A tiny oasis thrives in the heart of Houston. It’s Butterfly Pocket Park. This once-neglected space has blossomed into a vibrant testament to community spirit. Butterfly Pocket Park’s story begins in 2015. A vision took root to transform a vacant lot, plagued by blight and illegal activities, into something beautiful. Artist Rosalinda Toro and local organizations spearheaded the effort, rallying the Greater Northside Management District and Avenue CDC. Their collective dream started to take shape. Initial designs emerged from collaborations with Open Architecture of Houston and TBG. In 2019, a “Visit My Neighborhood” grant from the Houston Arts Alliance, secured by Avenue CDC, propelled the project forward. This funding enabled Asakura Robinson to finalize the landscaping design. Custom Scapes brought the design to life. The park now boasts an irrigation system and lush landscaping. Mexican sycamore trees, donated by Trees For Houston, provide shade and structure. Smaller trees, shrubs, and plants, carefully selected to attract butterflies, create a vibrant ecosystem. Art plays a crucial role in Butterfly Pocket Park’s identity. A magnificent butterfly sculpture, perched on a mosaic pedestal, greets visitors. A mosaic caterpillar replica and a pedestal depicting the monarch butterfly life cycle offer educational insights. The City of Houston officially recognized the space with a park sign. METRO contributed a bike rack, further integrating the park into the city’s fabric. Butterfly Pocket Park is more than just a green space. It’s a symbol of revitalization, bringing art and nature to the Near Northside along the METRORail Red Line. In 2020, Butterfly Pocket Park received the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Parks and Natural Areas Award for On-the-Ground Projects Under $500K. This recognition cemented its status as a model for urban renewal and community engagement. Butterfly Pocket Park proves that even small spaces can have a big impact.
Greenwood Church
How about a story of faith spanning generations? This is the story of Greenwood Church. Greenwood Church has a rich