Perkins+Will 

Location: Houston, TX

Emancipation Park in Houston's historic Third Ward neighborhood was built on a 10-acre parcel purchased by four former slaves in 1872.  It originally served as a location to celebrate Juneteenth, the June 19, 1865 emancipation of African Americans in Texas.  Until the 1950s, it was the only public park and swimming pool in Houston open to African Americans.  The new Emancipation Park features a renovated Community Center and Aquatic Center along with a new Recreation Center, playground, picnic shelters, landscaping, signage and plazas.  Also included are new monuments honoring the four founders and ceremonial gateway sculpture.