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Spotted at River Oaks Pumpkin Park

Maddy Payne
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Melanie Savitz, Claire Savitz

Melanie Savitz with her 20-month-old daughter Claire in front of the Pumpkin Carriage at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

Summer in Houston can be summed up in one word: Hot. And many people seek a reprieve from the heat at the River Oaks Park. With the huge trees that provide thankful shade, the large playground for children to roam around, this park is a popular destination in the summer. The park is also the home for the inspirational Wishing Trees, created by Buzz resident Alexandra Knight.

While at the park we decided to chat with some of the residents. Inside the playground area there were lots of families playing with their kids. Nama Khalil (mom) and Safa Halaweish (toddler) were lounging at a picnic table in the shade. “It’s nice because there’s a fence here and I can just let her roam,” said Khalil. “We actually just moved here and we’ve been checking out parks. We also really like to go to Levy Park.”

Wishes

Colorful wishes hang on the Wishing Tree. (Photo: Maddy Payne)

Melanie Savitz and her daughter Claire (20 months) also frequent the park during the week. “It’s a great neighborhood and it’s close to home,” said Savitz.

At the park, you will also find Joel Smith (from Foundation Strength and Mobility) teaching workout classes in the morning before the heat hits.

(They meet on Thursday and Friday at 9. Other participants: Johna Clark, Jessica Smith and Caitlin Hensley)

Whitney Caltagirone

Whitney Caltagirone sliding down the playground set at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

Whether it’s to find shade, get some exercise or make a wish, the park is a great place to visit.  

Read more about how the Wishing Trees came to be.  Also, read about how Cadette Troop 25323, inspired by the Wishing Trees story, worked together to create a Wishing Tree at Texas Children’s Hospital

  • River Oaks Park

    The walking path at River Oaks Park leads to Pumpkin Park where kids can swing, slide and run around on the playground. (Photo: Maddy Payne) 

  • Wishing Trees

    Kids can write their wishes and hang them on the Wishing Trees at River Oaks Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne) 

     

  • Pumpkin Carriage

    The iconic Pumpkin Carriage at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

  • Nama Khalil, Safa Halaweish

    Nama Khalil and her daughter Safa Halaweish in the picnic area at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

  • Tatiana and Alessandra

    Tatiana and her daughter Alessandra by the swing set at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

  • Ashley Johnson and kids

    Ashley Johnson with her children on the playground at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

  • Vivienne García

    Vivienne García plays in the pumpkin carriage at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

  • Whitney Caltagirone

    Whitney Caltagirone on the playground at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne)

  • Evan Martí and Bo

    Evan Martí and his dog Bo along the walking path at River Oaks Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

     

  • Lucky Valentine

    Rita Junker-Pickar has had her dog Lucky Valentine (pictured) in 2011. They had a nice day in River Oaks Park. 

     

  • Workout on the lawn

    Joel Smith from Foundation Strength and Mobility leads (from left) Johna Clark, Jessica Smith, Caitlin Hensley through a workout routine on the lawn at River Oaks Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne)

  • River Oaks Park
  • Wishing Trees
  • Pumpkin Carriage
  • Nama Khalil, Safa Halaweish
  • Tatiana and Alessandra
  • Ashley Johnson and kids
  • Vivienne García
  • Whitney Caltagirone
  • Evan Martí and Bo
  • Lucky Valentine
  • Workout on the lawn

River Oaks Park

The walking path at River Oaks Park leads to Pumpkin Park where kids can swing, slide and run around on the playground. (Photo: Maddy Payne) 

Wishing Trees

Kids can write their wishes and hang them on the Wishing Trees at River Oaks Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne) 

 

Pumpkin Carriage

The iconic Pumpkin Carriage at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Nama Khalil, Safa Halaweish

Nama Khalil and her daughter Safa Halaweish in the picnic area at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

Tatiana and Alessandra

Tatiana and her daughter Alessandra by the swing set at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Ashley Johnson and kids

Ashley Johnson with her children on the playground at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Vivienne García

Vivienne García plays in the pumpkin carriage at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Whitney Caltagirone

Whitney Caltagirone on the playground at Pumpkin Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne)

Evan Martí and Bo

Evan Martí and his dog Bo along the walking path at River Oaks Park. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

 

Lucky Valentine

Rita Junker-Pickar has had her dog Lucky Valentine (pictured) in 2011. They had a nice day in River Oaks Park. 

 

Workout on the lawn

Joel Smith from Foundation Strength and Mobility leads (from left) Johna Clark, Jessica Smith, Caitlin Hensley through a workout routine on the lawn at River Oaks Park. (Photo: Sophia Wayne)

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