Houston’s City Council has approved Walkable Places and Special Parking Area designations for Park Eight Place. With safer streetscapes and reduced parking requirements, Park Eight Place aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub.

A second man has come forward with shocking allegations against a Houston Urban Park Ranger.

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 State Parks system is one of four organizations listed as finalists for the 2023 National Gold Metal Award. The program honors communities throughout the United States for their dedication and excellence in parks and recreation management.

You’ve probably seen them at parks across Texas and the United States, and probably the world: rock cairns.

THIS IS TRADITIONAL COACHSPEAK, BUT KLEIN COLLINS QB TUCKER PARKS’ BEST FOOTBALL IS IN FRONT OF HIM.

Welcome to our new feature - the Klein ISD Athletes of the Month - highlighting some of the best student-athletes in one of the most proud districts in the state of Texas. One girl and one boy will be selected each month representing the independent school district.

Elected leaders in Kansas convened community groups and held town hall conversations after demonstrators protested George Floyd’s death statewide.

Soulful British singer-songwriter Arlo Parks has won the prestigious Mercury Prize for her debut album “Collapsed in Sunbeams.”.

Texas Parks and Wildlife announced Wednesday that parks across the state are beginning to return to normal capacity. “We’re excited to welcome more visitors to our parks,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. Prior to the pandemic, many of the state’s most heavily-trafficked parks enacted capacity limits to ensure they weren’t overrun. “Getting outdoors is essential for people’s physical and mental health, and Texas State Parks play a critical role in meeting this need.”AdDay passes are available for purchase up to one month in advance. Travelers can reserve campsites or buy passes by visiting the State Parks Reservations page or calling 512-389-8900.

HOUSTON – The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) announced Monday the scheduled reopening of certain facilities, fields, and leagues over the next few weeks. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Recreation and Park Association guidelines will be observed at all Parks Department facilities, which includes wearing masks at some league gatherings and other social-distancing and hygienic precautions. “We are extremely happy to reopen some of our parks facilities and amenities following the long shutdown related to COVID-19,” said HPARD interim director, Kenneth Allen. “We urge everyone to observe CDC safety guidelines when visiting these amenities. “This pandemic has disrupted almost every segment of our society these past several months, including the Parks Department,” said Allen.

This image released by Smithsonian Channel shows, from left, Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, Leyla McCalla and Amythyst Kiah, of Our Native Daughters, near Parks, La., on Jan. 29, 2018. The group will appear in the documentary "Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters" premiering Monday on Smithsonian Channel. (Terri Fensel/Smithsonian Channel via AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Playing a banjo as a Black female artist is a form of activism for the four members of Our Native Daughters. Why does someone assume if you’re Black, you must be doing urban music, whatever that means?” said Russell. “Songs of Our Native Daughters” which came out on the Smithsonian Folkways record label in 2019, focused on the stories of women during the transatlantic slave trade, but also the triumphs of Black women.

“I did ask the urgent care doctor what I should be doing, and she said well, ‘Rest and ride it out,’” Parks said. So Parks decided to try self-care at home after doing science-backed research and seeking advice from friends with a medical background. She said while she believes boosting her immune system at home helped in her recovery it doesn’t replace health care. Dr. Joseph Varon, chief medical officer with United Memorial Medical Center, said taking vitamins D and C are great to take daily to help boost immunity. Varon said the best way to avoid COVID-19 is to follow the advice medical professionals have been preaching for months.

HOUSTON – If you’re an avid cyclist, be on the lookout for speed limit signs on some popular bike trails in Houston. Radack says his office has received around 20 complaints about cyclists going too fast around people. Cutrufo says cyclists usually don’t keep speedometers on their bikes and it’s hard to know how fast you’re going. Cutrufo adds he’s willing to work with Commissioner Radack or any official to find a better solution for cyclists and pedestrians. Commissioner Radack says he’s willing to adjust the speed limit once people comply with the rules.

Denver Broncos cornerback A.J. “Yeah, I was disappointed for him,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said about an hour after the league suspended Bouye. Missing the final four games of 2020 will cost Bouye $2.34 million. The suspension would hang over Bouye into 2021 when he’d have to sit out the first two regular-season games. Given the injuries and suspension at cornerback, Parks said he was getting a crash course in the Broncos’ 2020 playbook.

Wildlife vets take samples from dead elephants found in Hwange National park, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. (AP Photo)HARARE – Parks authorities in Zimbabwe said Monday that the recent deaths of elephants have been caused by a bacterial disease that has previously affected elephants in Asia and other animals in southern Africa, although more tests will still be carried out. In recent years poachers in Zimbabwe have poisoned dozens of elephants with cyanide and then have taken their ivory tusks to sell them to illegal traders. Not enough information is known about the disease’s effect on local elephants to predict a long-term outcome, he said. “Yes they die, but honestly this is just nothing, a drop in the ocean because we have over 84,000 elephants in Zimbabwe, which is overpopulation already,” he said.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Will public parks and trails be open during Labor Day weekend? Answer: Yes, public parks and trails in Houston will be open during Labor Day weekend. He said when an individual is in public with others, they should wear a mask and practice social distancing. Bear in mind that the principles of the virus have not changed, Turner said during a press conference Friday.

