.
Scooters in the spotlight
The role of illegal scooter vendors has become a flashpoint in the conversation. Olson says these vendors often show up without permits and draw large groups late at night.
“It’s not just happening here — Discovery Green is seeing the same problem,” she said. “People come out for art events or concerts and almost get hit by these scooters. It’s a safety risk.”
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is now pushing for the city to include Eleanor Tinsley Park in its proposed ban on scooters in certain parts of Houston. That measure is still under discussion at City Hall.
What HPD recommends
HPD shared the following tips for staying safe at parks like Eleanor Tinsley:
- Avoid visiting after dark or walking alone
- Park in well-lit areas and keep your car in sight
- Report suspicious activity immediately at 713-884-3131
- Avoid street solicitors or groups loitering near entrances
As the city debates next steps for scooter regulation, residents say they just want to feel safe again.
“This park used to feel like a retreat,” one jogger said. “Lately, it’s felt more like a risk.”
Have you had a recent experience at the park? Let us know. Email tips@click2houston.com or drop in the comments
