H.R. No. 768
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of the Houston area are gathering at
Southside Place Park, also known as Fire Truck Park, on April 12,
2025, for the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker
from the Texas Historical Commission; and
WHEREAS, The land that would later become Southside Place
Park was once part of the Harris County Poor Farm, a facility for
the indigent; in 1924, Edward Lillo Crain purchased the southern
tract of the site, as well as frontage along Bellaire Boulevard, for
a new suburban neighborhood named Southside Place; he set aside
eight lots and built out the park first, and early amenities
included a swimming pool, a wading pool, a bathhouse, a tennis
court, and play equipment, all of which distinguished the
development from others in the Houston area; the Southside Place
Park Association operated the space for 80 years, and ownership was
later transferred to the City of Southside Place; and
WHEREAS, An integral part of the history of the park, the
city's first fire truck was retired in 1970 and repurposed into a
play structure, serving as a beloved landmark at the park entrance
for 42 years; in 2011, the Southside Place Park Board and the
Southside Fire Truck Park Fund determined it was time for a complete
remodel of the property, and renovations were unveiled the
following year; the pool was replaced by Water Technology Inc.,
which constructed six lap lanes, a separated diving area with a drop
slide, and a shallow-water teaching area; today, the park offers
many programs as well as rentals of the clubhouse, pavilion, and
pool for local residents; and
WHEREAS, For a century, Southside Place Park has served as a
sanctuary for relaxation and recreation, and the placement of a
marker will allow future visitors to further appreciate the rich
heritage of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an Official Texas
Historical Marker for Southside Place Park and commend all those
involved in securing this designation for their efforts; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the City of Southside Place as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Johnson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 768 was adopted by the House on April
17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 132, Nays 8, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House