Woodland Park of long ago

In 1903, Highland Park (what is now known as Woodland Park) on Houston Avenue was a destination hot spot. Houston Electric Company funded the creation of the park on 30 acres near Beauchamp Springs and Little White Oak Bayou's intersection.   Houstonians flocked to the park due to the easy access via street car to picnic, dine in the restaurant, dance on the pavilion or listen to bands.  A dam on Little White Oak Bayou created an artificial lake where visitors could paddle around on small boats or take a refreshing dip.  A small zoo eventually was created with funds collected by the local schoolchildren.

Today, Friends of Woodland Park are working to revitalize the park and have embarked on an ambitious beautification plan which includes a large, electrified sculpture of fireflies to create an inviting entrance to attract neighbors and other visitors.