In an effort to ensure park spaces can be used by all, Pearland and Manvel’s upcoming park projects are striving to prioritize inclusive spaces.

Projects include new all-inclusive parks at Independence Park in Pearland and Heritage Park in Manvel.

The overview: At its Dec. 8 meeting, Pearland City Council unanimously approved pursuing the application process to secure a $1 million Texas Parks and Wildlife grant to fund the playground.

In 2023, Pearland voters approved a roughly $16 million bond proposition that included $700,000 for an inclusive play space at Independence Park.

“Independence Park is our largest space in Pearland,” said Jeff Webb, president of Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland. “It's 70 acres. I call it the crown jewel of the park system in Pearland. If that's going to be our key space, then everyone should be able to enjoy it."

Also of note: Down the road, Manvel City Council unanimously approved $162,000 for equipment for a new playground at Heritage Park on Oct. 20.

Levey’s development, a 661,680-square-foot project in the Lower Kirby District, recently welcomed its first tenants, according to a news release from the Pearland Economic Development Corp.

The overview: The development is now 88% leased, according to the news release.

The details: The current tenants include the following:

• Garvee.com, a third-party logistics provider for e-commerce retailers
• Canopy Solutions, a provider of protective building structures

From DJ sets to jazz performances, the following parties each offer unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Houston. 

Doc’s Houston: The jazz club is kicking off New Year’s Eve with back-to-back performances led by Tianna Hall and The Houston Jazz Band at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy a festive four-course prix fixe menu, beginning with a cozy black-eyed pea soup, followed by a grape-arugula salad with walnuts, ricotta and pomegranate molasses.

• Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
• $75-$125 (per ticket)
• 1201 Westheimer Road, Ste. A, Houston

Moon: Enjoy New Year’s Eve at the newly opened Post Oak cocktail bar. Guests can start the night with regular service before a DJ brings in curated sounds to celebrate the hour. 

• Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
• Prices vary
• 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 6110, Houston

With vendors across Harris County starting consumer fireworks sales Dec. 21 ahead of the holiday and new year, Harris County Fire Marshal officials are reminding residents to follow safety protocols and proper disposal guidelines.

Quote of note: “Fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Harris County, but there are areas that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated Harris County,” HCFMO Public Information Officer Brandi Dumas said. “Our message is always safety first.”

What residents should know: The fire marshal’s office recommended some of the following tips:

• Follow the law and be sure fireworks are legal in your community and with your homeowners association
• Make sure there is a bucket of water or water source nearby for emergencies
• Soak used fireworks prior to disposing of them in the trash