Park for Humans and Dogs

The Park for Humans and Dogs is a unique community open space located in Houston's Old Sixth Ward. This park serves as both a neighborhood dog park and a communal area for residents. Situated on Sawyer Street, the park is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.

One of the park's most distinctive features is the "Witch's Hat," a repurposed turret from a demolished historic home that has been transformed into a gazebo. This landmark structure adds character to the park and preserves a piece of local history.

The park incorporates playful elements such as circular mounds, creating a "polkadot" landscape that provides interactive spaces for both dogs and their human companions. These features encourage engagement and play within the park.

In addition to its recreational aspects, the Park for Humans and Dogs includes green infrastructure designed to remove bacteria from waste, preventing stormwater contamination. This thoughtful design element demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The park is managed jointly by the Sixth Ward Redevelopment Authority and an adjacent multifamily residential development. Its unique name reflects the park's goal of creating a hybrid space that functions equally well as a dog park and as a general community area.

Development of the park occurred in two phases. The initial phase focused on establishing the core dog park features, including a grass area, wire-panel fencing, new sycamore trees for screening, and a seat wall around an existing pecan tree. The second phase expanded the park's civic features and improved its connection to the street, including the addition of the repurposed cupola.