Houston Parks and Recreation Department pools open on Memorial Day weekend to begin the summer swim schedule. The Emancipation Aquatic Center pool is open and free of charge during summer operations, which is typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Water Spraygrounds

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s water spraygrounds provide an engaging and interactive fun activity year-round for children, especially during the hot summer months. Water spraygrounds have distinct advantages over swimming pools in that they are cost effective and low maintenance, and water-play activities extend well beyond normal pool season.

The Emancipation Park spraygrounds were opened to the public in June 2018. There are three distinct sprayground areas. One is located inside the pool area and the two others are located in the park. All feature in-ground bubblers and directional sprays. The pool deck splashpad is open to the public only during pool hours.

H-E-B Grocery Company has generously donated funding to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department through the Houston Parks Board, Inc., to create and build additional spraygrounds in Houston city parks. These are brightly colored facilities featuring equipment that squirts, sprays, mists and shoots water. Children will be able to enjoy everything from oversized flowers that mist to a whale that spouts and squirts water and in-ground elements that resemble geysers.

Please Note: When water spraygrounds are being cleaned, they will be closed to public. This should take approximately 4 to 6 hours, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Reservations at area sports fields (including softball, baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball, rugby, and volleyball venues) are also available for sports practice as well as league and tournament play for youth 12 and under only. Contact the Parks Permits Office as early as possible to receive the most current information on the facility of your choice.

Permits and Reservations:

Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm

Baseball Field Reservations: 832-394-8804

Park Permits: 832.394.8805

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Permits Office issues permits for the use of different venues and parks operated by the department for the City of Houston.  An area within a park may be reserved for personal use for private events by obtaining a permit through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. A fee and a refundable deposit are required. This permit ensures the exclusive use of a particular space for a designated time.

Any request to conduct a park event that is open to the public and more than 250 people will require coordination of city services will require a special event permit from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Mayor's Office of Special Events:

Phone: 832-393-0868

http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/

The Cultural Center is a beautiful space to host special gatherings, such as wedding receptions, baby showers, receptions, and parties for a nominal rental fee. Deposits are required and are refundable.

For availability and fee information contact:

Emancipation Park

Phone: 832-395-7400

The Emancipation Park Weight Room is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and is open year-round.  Registration to use HPARD Weight Rooms and Recreation Center should be made online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home.

Hours of operation vary:

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm / Closed from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm for cleaning

Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Closed Sunday

Please note: Showers and lockers ARE NOT AVAILABLE in Emancipation Park Recreation Center. All guests must present a valid picture ID.

The Emancipation Park Recreation Gymnasium is open year-round.  Registration to use HPARD Recreation Center should be made online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home.

Hours of operation vary:

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm / Closed from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm for cleaning

Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm / Adult Free Play Basketball Saturday 12:00 pm - 1:45  pm

Closed Sunday

Please note: Showers and lockers ARE NOT AVAILABLE in Emancipation Park Recreation Center. All guests must present a valid picture ID.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Permits Office issues permits for the use of different venues and parks operated by the department for the City of Houston.  An area within a park may be reserved for personal use for private events by obtaining a permit through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. A fee and a refundable deposit are required. This permit ensures the exclusive use of a particular space for a designated time.

Any request to conduct a park event that is open to the public and more than 250 people will require coordination of city services and will require a special event permit from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Mayor's Office of Special Events:

Phone: 832-393-0868

http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/

Emancipation Park playground aims to provide inclusive environments for children of all abilities. The fun, open design creates an inviting space for children and adults to enjoy shaded, colorful, and unique stretch cover tops. The artistic design of the playground creates a fun whimsical feel along with the foam-type material on the ground.

The Recreation Center at Emancipation Park is located in a brand-new building in a historically significant park, and it has been equipped with new, state-of-the-art equipment!  The  gymnasium and activity room are available to host special gatherings, such as wedding receptions, baby showers, receptions, and parties for a nominal rental fee

For availability and fee information contact:

Emancipation Park

Phone: 832-395-7400

Emancipation Park tennis court is one of 205 tennis courts in neighborhood parks across the city. The lighted tennis court also has practice walls. All court time is provided FREE of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the neighborhood parks. For general tennis information or youth tennis program information, please call 832.395.7561. http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/tennis.html