Art lovers, we've got the perfect event for you. Starting Friday, October 11th, the Bayou City Art Festival takes over Memorial Park with works from hundreds of artists specializing in 19 mediums. On Houston Life, we introduced you to this year's featured artist, Ash Beheshti, and showed you why his mixed media pieces are turning heads.

Detectives released a sketch photo in hopes someone will recognize the man who attacked a woman at Houston’s Memorial Park in August.

Heat index continues to climb into the low 100s with hot, high pressure in control

After a woman was attacked while jogging at Memorial Park, Houston's Runner’s High Club shares safety tips. #RunningSafety #Houston #MemorialPark

According to the Houston Police Department, the incident happened around 5 a.m. Saturday in the 6500 block of Memorial Drive.

A 21-year-old man, Michael Saulsberry, was arrested early Sunday for impersonating a public servant after being caught using red and blue lights to stop vehicles on I-10 westbound in Harris County.

Memorial Park suffered significant hurricane damage, including tree loss, structural damage, and power outages, but restoration efforts have allowed wildlife and visitors to return and enjoy the park's serene environment.

Heat is nothing new to Houston, but it can always be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. This week feels like temperatures soared near 110 degrees!

Summer in Houston can be challenging due to high temperatures and humidity, but several strategies can help residents stay cool.

Authorities are working to determine what killed hundreds of fish in a popular Pasadena park.

Houston police are looking into what led to a man's death while he was walking his dog outside his apartment complex.

Some of the top golfers in the world will compete at Memorial Park golf course this weekend, and we're getting a first look from the fairway.

At a recent city council meeting, Mayor John Whitmire decried ever-expanding fees and costs to the public to go to public parks, and called out Memorial Park by name.

The Texas Department of Public Safety shows between 2021 and 2022, Houston police numbers show murders down from 464 in 2021 to 429 the next year. Rape is at 1,105 down from 1,171.

The neighborhood social media site “Nextdoor” recently featured a fairly spirited post about motor vehicle burglaries (car break-ins) at Houston’s Memorial Park, but the Houston Police Department, the agency that patrols the park, said Tuesday they have not noticed an uptick in incidents.

A body was found on Tuesday near Memorial Park in west Houston.

A human skull and other bones were found at Memorial Park in Houston on Saturday.

It’s time for the Bayou City Art Festival and the KPRC 2 Insider team will be there Friday to hand out prizes and snap pictures!

Why isn’t it easier to bike to Memorial Park?

The Southwest Trailriders Association is headed to Memorial Park Friday morning as rodeo festivities begin in Houston.

An investigation is underway after a man’s body was found in a wooded area of Memorial Park Friday morning, police said.

A city project years in the making has been unveiled.

Memorial Park Conservancy, along with partners the City of Houston, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Kinder Foundation, and Uptown Houston, are celebrating the grand opening of Memorial Park’s transformational land bridge and prairie project.

With the 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo approaching, here’s what you need to know about the trail rides set to begin on Sunday, Feb. 19, by the important numbers.

Residents in a popular Houston community are on alert after several coyote sightings this week.

The Memorial Park Conservancy has delayed its opening weekend due to the weather, according to a statement released Tuesday.

IN THIS EPISODE:

An investigation is underway after a 17-year-old girl was fatally struck by a train near Memorial Park Tuesday, authorities said.

The search for a missing child last seen in Pasadena two weeks ago has expanded to Alvin.

It’s “713 Day,” y’all. If you’re in Houston, that means it’s your day.

Jorge Bartio said he’s been going to the Memorial Park pool every summer for the last 50 years.

What officials say was supposed to be a peaceful trip to Memorial Park turned violent and dangerous Wednesday night around 9:30 when burglars targeted a car in a parking lot near East Memorial Loop and Arnot.

Memorial Park Conservancy, along with project partners the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Kinder Foundation, and Uptown Houston commemorated the opening of the eastbound Land Bridge tunnels with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.

The Bayou City Art Festival, now in its 50th year, will return to Memorial Park this weekend.

The Houston Rodeo Trail Riders will make their way to Memorial Park on Friday for their historic route to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. After a two-year hiatus, more than 1,500 riders are expected to converge at the park on Friday.

Trail Riders can tell you with certainty: the trail riding weather is always uncertain! I admire all those thousands of men, women and children honoring the days past making their way to Memorial Park this Friday to celebrate rodeo! Many of them use their hard-earned vacation just to be a part of the ride and they never complain about the weather. No matter what, they make the journey!

The Memorial Park Land Bridge and Prairie project is a $200,000,000 infrastructure that will reunite the north and south sides of the park by creating a land bridge over Memorial Drive. It will create a place for Houstonians to explore and enjoy.