Rayshard Brooks was laid to rest on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, and Phaedra Parks is reflecting on what it meant to her to help direct the funeral service. A number of Brooks' family and friends were in attendance, including his wife, Tomika Miller, and a few notable celebrities, T.I. According to Parks, after the funeral, she accompanied his widow to the location where he was killed, and they spoke about his legacy. "As a little girl I really didnt know if I thought racism really existed, until I was hired to do some tutoring for a white family," Parks recalled. RELATED CONTENT:Rayshard Brooks Remembered as a Caring Father During Atlanta FuneralFired Atlanta Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With MurderMeghan McCain Calls for Police Reform Following Rayshard Brooks' DeathBillie Eilish Demands Justice for Rayshard Brooks After His Death

SUGAR LAND, Texas – As the weather continues to heat up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just need to clear your mind, Sugar Land has plenty of activities to do around the city. Here are six outdoor activities you can do right in Sugar Land. bit.ly/2LCgXNU Posted by Sugar Land Parks and Recreation on Friday, June 15, 2018Mayfield Park is a 4.3-acre neighborhood park located in one of Sugar Land’s oldest neighborhoods, near the historic Imperial Sugar Factory and the Sugar Land Heritage Museum & Visitor Center. Sugar Land, TX 77479For a map and guidelines: SugarLandTX.govBurn some calories on a walking trailSugar Land Memorial ParkSugar Land Memorial Park encompasses 150 acres along the Brazos River and 2.5 miles walking and biking trails.

Here are five walking trails you can visit to help ease your mind and body. As always, remember to practice social distancing and wash your hands after your park visit. Katy City Park“Beautiful scenery, beautiful environment, suitable for walking, running and barbecue in the wild.” -JonathanAddress: 5720 Franz Road, Katy TX 77493Mary Jo Peckham Park“Beautiful park for walking, jogging and bringing the kids to play. Great place for a picnic.” -MichelleAddress: Rice Park Trail, Katy, TX 77450Mason Creek South Hike & Bike Trail“Great place to take a long walk. There is a trail between this park and Katy Park that really adds to the value of this park as a destination.

HOUSTON – Families won’t be spending this weekend in Houston and Harris County parks. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order Wednesday to close all county parks from Thursday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 8 a.m. to promote social distancing. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner followed by announcing on Thursday afternoon that all city parks will also be closed through Easter weekend. “We want people to be spiritually together but physically apart,” said Dr. Umair Shah, the executive director of Harris County Public Health during a press conference Wednesday. On Wednesday, Harris County officials reported 135 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths, bringing the total to 961 cases and 19 deaths in Harris County, excluding the cases in the city of Houston.

Whether it’s stress from work, COVID-19 or need to step out of the household for a bit, we compiled a list of six walking trails you can visit in Cypress. It’s by no means as small as it may look, lots of trails and a creek that runs along the side.” -NicoleAddress: Telge Rd & Spring Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429Phone: (281) 353-8100Telge ParkVisitor Review: “Nice little park for a forest walk. Great for kids.” -ArnoAddress: 12400 Pleasant Grove Rd, Cypress, TX 77429Phone: (281) 496-2177Website: pct3.com/ParksMaxwell ParkPet Owner Review: “I love this park. My shihtzu loves this park.” -YolimarAddress: 12622 Maxwell Rd, Cypress, TX 77429Phone: (281) 496-2177Related: 7 hiking trails outdoor enthusiasts in The Woodlands love to exploreKickerillo-Mischer PreserveVisitor Review: “I absolutely love this place!!! The park is well-maintained and clean.” -NuwanAddress: 14234 W Cypress Forest Dr, Houston, TX 77070Phone: (281) 353-8100

A Third Ward developer has loaned a vacant lot at McGowen and Live Oak streets for a community chess park, according to Third Ward Complete Communities. HOUSTON – A Third Ward developer has loaned a vacant lot at McGowen and Live Oak streets in Houston for a community chess park, according to Third Ward Complete Communities. The chess park is at a significant intersection and across the street from Ralston’s Liquor Store in Third Ward. A Third Ward developer has loaned a vacant lot at McGowen and Live Oak streets for a community chess park, according to Third Ward Complete Communities. The Third Ward Chess Club will maintain the chess park with assistance and guidance from Cinque Projects.

Stormwater from the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs continues to flow into Buffalo Bayou, and people in the affected area are hoping the water keeps going down and out of their neighborhoods. On Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Addicks Reservoir through Friday. A truck carried Park’s neighbor’s car safely out of their flooded neighborhood and up to dry ground. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said the Army Corps of Engineers was closely watching the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs release rates that would alleviate flooding. NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTSHarris County law enforcement officials are reporting water in some streets in the Bear Creek Village subdivision adjacent to Addicks Reservoir (near Clay Road).

HOUSTON – Senator Ted Cruz says he feels energized after ending a marathon session of standing and speaking on the floor of the U.S. Senate to draw attention to his fight to de-fund the Affordable Care Act. The Texas Republican began speaking Tuesday afternoon and ended his verbal assault on the health care law nearly 22 hours later. "As a middle-aged cancer survivor I want and need health care," said Parks. "I just admire Ted Cruz. Witt says the new health care law will drive up the cost of coverage for her family of five and they are bracing for the financial hit.