Launched in 2021, The Park Project is a dynamic collaboration between Hesed House of Wharton and the City of Wharton to transform acquired structures near Dinosaur Park into a vibrant community space. By preserving the neighborhood’s historic charm while enhancing accessibility and program offerings, this initiative fosters inclusivity, resilience, and a higher quality of life for all Wharton residents.
Key Goals:
Community Gathering Space: Renovated structures and expanded grounds will create a welcoming hub for connection, events, and shared growth.
Accessibility for All: Upgraded facilities, including ADA-compliant parking and pathways, ensure everyone can enjoy the campus.
Phased Progress: A strategic, multi-phase approach allows Hesed House to deliver immediate benefits while working toward long-term impact.
Through strong partnerships and community-driven vision, The Park Project is building a brighter future—one where every resident has a place to thrive.
Hesed House of Wharton continues to collaborate with local organizations to bring this inclusive, revitalized campus to life.
We’re reaching our goal thanks to:
Center Point Energy Foundation
BACODA
Wharton Economic Development Corporation
Shannon Winn Interiors
Sears Hometown Store, El Campo
Volunteers from UM Army
Barbara and Walter Young Memorial Fund
M.G. And Lillie A. Johnson Foundation
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Hurricane Harvey Program
Gulf Coast Medical Foundation
Multiple Private Donors and Volunteers
Triple Oak Power
Donate
You can support our fundraising campaign through a charitable donation. We are taking donations to make the campus more accessible!
Sponsor a Sculpture
James Phillips is best known for the Galveston Tree Sculptures carved from trees damaged by Hurricane Ike. Jim's tree sculptures are scattered throughout Texas including Galveston, Houston, El Lago, Missouri City, Calvert, Santa Fe, Richmond, Fulshear, Baytown, College Station, Greenville, Arlington, Humble, Montgomery, Simonton, Tuleta, and Killeen, Beeville, Spring, Nelsonville, Hallettsville, Lake Jackson, Weimer, and soon to be Wharton. His studio pieces can be seen and purchased at The Rene Wiley Gallery in Galveston. Jim is excited to bring his work to Wharton as part of the Park Project.
Individual sculptures are available for sponsorship at the following price points:
$1,500 $3,000 $5,000
Please download and return filled out form to
421 W Colorado St. Wharton, TX 77488
Volunteer with us
You can also support The Park Project with sweat equity. We need lots of hardworking volunteers to help sustain this project and bring the vision to life. Please fill out the form below and drop it off at 421 W Colorado St. Wharton, TX 77488 or email it to events@hesedhousewtx.org
Be an advocate for Hesed House of Wharton. Get the word out about the growth of our park, you can share The Park Project with people you know who might be interested in helping. Each Like, Comment, and Shared post means more visibility for the great things happening here on campus
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Why does The Park Project matter?
The health of a community can be judged by the vibrancy of its parks. We believe Hesed House of Wharton can help create a healthier, more resilient community by centering our facility in a vibrant city park. We believe it is important to help preserve history and promote the rich cultural heritage of our neighborhood and the entire community. We hope The Park Project will be just the beginning of creating vibrant public spaces for Wharton to celebrate diversity, and gather and grow as a community.
“Parks and playgrounds
are the soul of a city”
— Marty Rubin