Question: When are they going to finish that work on the Memorial Land Bridge Tunnel?

Whether you are hosting a pre-holiday party or just an evening with friends and family this season, this holiday bruschetta is the perfect appetizer to brighten the night.

Firefighters with Houston Fire Department responded to a house fire near the Memorial Park area.

A man who allegedly kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted a jogger in Memorial Park in late September is expected to appear in court Monday.

A judge denied bond for 30-year-old Terrian Leescott Brewer who appeared in front of a judge Saturday morning.

A man who allegedly kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted a jogger in Memorial Park in late September was arrested Friday.

Houston police need the public’s assistance getting a brutal rapist off the streets. The cold-blooded criminal allegedly kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted a jogger in Memorial Park while she was training for a marathon. Terrian Leescott Brewer, 30, is wanted for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery.

The Memorial Park Conservancy received a $10 million pledge from the Cyvia and Melvin Wolff Family Foundation to reintroduce native Gulf Coast prairies to Houston’s largest park.

Memorial Park land bridge project set to move traffic through tunnels this fall.

Sugar Land Memorial Park encompasses 150 acres along the Brazos River and 2.5 miles walking and biking trails, including the South Meadow Loop and the Justin P. Brindley Trail, for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Police are still searching for two men they say were involved in a robbery and a chase near Memorial Park.

If you wish to honor the military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s a local event happening this Memorial Day weekend that makes it easy for everyone to participate.

A man has been arrested and charged with an attempt to commit aggravated kidnapping in connection with the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl at Memorial Park on Feb. 24, 2021. He appeared in court Monday.

So far this year, we’ve only topped out at 86 degrees (March 26th). While we average 78 degrees for highs this time of year, a furnace blast to the state looks to arrive at the end of the week.

A new road and trail development will create a path between Sugar Land’s Memorial Park and Brazos River Park. According to Community Impact, a milelong road and trail that will connect the park are expected to be finished in early spring. Current routes from Memorial Park to Brazos River Park require visitors to take a 7-mile commute from University Blvd. According to Sugar Land Communications Director Doug Adolph, the completion of the road and trail will provide accessibility to the entire 420-acre park site. AdAccording to Community Impact, the project is estimated to have cost $2.2 million.

HOUSTON – Police are asking for help identifying a man who is accused of attempting to kidnap a child last month. The incident happened around 3 p.m. Feb. 24 near the 400 block of Crestwood Drive, near Memorial Park. According to police, the child was walking near a pond in the area when the man grabbed the child from behind. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477 or submit a tip online at Crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers app. AdOnly tips and calls directly to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

HOUSTON – Tree pollen is about to cause some trouble in Houston, and this year it may also cause confusion as people wonder if their symptoms are just seasonal allergies or COVID-19 related. “We are on the brink of our spring allergy season,” said Dr. Michael Kaplan, an ENT with Houston Sinus Center. But if you have a history of allergies and you can correlate it with the time and the exposure, it’s probably just allergies,” said Kaplan. “The tree pollen is going to start to accumulate in the next few weeks. Then you’re looking at grass pollen, but the tree pollen is the big culprit here,” said Kaplan.

HOUSTON – After several COVID-related delays, Memorial’s newest hot spot to grab a socially-distanced drink is now open to the public. The Memorial Trail Ice House, located at Memorial Park’s historic Juergen building on Washington Avenue, opened its doors Dec. 12. According to Memorial Trail’s website, it is described as “the ultimate escape” and “the perfect spot to enjoy conversations and craft beer.”The new spot brings a half-acre of outdoor seating, which gives plenty of space for people to distance. The bar menu includes 18 beers on tap and specially-crafted cocktails curated by the Ladies of Libation. Memorial Trail Ice House is located on 6202 Washington in Houston.

HOUSTON – The Houston Open returned to Memorial Park for the first time since 1963. They’ve done a good job they spent a lot of money,” Mata said. We love big events like the Super Bowl and others that we have but those are sort of once every 10 years. Heckman believes the new Houston location will attract the world’s best players, visitors from all parts and millions of dollars for restaurants, hotels and local businesses. The Houston Open is only allowing 2,500 fans because of the coronavirus.

HOUSTON, – The PGA Tour scheduling shuffle, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, benefitted the Houston Open, which is now gaining a title sponsor and its old spot the week before the Masters. Here’s a look at some of the players to watch at the Houston Open:DUSTIN JOHNSONThe World No. Johnson’s game fits Memorial Park, as he can bomb it far and is typically a good putter on Bermuda. Davis is a good pick for the Houston Open for two reasons - driving and putting. He’s played relatively well as of late, making 3 of 4 cuts and finishing top 35 in all three of those events including a top 10.

