Emancipation Park in the Third Ward is getting a large stage for Juneteenth and other events, along with major upgrades to its cultural center.
HOUSTON — The Emancipation Park Conservancy has broken ground on a major expansion project that is expected to enhance the park’s role as a cultural and community anchor in Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood.
The $18.5 million project will add a permanent outdoor performance stage of more than 5,000 square feet, along with the renovation of an 11,000-square-foot cultural center.
The renovation of the cultural center will also add digital storytelling capabilities, gift shop space and audio-visual capabilities for rentals. The project also includes improved
“Emancipation Park is a valuable treasure for our community, and its history is an integral part of Houston’s history,” Mayor John Whitmire said.
The land for the 10-acre park was purchased by four former slaves in 1872 and has served as the epicenter of the city’s original Juneteenth celebrations. Until the 1950s, it served as the only public park and swimming pool in Houston open to African Americans.
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