The City of West University Place held a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 13 to kick-off the construction of Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park, 6446 Sewanee. The occasion commemorated the start of construction activities which begin on Monday, June 18, and the park is projected to open in October of this year.
The 15,000 square foot park includes a covered front porch entry at the corner of Sewanee and Pittsburg complete with a ceiling fan, recessed lighting, and rocking chairs looking out to a large open greenspace in the center of the park. In addition, the park features a dry stream bed with a button activated water feature, benches, log seats, a picnic table, new trees, donor area, and beautiful landscaping enhancements. The park will have unobtrusive moon lighting in the trees to allow nighttime passerby’s a view into the park, and thoughtful consideration was given to the neighboring properties with the incorporation of an 8ft tall cedar fence and tall hedge along the park perimeter.
This park would not have been possible without generous bequest from longtime West University Place resident Mr. James M. Hughes, who donated his property and $200,000 to be used for the design and development of a quiet park honoring his mother Jennie Elizabeth Hughes. The Friends of West U Parks Fund, Inc. (www.westuparks.org) are funding all remaining construction expenses. “On behalf of the City; we are both humbled and thankful for the generous and kind hearted donation of this property by Mr. Hughes in loving memory of his mother,” said Mayor Susan Sample. “We are so proud to be a part of the efforts of the staff, elected officials, citizens, and neighbors of West U combined with the further support of the Friends and Parks Boards in delivering this wonderful treasure of our community to its people. It will be a lasting testament of all those involved.”
Visit for www.westutx.gov/jehpark for regular project updates or contact Parks and Recreation Director Susan White for more information.