I can't believe we drove 40 mins to this park to find out it was Closed! It does seem like a nice neighborhood park that is different from the others, but it was unfortunate to find it closed on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon. This was on January 23, 2022 even though Google said it was opened. I'm not sure of the reasons why, but will try to find out soon. I never imagined a community park being closed.

Very cool, and unique park in the Heights. The bike trail runs right next to the park. Ice cream, and sorbet at Cloud 10 Creamery is right across the street. Here's a little history: For five consecutive days in October of 1996, a close-knit community in Houston, Texas, rolled up its collective sleeves and built a lasting legacy for its children. Families, neighbors, craftsmen, teachers, students, local businesses, and friends of Houston Heights joined together in a monumental effort to construct what is now The Heights Playground. They worked from early morning until late night. They sawed, drilled, hammered and painted. They served food, tended minor wounds, and provided child care. They gave their time, their skills, and their hearts, yet asked nothing in return. Donovan Park is the Cinderella story of a formerly underutilized park transformed into a unique fantasy play-space through the power of community involvement. Over a period of nine months, thousands of dedicated volunteers and supporters participated in the fundraising, organization, and building of a dream that became a reality. Today, it is a place that sparks young imaginations, encourages social interaction among cultures, and serves as an inspiration to future generations. Incorporating original ideas contributed by area school children, Donovan Park was designed by community-built architectural pioneers, Robert S. Leathers & Associates of Ithaca, New York. With its railroad theme and Victorian-era turrets, the playground reflects the historic character of its surroundings. It serves the neighborhood as both a distinctive architectural landmark and as a popular family gathering site where young hearts and imaginations can run free. It stands as a loving tribute to the children who inspired its construction and as a testament to the caring spirit of the Houston Heights community. We no longer take reservations for the use of this park. It is first-come, first-served. Due to limited volunteer trash pick up, we request parties of five or more to take their trash with them. For the safety of our children, barbecue pits, open flames, and dogs are not allowed.

Unique park , with wooden train and mini medieval castle. Fun for children , very clean and well maintained .

Pretty good park. Needs some shade on a hot day the slides get way to hot to use

This sits off the MKT trail at Hieghts boulevard. Google insists on asking me to review it since I walk past every day. It looks to be an interesting wooden playground with very large structures, bridges, and buildings for kids to climb on. I rarely see anyone there, which leads me to think it may not be public.

Very quaint park in a stunning neighborhood. It was perfect for my boys to run off some energy! Cute neighborhood with local restaurants and shopping.

I love this park! It’s a great area! Lots of cool stores and places to eat close by. My son loves this park! I also like how this park is gated, so you never have to worry about your child running out into the street.

My 2 boys absolutely loved this park we were heated to the zoo and went here to.kill time until it opened...good environment lack of restrooms so catch a tree.

I used to bring my oldest son (pictured in the white shirt) all the time because he loved trains. Now my youngest has the pleasure of enjoying this same scenery and memories in the making! I love this park is still here and looking as good as it did 10+ years ago!

When we started coming to this park a couple years ago it was spectacular. Unfortunately it has not been maintained AT ALL. The structure is deteriorating quickly. Much of the train has been dismantled because of broken parts. The playground itself is getting to the point where the missing planks and broken parts are starting to represent a safety risk. We are going to stick with memorial park until this gets fixed.

Cute place to walk. The surrounding area has tons of shops and breakfast places like crepes and coffee. The park seems a lot of fun for kids. Overall peaceful and pretty place

Loved visiting this park! Was surprised to see that it was gated, but it made for a worry free play day. My son is a true adventurer and the gate gave me some ease knowing he couldn’t wander off.

Super safe and clean playground-park for families to bring children & loved ones - in the heartbeat of The Heights

As someone who’s been coming for years I’d like to point out that the park is in need of a face lift. Most good reviews appear to be first time visitors but it’s not what it used to be. For being the heights you would think they’d keep it in better shape. Needs renovating for sure.

The park is fully fenced in and the latches are too high for younger kids to reach and let themselves out. The equipment is mostly well maintained but we did notice a few boards missing this last trip. I love the different terrains for kids to walk on. The train is a really fun feature that all the kids love. There's an inclusive swing seat that holds kids up to 125 pounds that would be helpful for older children with special needs. There is some trash that gets left around the park, but there are trash cans. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms and I haven't noticed a water fountain. There are areas of shade and a few tables and benches. Overall, it's a fun park. From what I can tell, it's street parking only. There's an ice cream shop and eateries within walking distance.

