The Houston mayor firmly opposes park privatization, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring accessibility to city parks

In the city of Houston, there are over 250 parks, ranging from small plots of land to expansive areas like Memorial Park, which spans more than 1,500 acres.

Mayor John Whitmire expressed concern during a recent council meeting about the increasing unaffordability of parks, stating that Houstonians seem to be losing control over them. He hinted at a proposal to charge fees for taking pictures in Memorial Park, although the specifics of the proposal and its enforcement remain unclear.

The notion of charging for photos at Memorial Park has left many park visitors, such as Sandra Williams, puzzled and questioning the idea of putting a price on enjoying nature.

While the issue of charging for photos arose, the broader topic of park privatization was also discussed during the city council meeting. Mayor Whitmire firmly stated his opposition to privatizing city parks and charging fees to the public. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that parks remain accessible and affordable, especially for those with limited financial resources.

Regarding the potential photo fee at Memorial Park, details have yet to be officially presented. The mayor’s office mentioned that the proposal might include charging fees for various activities, including renting space. Mayor Whitmire is currently evaluating all aspects of park management, including the role of conservancies.