Recent improvements to Emancipation Park will be open and on display this weekend during the park’s Juneteenth celebrations, one of the most prominent in Houston. The park will be host to free family activities and programming including a freedom walk/fun run, music festival and other park events.
The fun run begins at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Gates open at 2 p.m. for the annual music festival, with concerts beginning at 3 p.m. The lineup features gospel artist V Michael McKay and Zydeco sensation Step Rideau, followed by R&B legends Lakeside and The SOS Band.
For everyone’s safety, organizers prefer no coolers, alcohol, firearms or large umbrellas. Concert goers can explore a variety of offerings from food and drink trucks and street vendors.
The Old Spanish Trail/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #7 has continued its support of this important community park with a $1.6 million upgrade to the park’s landscaping, playgrounds and splash pads just in time for this year’s Juneteenth celebrations.
Emancipation Park is the oldest park in Houston, a treasure of national significance dating back to 1872 when it was purchased by four formerly enslaved people to commemorate emancipation. A major $33.6 million renovation unveiled in May 2017 has been an instant success in meeting the current recreational needs of the community, notably allowing large community gatherings such as festivals and holiday celebrations. The latest updates further improve the form and function of some of the park’s most popular features for families and children, including playgrounds and water features.
“M2L Associates has been involved in the redevelopment of Emancipation Park dating back to 2009 and continues to support the efforts of TIRZ #7 to make the park the best it can be,” said M2L Principal Michael Mauer. “It’s our honor to play a role in capturing the important history of this valuable Third Ward neighborhood and Emancipation Park, telling the community’s unique story, and connecting the park to its rich culture and heritage for generations to come.”
Juneteenth marks the date slavery officially ended in Texas and in the United States — June 19, 1865 — the day Union Troops arrived in Galveston to emancipate African Americans, two full years after the Emancipation Proclamation was ratified. Long celebrated in Texas and the South, Juneteenth gained wider appeal in recent years and became a federal holiday in June 2021.
More information about Emancipation Park Juneteenth celebrations