Great variety of playground equipment for runners, climbers, and walkers. There are a few picnic tables and a few areas with shade. Please note that the gates don't have a spring to help them shut on their own so more often than not the main gate stays open increasing the risk of a child inadvertently wandering near the street. Also, there are no restrooms and no water fountains. There are businesses nearby where you can use their restroom. Some will ask you to buy something. Parking can be somewhat scarce during peak hours but that just means parking around the block as there is only street parking.

Super cute park. Nice old school playground made of real wood, some of it retrofit with plastic. It features a toddler castle, big kid castle and a train. Plant of benches for adults and its fenced in. Lots of kids playing but no so many it's crowded.

Fun park! Coffee for sale at the entrance Saturday and Sunday.

It had rained already, so it was muddy at the walk ways but it was a nice park.

Playground for kids, not for baby. Everything is from wood.

Good sized with lots of equipment for kids to play on and a fair amount of grassy areas. There is a book exchange house to drop off and pick up books, often used to read while at the park! The entire park is gated and secure for kids to play and parents to relax knowing their kids are enclosed in a safe area. Only downside is that it can be very chaotic when busy.

Parking is hard especially on the weekends and this place can get a little crowded but well worth it. The kids love it and there is so many different at areas. I would go early on the weekends. It is also across from cloud 9 creamery.

I bring the kids here all the time. We call it the train park. They love it. It's so big and nice for a picnic as well.

Great fun little park. It was super busy, but also a Saturday morning. Even still I felt like I could easily keep track of my toddler and the structures were big enough for me to climb after her when needed. She loved the little train and the swings (always) as well as climbing up the big steps.

Cute, decent sized park in The Heights. Our daughter and nephew loved it. Right off a running/walking trail and near eateries, including an ice cream shop.

Small neat. Needs a little TLC but great for kids to stretch out and get some activity. Lots of shade, benches, picnic space. Can’t recall seeing a rest room but there were restaurants across the street

A cute park with many children enjoying themselves

I love this park. It is enclosed so kiddos can't run too far from sight. My youngest loves to climb all over the train.

This park is fully gated! So no runaway toddlers. The wooden play structures are beautiful. Within walking distance of a farmers market (every other Sunday) and EQ Heights coffee shop.

Great park! Had a great time playing

Great park, there are always families visiting. The entire park is fenced in, so little ones can't take off. There are no restrooms, so plan ahead!

Driven by many times, but came here on a Sunday morning for the first time ever to find a chained entrance on one side and a cop blocking entry on the other. Park is deserted save a few dozen people and maybe 3 kids on the jungle gym. Parents circling the fence trying to find a way in. Toddlers crying because they can’t get in. Why the chaos? A crime scene maybe? No. A private event for some very special little ones. Closed the entire park. No sign, just a uniformed guy in sunglasses. I know it is a private park, but it is still a park right?

Relaxing, safe & peaceful. LOVE this park. Summertime is wonderful. I advise you to go there if you want a quiet environment or to do meditation or to make plans.

One of the best places for kids to be... ton of different slides, two mini climbing walls, train, tic tax toe, swings, labyrinths... grass area. Tables for picnics... everything a family needs!

Fun and secured with lots of rally awesome wooden structures (castles, boat, train, in the heart if the heights) lots of swings too, plenty of parking spaces in the side and front. 2 entries that close, cute library box and no dogs allowed.

It was an awesome place. Very rustic, yet the playground sets were very safe for my kid to run around. All and all, a nice place to unwind as the area wasn't very loud the day I went (Saturday, mid-lunch time).

My daughter just love it ! I live near by so super easy to access!

I’m definitely not sure why this park has so many “Great” reviews other than it’s in the height’s neighborhood and it’s convenient for those who stay by but as far as someone who does not live close it’s most definitely NOT worth the drive there’s no designated parking you have to find parking on the street somewhere and possibly walk far to get there, the park it’s self is supper old doesn’t really have much for toddlers mostly bigger kids No one seems very friendly as far as other parents that where there The only thing they really offer for toddlers would be the swings. I wouldn’t recommend if your driving from far away save your gas there is WAY better parks that are actually worth the drive.

Creative. 3 picnic tables. No restroom. Plenty of garbage cans.