A group of seven people poses together at the Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park dedication. They stand on a paved walkway with a rust-colored plaque, colorful balloons, and a landscaped park in the background. Everyone is smiling in the bright sunlight.

03-17-2025 |

North Houston Park, New Sculpture Dedicated to Elvin Franklin, Jr.

Two men stand beside a rust-colored plaque that reads Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park. They are dressed in suits, smiling, with vibrant balloons tied to a nearby tree.

The North Houston District was grateful to attend a special celebration recognizing Elvin Franklin, Jr., a leader whose service helped shape the future of our community.

His long-standing dedication to the North Houston Development Corp (TIRZ 11) Board has left a lasting impact, and now, his contributions are honored in a meaningful new way. On January 16, Sally Bradford, Executive Director of TIRZ 11, hosted the dedication of Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park, bringing together longtime colleagues, family, and community partners to reflect on his legacy.

It was a sunny and brisk winter afternoon in North Houston, a fitting backdrop for celebrating years of collaboration and investment that have helped define the region. The event welcomed Elvin’s wife, children, extended family, and fellow leaders from the TIRZ 11 Board of Directors, the City of Houston, and other key partners who have played a role in North Houston’s success.

A woman in a white sweater and scarf stands smiling near the park plaque, while two men in suits converse nearby. Bright balloons are arranged in the background.
A man and woman stand in front of the metal dedication sign reading Elvin Franklin Jr. Linear Art Park. The woman wears a gray suit and a red shoulder bag, while the man wears a gray suit and tie. They smile in front of colorful balloons and greenery.

A Lasting Impact

Elvin Franklin, Jr.’s contributions go beyond boardroom decisions and infrastructure investments—they are embedded in the very fabric of North Houston. His calm leadership, steady vision, and unwavering commitment to progress helped shape the region’s success.

But beyond his years of service, Elvin is someone you can’t help but respect and admire. Genuine, kind, and always quick with a smile, he has a way of making people feel at ease. His calm determined presence has been a source of inspiration and reassurance to those who have had the privilege of working alongside him.

Now, Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park is a lasting tribute to his dedication—ensuring that future generations recognize, appreciate, and build upon the foundation he helped create.

Three people stand smiling in a grassy park under a clear sky. A man in a suit, a woman in a shawl, and another man in a button-up shirt and sunglasses pose with trees and colorful balloons in the background.

A Tribute in Public Art

The park’s crowning feature is a stunning new sculpture titled “Botanical Peace,” created by renowned artist Kevin Box in honor of Elvin Franklin, Jr.

Box, known for his distinctive technique of transforming delicate origami into enduring metal sculptures, designed the piece as a symbol of growth, transformation, and the lasting influence of leadership—qualities that defined Elvin’s impact on the region.

Now, this sculpture and park will stand as a permanent tribute—a space that reflects Elvin’s commitment to progress and community service.

Three men stand near a rust-colored metal plaque honoring Elvin Franklin, Jr. at a park dedication. One man gestures while speaking. A woman in sunglasses stands nearby, observing. Colorful balloons float above the sign, with trees and pathways in the background.
A woman in a red sweater, a woman in a leopard-print dress, and a man in a black outfit with a hat and sunglasses smile together at the dedication event. Trees and attendees are visible in the background.

“Botanical Peace” is a fitting tribute to Elvin Franklin, Jr. His leadership helped shape the North Houston community, and this sculpture reflects his ability to cultivate progress and bring people together to build something greater.” – Sally Bradford, Executive Director, North Houston Development Corp

Three men stand in conversation on a grassy area, smiling under clear skies. Trees with autumn leaves surround them.
A large origami crane sculpture painted yellow and white with floral patterns stands on a circular concrete pedestal in a park, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves and a bright blue sky in the background.

North Houston Development Corp’s Commitment to Growth

For decades, the North Houston Development Corp (TIRZ 11) has been a driving force behind strategic investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and economic development. Their work has helped shape North Houston into a connected, thriving district that attracts businesses, investments, and opportunities.

