Children ride a horse at Our Park in Third Ward. The park is one of many neighborhood parks in unserved Houston communities that need more support.

In a city that prides itself on shiny, new developments that beckon residents from everywhere, our flagship parks — Memorial and Hermann — are examples of green space done well.

They have wide, open trails, fancy playgrounds, and other amenities that are selling points to new residents and a source of pride for natives. The parks are constantly improving with sizeable private donations and public funding, making our city a better place in which to live.

Still, Houston ranks near the bottom nationally when it comes to money for public parks.

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This isn't new, but a reminder that beyond the beauty of Herman and Memorial Parks are dozens and dozens of small neighborhood parks tucked in underserved communities with little more than a patch of grass, maybe a swing.

Mayor Whitmire recently........

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