So far, roughly 12 million has been spent on Evelyn’s park, plus the ongoing maintenance that the City of Bellaire is responsible for paying.  I was there opening day and it was packed, people everywhere with lots of action and energy.  Today, the place is deserted with rarely anyone there.  I walk past the park everyday and the most I have ever seen was a family at one of the picnic tables and a few scattered people walking around.  Usually there is a few cars in the parking lot leaving lots of available parking, with those cars being the employees of Ivy and James.

I have a problem when people or in this case Evelyn’s Park Conservancy had years to plan and the actual construction period, roughly 2 years total, drops the ball and acts like an underfunded organization that does not have highly skilled individuals guiding every step of the way.  There was huge hoopla about dogs in the park and people quickly pointed out that there was NO signs up stating you can not have dogs in the park.  The excuse given at a city council meeting was basically we did not have time to get these made and they are taking longer then expected.  There is this expensive place called Fast Signs that would have made the sign that day, so I do not buy it.  In my opinion, just incompetence.

After a few weeks and lots of complaining about the dogs and parking on Camillia Ln, these signs popped up.  I took these on Sunday afternoon 8-20-17 and amazed that after months there are not more professional signs up that equal the quality of the park.

These look just like my campaign signs that cost me 2.00 each.

I have been seeking out anyone’s opinion of the Ivy and James.  I have yet to hear anything positive, hard to believe, but TRUE!  Who really wants to pay 16.00 for a hamburger? Even my friends who drink were floored that the lowest priced house wine was 9.00 a glass.

I mention all of this because a few weeks ago I went to Levy Park in Houston and all I can say is WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW.  For the first ten minutes I was there I was in awe and council not believe this was actually in Houston.  When Bellaire is all about parks and how much they do for the parks and how there is even a group, Patrons For Bellaire Parks, that raise money for Bellaire parks, why in the world do we not have this in Bellaire??  If you have not been, you must go.  There was someone walking around actually cleaning the park, there was an attendant that would loan out ping pong paddles or art and crafts activities.  There is a water park for the kids and overall the whole place has SHADE.

OK, there is phase 2 for Evelyn’s Park.  More money spent and if you go ask yourself what in the world cost so much money when there is nothing here but high grass and trails that go in circles.  I pulled up the Master Plan and looking for the word “Future” you can see what will be added, a lake, a river, food truck area, and a shade pavilion. Is this enough?  I do not think so. The Conservancy needs to make changes on their own before the City of Bellaire starts to pressure them to do something.  I will be the first to admit when I am wrong and it seems wanting a cross walk to protect people walking to the park really was not needed.  After new visitors come once, they will not come back as there  is nothing to do there except work on your tan.  It was amazing to me that the cones are still out.

#bellairetexas #localpolitics, #evelynspark, #election2017 #wasteofmoney