HR768 - Commemorating the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker for Southside Place Park.

      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 133, Nays 7, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House