HOUSTON – Superstar golfers Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth are the latest big names to commit to playing at Memorial Park Golf Course for the Vivint Houston Open Nov. 2-8. Mickelson has been straddling PGA Tour events and PGA Champions Tour events at the age of 50 but has dominated the senior tour winning both events he’s entered. Mickelson has played in 11 Houston Open events, winning in 2011 at the Golf Club of Houston before the course change. He has two Top 5 finishes in six appearances at the Houston Open. Mickelson and Spieth join stars like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson, Tony Finau, and more in what is a stacked field at Memorial Park.

HOUSTON – A green and lush transformation over Memorial Drive is underway. It’s called the Memorial Landbridge and Prairie and will be a big green space over tunnel lanes of traffic on Memorial Drive near Picnic Lane. This project is part of a multi-million dollar master plan to upgrade Memorial Park. Creates a new iconic destination for visitors: Together, the Land Bridge and Prairie will distinguish Memorial Park and Houston, serving as an icon for a greener and more resilient future. Memorial Drive will remain open throughout the duration of the project.

HOUSTON – Some of the biggest names in golf will make their way to Memorial Park for the Houston Open. The list is exciting for Giles Kibbe, President of the Astros Golf Foundation. The Astros Golf foundation has worked tirelessly to make this event special, and the impact long-lasting. There’s going to be a lot of people out telling the fans to put their masks on, to separate a little bit. “I’m so happy that we’re going to get 2,500 fans a day to see some great players on this great course.”

HOUSTON – Golf will be making a return to Memorial Park as the Vivint Houston Open is scheduled to take place Nov. 5-8. This is the first time since 1963 that the Houston Open will take place at the Memorial Park Golf Course. According to a news release, this comes after the Astros Golf Foundation completed a $34 million renovation to Memorial Park Golf Course over a two-year period. Giles Kibbe, president of Astros Golf Foundation said in a statement he is excited to see golf return to Memorial Park. All four rounds of the Vivint Houston Open will be televised on The Golf Channel, according to the news release.

(AP) – The Houston Open will allow limited spectators next month at Memorial Park, the first domestic PGA Tour event to have fans since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down golf for three months on March 13. The tour said 2,000 tickets will go on sale Wednesday through the tournament's website. The Houston Open is Nov. 5-8, one week before the Masters. All spectators must have masks on at all times except when eating or drinking. The Bermuda Championship, a week before the Houston, also has been approved for limited spectators.

HOUSTON – Watch your step the next time you’re at Memorial Park. Visitor Christian Seehausen is giving Houstonians the heads up about a rare venomous snake spotted near the trails. Seehausen shared a picture in a Reddit post, writing “this was just a foot or two off the trail, right next to a bench on the Inner Loop trail near the Nature Center.”Coral snake spotted at Memorial Park. “But still, be careful out there.”[RELATED: Venomous snakes in Texas you need to know about]According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, coral snakes are one of four kinds of venomous species in Texas and are shy and rarely seen. The snake can be identified by its small mouth and red, yellow, and black ordered stripesAccording to Texas Parks and Wildlife, coral snakes are usually not aggressive and though its bites are dangerous, they are rare.

HOUSTON – Dustin Johnson, the world’s top golfer, has committed to playing at this year’s Houston Open. The 36-year-old golfer is no stranger to the Houston Open. Last year’s Houston Open winner, Lanto Griffin, has also committed to playing. The Houston Open is scheduled for Nov. 2-8 at Memorial Park Golf Course. This will be the first time since 1963 that Memorial Park has hosted the open.

In the past year, Memorial Park has gotten a $34 million face-lift to host the Houston Open. Its a big golf course, so its great for a PGA tour event, explained Giles Kibbe, president of the Astros Golf Foundation. The kids will have access to that for STEM programming and First Tee programming throughout the year, said Kibbe. Ten days out of the year it turns into a player clubhouse, so its a phenomenal facility.Some of the best golfers are expected to play in the Houston Open, especially with it falling right before the Masters. No announcement has been made on whether or not fans will be allowed at the Houston Open.

