Harris County, TX (May 30, 2023)—Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, in partnership with Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston District J Council Member Edward Pollard, the Gulfton Management District, the Houston Dynamo FC, the Houston Dash, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, opened two new soccer pitches at Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton.
The soccer pitch installation marks the first of multiple investments into Burnett Bayland Park. Precinct 4 will soon launch a master plan for the Park, which will reinvigorate the space for the Gulfton community.
Precinct 4 committed $150,000 for the pitches and plans to spend over $1 million in renovations. This funding supplements the combined $100,000 pledged by Council Member Pollard and the Gulfton Management District.
“For years, our Gulfton residents have advocated for safe, vibrant public spaces. Thanks to the collective effort of our partners, these premium soccer pitches will help build community and will promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being through recreation,” said Commissioner Briones. “Community engagement is central to our work. As we move forward with our master plan, we will continue seeking ideas from residents to ensure Burnett Bayland Park is truly of, by, and for Gulfton.”
The hard-surface mini-pitches include lighting, ADA-compliant access, and lockable storage. With their modular design, a three-person crew can assemble or disassemble all soccer pitch amenities in approximately 16 hours to customize the space. As Houston gears up for the 2026 World Cup, soccer lovers of all ages and abilities can play and develop their skills.
“From the inception, our office has been committed to this project, and we’re happy to see it come to a completion,” said Council Member Pollard. The soccer pitches will be one more component in District J that enhances the quality of the life for residents and visitors to this area. This project is a perfect example of community partners and local government coming together for the betterment of the community.”
“Our families deserve safe fields to enjoy watching or playing the game of soccer. The new soccer pitches are an investment in Burnett Bayland Park that will benefit the community far into the future. Plus, Houston will be a host city to some of the World Cup games in 2026, and this is another great step toward growing the fan base and boosting the level of excitement,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
“The Gulfton Area Management District is extremely grateful to have so many generous and caring partners on this project as we work together to make this neighborhood even more of a dynamo for community activity, culture, recreation and improved public safety,” said Tammy Rodriguez, chairwoman of the Gulfton Management District.
To celebrate the ribbon cutting, the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash hosted a Soccer Night Out with appearances from Dynamo and Dash players, Dynamo Mascot Diesel, and various activities for children.
“The Dynamo and Dash are proud to partner with these community leaders to grow the game and foster community development through soccer. Access to the sport is vital, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project and bring these mini pitches to Burnett Bayland Park for all to enjoy,” said Valerie Holland, vice president of community engagement for the Houston Dynamo Football Club.