to >https://friendsofclevelandpark.net/saveourbridge-1

Bridge Update: Now Is the Time to Speak Up & let the City know we love our rusty old pedestrian and bike bridge, and it must stay! 

Friends and neighbors,

The City of Houston has an RFQ out to study options for a new pedestrian and bike bridge near Waugh in Sprotts Park. The RFQ just for the study only is $ 1.6 million. Amazing considering the current bridge was designed,  built, and installed for $350K.  We support more access to Buffalo Bayou Park — but not at the expense of losing our Cleveland Park bridge and being forced to walk down already busy Feagan Street to Sprotts Park to get across Memorial and the Bayou.  Removal will kill the park and our property values and make it more difficult to get over Memorial. 

Our bridge (Fatjo, CP2B2, or the Jackson Hill Vintage Bridge) is busy, historic, and vital to this neighborhood. It connects us to Buffalo Bayou Park, supports walkers, runners, cyclists, dog owners, commuters, and families, and helps keep Cleveland Park connected, visible, and valuable.

The City has also set aside funding to study whether our existing bridge can be retrofitted for ADA access. That means decisions are coming — and we need to be heard now.

Here’s what we need you to do:

#1 -Take the bridge survey on our website.
Your response is critical and helps us show how much this bridge is used and why it matters. It will take you 2 minutes to complete. 

#2 Help Count Traffic @ the Bridge. Volunteer one Hour this Saturday, July 11th, to Count Traffic at the bridge.    Slots are available from 6 am to 8 pm. Sign up via this form and show up Saturday at your scheduled time. Bring water - we will have a table and chair at the bridge.  Sign up here 9 slots remain >https://forms.gle/ZqoZgWRnp7Rk5XBdA

#3 Talk it up and sign up to Testify at Council.  Contact Brian if you are willing to testify before Council. Part of this study is "Vigorous Public Engagement," which means neighborhood meetings. The timing is perfect for a rebirth of the much-needed  Magnolia Grove Civic Club.  Join their  Facebook group and step up to improve our neighborhood and park. 

#4. Generate your own email letter of support that will go out to all the major stakeholders working on this project. See the link on our webpage 

#5. Please consider donating to help us with this campaign. Join us as an official friend.  Send us some love.  We are a 501 (c)(3), so you can deduct your donations from your 2026 taxes.   Our new trees wiped out the bank account, and we need some love to keep funding the needs of the park. Did you know we spend  $1800   to keep the pet waste bag dispensers full. 
You can donate through the link at the top of this message or on our website or via this link:  Help us Fight to Keep the Bridge. Chip in $15.

Our message is simple:

Build more access. Keep our bridge.

Let’s make sure our Mayor, Council, City Hall, Houston Public Works, TxDot, Tirz5, HGAC,  and everyone involved understand that Cleveland Park is paying attention — and we are ready to fight for our rusty bridge. It has cost the city almost nothing these past forty years.  Please contact me if you would be willing to testify at a city council meeting next month. It'a time to speak up for our old vintage bridge.