New park coming

Residents from the City of West University Place gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off the construction of the Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park at 6446 Sewanee. The 15,000-square-foot park will include a covered front-porch entry at the corner of Sewanee and Pittsburg, recessed lighting and rocking chairs for residents to look out onto a large green space. Kids will be able to stay cool with a button-activated water feature. There will be lots of areas to relax in, including benches, log seats and a picnic table. The park will be made possible due to a generous bequest from longtime West University resident 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 will fund remaining construction expenses. The park is projected to open in October of this year. On hand to mark the occasion were West U Mayor Susan Sample, council ​person Bob Higley, council​ ​person Kellye Burke, former council person Bob Kelly, ​the​ Hughes Park task​ ​force committee, parks and recreation board representatives, Friends of West U Parks board representatives, the Hughes family, and more.

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