Projects like Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park reflect that ongoing mission—creating meaningful, engaging spaces that enhance the identity and appeal of North Houston while honoring the people who have helped it grow. Their partnerships with TIRZ 11, the City of Houston, and other key stakeholders continue to drive progress and long-term improvements across the area.

 

A Strong Partnership for North Houston

The North Houston Development Corp and the North Houston District have long collaborated on projects that enhance the area through public safety initiatives, infrastructure investments, and placemaking efforts.

While North Houston Development Corp leads funding and implementation, the District supports long-term maintenance, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement—ensuring that these projects continue delivering value to businesses, investors, and the community.

A group of people walk along a paved park path, surrounded by grass and trees with autumn leaves. Some wear coats and scarves, and two individuals near the front are walking arm-in-arm.
A large group of attendees, dressed in professional and semi-formal attire, pose together in front of the park plaque with colorful balloons.
A man in a gray suit and a woman in a red blouse with glasses stand close together, smiling at the camera. Bright balloons and a landscaped park setting are in the background.
A group of five people stands together on a park sidewalk, smiling.
A woman in a dark suit, a man in a gray suit, and a man in a black suit pose together at the park dedication. They stand in front of the dedication sign with vibrant balloons and greenery surrounding them.
A man in a suit gestures while speaking to another man in a gray plaid suit near a rust-colored plaque reading Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park. Colorful balloons float nearby.
A woman in a purple and black patterned blouse stands beside a man in a gray blazer and sunglasses. They are smiling, with colorful balloons and other guests mingling in the background.
A group stands near the commemorative sign, engaging in conversation. A woman in a black and white outfit observes with arms crossed.
Two women pose together at the park dedication, both smiling. One wears a red blouse with a gray cardigan, and the other wears a maroon blazer. A colorful balloon display is visible in the background.
Three individuals stand together near the Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park plaque. The two men wear suits, and a woman in glasses and a gray blazer joins them, all smiling. Colorful balloons decorate the scene.
A colorful origami crane sculpture with a vibrant floral pattern sits on a circular concrete pedestal in an open grassy area, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A group of people walk along a paved park path, surrounded by grass and trees with autumn leaves. Some wear coats and scarves, and two individuals near the front are walking arm-in-arm.
Two individuals, one wearing sunglasses and a green button-down shirt and the other in a dark jacket, stand next to a yellow origami crane sculpture, smiling for the camera.
A group stands near the commemorative sign, engaging in conversation. A woman in a black and white outfit observes with arms crossed.
A man in a gray suit stands beside a woman in a dark suit and a man in a green button-down shirt at the park dedication. They smile in front of the Elvin Franklin Jr. Linear Art Park sign, with balloons adding a festive touch.
Three people stand smiling near a park dedication sign with colorful balloons in the background. A man in a gray suit stands in the center, flanked by two women dressed in black and gray.
A man in a light gray plaid suit and tie stands next to a taller man in a navy blue suit. They are outdoors with trees and a black metal fence in the background.
Three people stand in front of the park dedication sign and balloons. A woman in a gray suit, a man in a light gray suit, and a woman in a red blouse smile together on a paved walkway.
A group stands near the commemorative sign, engaging in conversation. A woman in a black and white outfit observes with arms crossed.
A group of seven people poses together at the Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park dedication. They stand on a paved walkway with a rust-colored plaque, colorful balloons, and a landscaped park in the background. Everyone is smiling in the bright sunlight.

Thank you, Elvin!

The dedication was held at Greens Parkway between Greens Crossing and Gears Road.

Light refreshments after the dedication at 12257 Kuykendahl Events Center Rockstar Bike Park.

On behalf of the North Houston District, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your years of dedication and leadership. Your impact on this community is immeasurable, and the Elvin Franklin, Jr. Linear Art Park is a well-deserved tribute to your unwavering commitment to North Houston.

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