A Jewel in the Heart of District 8: Cobb Park Renaissance

As a teenager, I often took a short cut through Cobb Park leaving my home in Rolling Hills to make it to Martin Luther King Freeway. Then as is now, the park is not the most inviting. At over 200 acres, it is one of the biggest parks in Fort Worth. Yet, there is little parking and very few other amenities as opposed to Sycamore Park, down the street and also in District 8, which boosts the first new splash pad in the City of Fort Worth.

But Cobb Park is finally poised for a renaissance! At the February 3^rd Council meeting, the council unanimously passed a redevelopment plan for the park. With well over 3 million dollars, a new entrance will be constructed, there will be more parking facilities, more picnic areas, a bridge over what is currently a low water crossing and many other improvements. This is the result of a master plan that was created for the park last year. It was the first master plan since the 1960s!!!!!! Over 400 residents participated in the survey demonstrating that District 8 residents care deeply about our parks.

Reclaiming this beautiful space has been a major goal of mine as we work toward the continued renaissance of this wonderful part of our city. Once again, the improvements at Cobb Park signal that we are on positive journey toward real and lasting change for our District 8 community.

Onward and Upward!

-Kathleen

Inside Politics Tomorrow

I will be on WFAA Inside Politics tomorrow at 9am on channel 8! Please watch tomorrow!


Onward and Upward!
Kathleen Hicks

Renewed and Ready for Positive Change!

What an amazing experience this has been! Tuesday was the never-ending day as we wearily trudged back to the hotel after the balls at 2 a.m.! Indeed, below is a picture of my uncle IP, who was my escort for the night taking a quick nap on the Metro.

But what an experience! First Lady Michelle Obama looked exhausted by the time she and the president reached the Southern Ball around midnight. But the diverse crowd of over 4,000 was enthralled, and so was I.

We also got to hear Vice President Biden graciously thank everyone for their support. Even after returning back to the hotel, I could not help but watch the television coverage. I have never seen so many people come together in such a positive and remarkable way. During this trip, we have met and seen countless Americans who are so hopeful about our future. We saw friends who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina but were determined to share this moment in history and drove here 22 hours almost non-stop.

At the inauguration, I sat next to Palestinian-Americans who, despite the continued tormoil in the Middle East, remain optimistic. And so I leave Washington, D.C., feeling renewed. I thank the Star-Telegram for this opportunity to share this remarkable journey through this forum. I look forward to continuing to work with many other folks to bring positive and lasting change to our community. As President Obama urged us last night "let's go change America!"

Finding Fort Worth's Finest in D.C.

Headed out to the We the People Ball and Southern Ball, I thought there was something really wrong with wearing a sleeveless floor-length dress in 25-degree weather AND riding the subway!

There are 100 members of our Fort Worth Police Department here, led by Deputy Chief Ramirez and Captain Salinas. Indeed, while I was complaining about getting up at 5.30 a.m., they were out at 3.30 a.m., working a full day at the inauguration, parade and balls. Law enforcement helped out from across the country, and I know FWPD was honored to be a part of this historic chapter in our nation's history. And, yes, guys, I got you lots of souvenirs!

How crowded is it in D.C.?

Here's a view leaving the Metro station headed to the swearing-in ceremon: a journey that normally takes 15 minutes took almost 4 hours!

Fort Worthers abound at Inauguration

It's quickly becoming a family and Fort Worth friends reunion here! Had dinner Sunday night with lots of family and friends. The buzzing excitement can be felt everywhere we go!

This morning, my aunt, Deborah, braved the long lines to wait for our inauguration tickets. I joined her, and together we saw lots of Fort Worth residents also lining up for tickets. Eastside activist Regina Blair was there with her mother and sister. We also saw City of Fort Worth Economic Development director Jay Chapa with his wife. (See photo)

Also here is an old family friend, Travis Parmer, who reported that he drove the whole way here on his own!

Special thanks to members of Congress Dr. Michael Burgess, Kay Granger and Kevin Brady for our inauguration tickets. We also received the programs, which are absolutely amazing! My mum and I started crying again when we looked at them.The fact that an African-American will soon take the oath of office for the highest office in the land is still too awesome to comprehend.

(Photo of Regina Blair, Kathleen Hicks, Maryellen Hicks at office of Rep. Michael Burgess.)

To the concert on the National Mall -- and looking for the president-elect

Just joined my mother for her weekly radio show, and many generations joined us. We were all crying as we contemplated what will occur in just over 48 hours.

Last night, we arrived at our hotel about 7 p.m. in Arlington, Va.

We had traveled through six states until finally hitting a blue state: North Carolina.

On Friday night, we stayed in Atlanta with my cousin Whitney, who is working on a doctorate in African-American Women's studies at Emory University. It was great to share this time with her. Whitney represents what's so great about this county: the ability to succeed through education - she is truly living the dream.

We got a late start on Saturday-- just exhausted from the long journey. However, as we drove farther north, we started to see more and more Obama signs, including an "Obama, here we come!" sign. Our excitement continued to build.

I have heard from so many old friends along the way, including a friend whom I rode my bicycle with in Ryan Place as a child. He had read about our journey and wanted to wish us the best.

We are now headed to the mall with my uncle and a friend from New York to hear the concert. We hope to see the President-Elect!