This park has great paths to go running on and plenty of scenery. It is also long enough for serious runners to get a good workout!
Fiorenza was a tireless advocate for social justice throughout his priesthood, episcopacy, and even into retirement. He was 91 when he died Monday. Read on to know more.
Park Features
While shepherding the local diocese, Fiorenza also led on a national level through his work with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. As President from 1998 to 2001, he was the chief spokesman for 300 bishops. He served on several conference committees including those for Black Catholics, Science and Human Values, and Social Development and World Peace. He was also on the board of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and the Catholic Relief Services.
In Houston, he was known as a champion of social justice issues, interfaith cooperation, and people from all socio-economic backgrounds. He was a strong advocate for the care of the poor and homeless, especially children. He also founded a ministry for AIDS patients regardless of their religious affiliation.
Trails
This park has a lot of paths for walking and running. They are scenic and long enough for serious runners to get a good workout. They also have a few hills that you can run up to burn some extra calories.
The park’s trails run alongside Brays Bayou. This stream is a major tributary to Buffalo Bayou, which eventually flows into Galveston Bay.
Fiorenza was an advocate for social justice and worked to end racism in Houston. He believed that faith is not complete without action, and he regularly attended civil rights marches.
During his time as bishop, he also helped to promote Catholic education and worked on interfaith initiatives. His efforts are commemorated at the Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Plaza of Respect at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. The park is named after him in honor of his work to unite people regardless of religion or politics. The Archbishop also worked to protect the most vulnerable in society, and he supported misdemeanor bail reform. Explore more!
Picnic Areas
You can bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of hiking, picnicking, or exploring the nature trails at Archbishop Joseph A Fiorenza Park. The area also features Bill Hill, which is a popular spot for locals to relax and take in the stunning views of Houston City. You’ll also often see fitness individuals sprinting up the hill to achieve their leg day goals.
Archbishop Joseph A Fiorenza was a Catholic priest who died in 2014. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston said he was a tireless advocate for social justice throughout his life. The archdiocese will remember him in a special Mass on Dec. 22.
Located in Precinct 4, the New Kentucky Park is all that remains of the 19th-century town of New Kentucky, which declined after the formation of Houston. The park has picnic areas, a pavilion, a well from the original town, and a historical marker. The park is owned and maintained by the county.
Dogs Allowed
As a young priest, Fiorenza worked in several parishes around the Houston area. He participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches with other members of his diocese during the civil rights movement. He also served on the board of the Catholic University of America and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
As Bishop of Galveston-Houston, Fiorenza advocated for social justice issues and interfaith collaborations that cross all religious and economic boundaries. He helped establish a ministry to help those living with HIV/AIDS and served as the chairman of the National Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
This is a beautiful park with plenty of amenities. There are trails, picnic areas, and a large lake. It is a great place to take a family outing. The location is convenient with easy access to Westpark Tollway and I-610. The neighborhood has a small-town feel and many wonderful schools are in the immediate vicinity. Find out more!
Driving directions from Signature Cleaning Concepts to Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Park East
Driving directions from Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Park East to Bear Creek Pioneers Park