Missouri City officials gathered July 25 to cut the ribbon on Freedom Tree Park, the city’s historic site where slaves in the community were informed after the Civil War in 1865 that they were no longer enslaved.

The details: Located on the former Palmer Plantation, the $3.5 million project developed 5 acres of parkland anchored by the 200-year-old historic Freedom Tree, Parks & Recreation Director Donnie Hayes said.

The park is also home to Missouri City artist Anthony Suber's 30-foot sculpture, "Liberation After," which was designed to symbolize community growth and resilience.

Other park features include:

• A playground
• A plaza
• Gathering spaces
• Educational components
• Parking

Nothing Bundt Cakes is slated to open a Missouri City location in Fort Bend Town Center, franchisee Tuyet Duong confirmed.

On the menu: The bakery specializes in bundt cakes, which are available in various size and flavor options, per its website.

Some flavor choices include classic vanilla, red velvet, confetti, lemon raspberry and carrot.

• 10419 Hwy. 6, Ste. 120, Missouri City

A new laundry pickup and delivery service is now serving customers across the Greater Houston area. LaundryGrab opened in early 2026 and is aimed at helping busy residents who would rather spend time with their families than do laundry.

How it works: The delivery-only service allows customers to place orders online or via the company's app. According to a July 27 emailed statement, workers then collect the laundry from the residents' doorstep, wash and fold or dry clean the items and then deliver them back within a 24- to 48- hour timeframe. Pickup and delivery are free. Services include:

• Washing and folding

• Dry cleaning

• Cleaning household and event linens such as comforters, bedding, sheets, towels and tablecloths

• Same-day service for urgent orders

Starting rates for a wash and fold service are set at approximately $3.95 per pound. Dry cleaning is priced per garment, starting at $2.95 per item.

• Locations vary, delivery only (no storefront)

Walmart on July 23 announced a multiyear workforce development grant in Houston aimed at helping workers in several communities prepare for higher-quality career opportunities over the next five years, according to a news release.

Walmart and Walmart Foundation announced an initial $250,000 grant to the Greater Houston Partnership to expand the workforce priorities of the Houston Economic Mobility Coalition, while United Way of Houston, Houston City College and San Jacinto College will also be partners in the effort, according to the release.

Another detail: The announcement was made at the Walmart location at 3040 College Park Drive, Conroe, which is also the location of the Walmart Academy in the area, officials said. The grant coincides with the 10th anniversary of Walmart Academy, a private training program that has seen over 4 million training completions since 2016, according to the news release.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 27-31.

1. Sugar Land updates green waste collection requirements

2. Katy ISD attendance incentive initiative sees 3 years of growth

3. Houston council member aims to lock down on unenclosed cargo loads while driving on city streets, highways

4. Bellaire begins to prepare for demolition of buildings on Beechnut Street to advance ditch project

5. New mahjong spot opens in Friendswood

6. New private school opens in League City