In our Park Spotlight series, we take a closer look at Houston’s vast array of public recreational areas to shine a light on hidden and not so hidden gems. This week we’ll be spotlighting Evelyn’s Park. Join us as we take a trip through Houston, park by park.
Located in the heart of the largely residential Bellaire area near the intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and Newcastle Drive, the 5-acre Evelyn’s Park plays host to playgrounds, art installations, and even a cafe, at this inner-loop green space.
Built on land that lay home to Teas Nursery, the very first business of Bellaire in the early 20th century, the eponymous nursery was the beautifier behind many of Houston’s most historic neighborhoods and businesses, from the lushly-lined esplanade of Bellaire Boulevard to the verdant grounds of Rice University.
Today, the park plays home to amenities such as an event lawn and pavilion, a children’s play area, a grove, multiple trails, various gardens, a cafe, and a food truck plaza, amongst other features.
If that weren’t enough, be sure to check out weekly and monthly events hosted by the park like Pilates in the Park, Food Truck Mondays, Soccer in the Park, and other weekday workouts.
Click here for a full list of upcoming events at the park.
History of Evelyn’s Park
Founded in 1910 by horticulturist Edward Teas, when the landmark nursery closed in December 2009—nearly a century later—brothers Jerry and Maury Rubenstein seized the opportunity to preserve this unique piece of their community.
The pair purchased and gifted the five-acre site to the city of Bellaire, under simple conditions: that it be used as parkland and that it be named in honor of their mother, Evelyn, a longtime Bellaire resident and philanthropist who shared the Teas’ love for the outdoors and the simple things that make it beautiful.
Before You Visit
Though the park is open 7-days-a-week and is generally lax, there are a few rules worth noting. The use of bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, roller skates, or other equipment, devices, or vehicles designed or used for recreation is prohibited.
Glass containers are allowed only in the Café, Event Center, and Park Office. Alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) are allowed only in the Café, Event Center, Event Lawn, Pavilion, Outdoor Seating area, Donor Plaza, and Community Allée.
The park is open Sunday to Thursday 5am to 11pm and Friday to Saturday 5am to midnight.
Click here for a complete list of park information, rules and more.
“Move One Space On” Sculpture in Spring 2018
Coming to Evelyn’s Park in Spring 2018, is a whimsical and wonderfully interactive bronze sculpture in the heart of the Evelyn Rubenstein memorial garden, serving as a unique destination for visitors and for fans of the endearing tale of Alice in Wonderland.
In honor of the 150th anniversary of this classic novel, local artist Bridgette Mongeon—inspired by the tea party scene within Lewis Carroll’s book—sculpted a ten-foot table with eight-foot bronze characters hosting the fanciful feast.
The table will seat six to eight additional (living!) guests, allowing families to bring a picnic and join the tea party among Alice, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse, and the Mad Hatter.
In fact, it was the Mad Hatter’s sing-song refrain during the tea party scene that inspired the sculpture’s name: Move One Place On.
Evelyn’s Park
- Location: 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday 5am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 5am to midnight
- Parking: Evelyn’s Park has two parking lots. The West parking lot is accessible from the nearby Newcastle Street and the East parking lot is accessible from the nearby Mulberry Lane.