HOUSTON Memorial Park Conservancy and project partners at Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Kinder Foundation and the Uptown Development Authority are unveiling the new Clay Family Eastern Glades at Memorial Park, and there are 100 acres of open space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. We got a special tour, and its gorgeous! Located just north of memorial drive, between Memorial Park Golf Course and Crestwood drive, the Eastern Glades offer more trails and boardwalks to enjoy, more restrooms, more parking, and honors the parks military history. Shellye Arnold, President and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy joined Lauren Kelly to chat about the projects key features and amenities, and heres what visitors can expect:-100 acres of open space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation-5 -acre Hines Lake and wetlands with beautiful sunset views-3 pavilions and 4 picnic areas-2 miles of new trails explore, including boardwalks along the lake and wetlands-5 -acre central lawn for passive recreation such as strolling, picnicking, and relaxing-Live oak court for concessions and events-Over 50 unique quotes from Houstonians about how memorial park inspires them, selected by Madison Petaway, the 2020 Houston Youth Poet Laureate-Additional parking, dark sky lighting, water fountains for people and pups, benches, and bike racks-Over 150 native species add biodiversity and wildlife habitat to the park-Nearly 40 acres of restored habitat-An additional 550 new native trees-Rain gardens and bioswales receive runoff from roofs and parking lots, slowing and purifying stormwater-The edge of Hines Lake supports 1 acres of emergent wetlands-The wetlands plants provide healthy habitat and also clean the stormwater that flows through Hines Lake on its way to Memorial Parks largest tributary leading into Buffalo BayouFor more information in the new Clay Family Eastern Glades at Memorial Park, check out their website.

HOUSTON Next week, Memorial Park Conservancy is expected to open up the new Clay Family Eastern Glades, 100 acres of predominately inaccessible parkland transformed into a dramatic woodland and passive recreation area at Memorial Park. The Clay Family Eastern Glades is the first major project to be completed as part of Memorial Parks 10-Year Master Plan. The Memorial Park Conservancy partnered with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Kinder Foundation and the Uptown Development Authority among other partners to make the vision a reality. Wetlands and plants all around Here and here, said Shellye Arnold, Memorial Park Conservancy president and CEO. Weather-permitting, they hope to open the Clay Family Eastern Glades to the public at the end of the month.

HOUSTON – A Houston nurse struck and killed Friday by a vehicle near Hermann Park is being remembered for his infectious personality. Houston Police said the Lapid was struck around 6:15 a.m. by a Cadillac Sedan in the 5900 block of Fannin Street. His older sister, Dianne, said Lapid left his job as a nurse in Dallas to be closer to family. He had only been working in the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital for about two months before tragedy struck. “He was a phenomenal nurse, a wonderful person and everyone that knew him would see that.”Diskin trained Lapid when he started at Houston Methodist.

HOUSTON Memorial Park is getting a makeover. KPRC 2 got an inside look at the parks newly transformed Eastern Glades on Friday morning. Mayor Sylvester Turner also toured the new renovations. The 100-acre piece of land features a massive lane with wetland, a mile and a half of new boardwalks and walking trails. The Eastern Glades is expected to open for the public at the end of July.

The Trail Riders are about to head to Houston! Here is the official map, the routes and their break locations (where you might just be able to say hello to the riders)! If you want to find them, here’s the plan:Find the official map HEREOn the map, look for the Trail Riders in your part of town. On the left of the map, click on the name of the Trail Riders near you. If you want a quick look at the routes, below are the routes of all the Trail Riders!

And now the city is channeling its self-improvement impulse to Memorial Park, a 1,500-acre green space near the center of town. The nonprofit Memorial Park Conservancy—in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Uptown Development Authority, and Kinder Foundationis—is in the midst of a $200 million Memorial Park Master Park with capital improvement projects slated through 2028. The city established Memorial Park in 1924 with bridle paths, a golf course, and hiking trails. Over the years, the park gained a golf course, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, and a nearly 3-mile running loop. Today, Memorial Park ranks among the largest within a U.S. urban center (nearly twice as large as New York’s Central Park) and draws about 4 million visitors a year.

HOUSTON – Police want walkers at Memorial Park to be on the lookout after a mother and her daughter were followed Wednesday morning by a man who tried to kidnap the childThe woman, who did not want to be identified, said the two were walking in the park when a man came up to them and said the girl was his daughter and that he wanted her. The woman took her daughter back to their car and they drove to the nearest police station downtown as the man continued to follow them. He finally drove off after the woman was able to flag down an officer. The woman said the man was driving a big red truck and was wearing a gray hoodie and a black hat.

HOUSTON – More than 3,000 trail riders saddled up and rode into Memorial Park on Friday. The Southwestern Trail Riders left Angleton Sunday. They are the only group with a female trail boss and female assistant trail boss. The first Rodeo Houston trail ride was in January 1952 with just four men. Trail riders will be arriving at Memorial Park until 5 p.m. Friday.