Commemorating the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker for Southside Place Park.

89(R) HR 768 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 768

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Residents of the Houston area are gathering at

Southside Place Park, also known as Fire Truck Park, on April 12,

2025, for the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker

from the Texas Historical Commission; and

WHEREAS, The land that would later become Southside Place

Park was once part of the Harris County Poor Farm, a facility for

the indigent; in 1924, Edward Lillo Crain purchased the southern

tract of the site, as well as frontage along Bellaire Boulevard, for

a new suburban neighborhood named Southside Place; he set aside

eight lots and built out the park first, and early amenities

included a swimming pool, a wading pool, a bathhouse, a tennis

court, and play equipment, all of which distinguished the

development from others in the Houston area; the Southside Place

Park Association operated the space for 80 years, and ownership was

later transferred to the City of Southside Place; and

WHEREAS, An integral part of the history of the park, the

city's first fire truck was retired in 1970 and repurposed into a

play structure, serving as a beloved landmark at the park entrance

for 42 years; in 2011, the Southside Place Park Board and the

Southside Fire Truck Park Fund determined it was time for a complete

remodel of the property, and renovations were unveiled the

following year; the pool was replaced by Water Technology Inc.,

which constructed six lap lanes, a separated diving area with a drop

slide, and a shallow-water teaching area; today, the park offers

many programs as well as rentals of the clubhouse, pavilion, and

pool for local residents; and

WHEREAS, For a century, Southside Place Park has served as a

sanctuary for relaxation and recreation, and the placement of a

marker will allow future visitors to further appreciate the rich

heritage of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an Official Texas

Historical Marker for Southside Place Park and commend all those

involved in securing this designation for their efforts; and, be it

further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for the City of Southside Place as an expression of high

regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Johnson

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 768 was adopted by the House on April

17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 132, Nays 8, 2 present, not

voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House