South Park Neighborhood Association

South Park Neighborhood Association

WHO WE ARE

The SPNA is a free volunteer organization made up of everyday people just like YOU that have interests in the South Park area. Residents join with local churches, schools, and businesses to improve and maintain the area we live, work, and worship in. Originally formed in 1991 in response to the gang and crime issues of our community, we have continued to be a driving force in our local neighborhoods to keep them safe, clean, and a place we can all be proud of.

SPNA History

The South Park Neighborhood Association is now known throughout Beaumont as being one of the largest and most active in the community. A decade has passed since the organization first gathered to begin restoring the original safety and beauty of the area. Ward 4 Councilman David Moore, Beaumont’s former Mayor, called the original meeting at the end of a summer that saw 11 elderly women attacked in South Beaumont. The attacker, usually wielding a butcher knife, robbed the women in their homes. He beat one with a hammer.

By 1991, the gang trouble and crime in Beaumont had become a real problem. On September 12 of that year, members of the South Park community gathered at the Highland Avenue Pharmacy (what is now the Ubi Caritas Health Clinic) on the corner of Highland and Woodrow to discuss the escalating issues. With David Moore guiding the meeting, Beaumont Police Officers held a question/answer session on safety and crime prevention.

Less than a month later in October 1991, James Blackwell, the Minister of the South Park Baptist Church, offered the use of the Sanctuary for the SPNA’s general meetings. Meetings continue to be held there now on the last Thursday of each month.

Not long after the SPNA’s inception, individuals from the local neighborhoods volunteered to act as Block Captains in their areas. These Block Captains were responsible for:

(1) Organizing neighborhood watch programs
(2) Being the contact person in their neighborhood
(3) Meeting with other Block Captains
(4) Getting fliers and information out about the monthly general meetings
(5) Planning various projects.

In March 1992, the Association elected it’s first officers and applied for I.R.S identification as a non-profit group. Under the direction of it’s officers and the support of it’s members, the South Park Neighborhood Association can claim credit for being a major influence in improvements throughout South Park and Beaumont. For instance, in February 1993 at the Block Captains’ meeting, it was decided that a citywide curfew was necessary to help the local police cut down on minors being out too late on school nights, and try to reign in the resulting gang problem. Amazingly, 1900 signatures of support were gathered in a mere 20 hours. Later the city passed an ordinance that prohibited Beaumont residents between the ages of 6 & 16 from venturing away from their homes between the hours of 11pm and 6am.

The SPNA has organized numerous cleanups with the City Council and Rotary Club. They’ve also been responsible for lobbying for many new streetlights that were later installed by Entergy. Another proud accomplishment was that of having Drug Free/Gun Free signs be posted in all city parks. The first sign to this effect was erected on May 21, 1993 at Alice Keith Park on Lavaca. To help promote pride and the beautification of the South Park area, the SPNA began the ongoing yard of the month contest in June 1993. Each month one house is chosen based on the appearance, upkeep, and effort involved, or based upon recent marked improvement. The Yard of the Month can be recognized by a sign placed in the front yard of the winning house.

On Monday July 12, 1993 at 11am on the corner of Highland Avenue and Cardinal Drive, the first South Park Neighborhood Association sign was unveiled. A mere 5 months later on December 1, 1993, then-Mayor Evelyn Lord dedicated the opening of the first South Park Police Substation. The ribbon was cut together by Mayor Lord and Police Chief Tom Schofield. Thanks to a local resident who agreed to lease the premises to the police department for $1.00 a year, and the persistence of the SPNA President to obtain donations of equipment and furniture for the station, it opened its doors fully equipped, and with several SPNA members volunteering to work in the station.

That same month, the first annual Light Up South Park contest was sponsored by the SPNA and donations for prizes were made by the local businesses. Participation in the event by decorating houses with Christmas lights enhances the look of the neighborhood, and helps to bring the Christmas spirit to South Park. Houses are judged on creativity, elaborateness, and overall effort.

The South Park Neighborhood Association has always aimed to be very supportive of the Beaumont Police Department and it’s officers. On May 20, 1994 the SPNA and Market Basket joined together to present the Beaumont Police Department with 2 Police Patrol Bikes for patrolling in the South Park Area, as well as for use during other special events. Then, one year later on May 20, 1995, Capt. Joe Crutchfield taught the 1st class for the Pilot program of Citizens on Patrol (COP). The dedication ceremony for COP was held June 2, 1995 at the Beaumont civic center and the patrols began.

On October 23, 1995, the SPNA’s dream of landscaping the dirt triangle area between the streets of Highland Avenue and Lavaca was realized. The lot was 1st maintained through donated services by Lawn Specialties, Inc., but is now maintained regularly by Ace Lawn Service. The triangle used to be a bare stretch of property known simply as the “Lavaca” Triangle located amid the turf of gang members and other criminals who once intimidated residents of South Park. However, as part of the effort to deliver the neighborhood back into the hands of residents, the SPNA started its neighborhood beautification effort by cleaning up and redesigning the triangle. With the help of property owners, City of Beaumont, and the Texas Association of Landscape Contractors, the group planted trees and flowers on the 3 lot stretch of land at the corner of Lavaca street and Highland Ave, across from Alice Keith Park. Three property owners donated the property to the city and the city turned it over to the neighborhood association. A few months later, on February 27 1996, the Beaumont City Council awarded the SPNA another plot of land for adoption to help beautify the South Park area. The plot is located on Highland Avenue, not far from Washington and the MLK Pkwy. On Dec 19, 1998 the “Welcome to South Park” sign, now located there, was completed and dedicated to Ruth Naumczik in appreciation for her leadership.

Email us
spna@swbell.net

Links

The South Park Neighborhood Association Home Website

About our association

WHO WE ARE

The SPNA is a free volunteer organization made up of everyday people just like YOU that have interests in the South Park area. Residents join with local churches, schools, and businesses to improve and maintain the area we live, work, and worship in. Originally formed in 1991 in response to the gang and crime issues of our community, we have continued to be a driving force in our local neighborhoods to keep them safe, clean, and a place we can all be proud of.

WHY ME?

YOU can make a difference in your area because you have a vested interest. No one has more desire and ability to keep this community a great place to live than someone who calls South Park home, works in South Park, or attends school here. It is each of US that care whether our streets are safe to walk, our property is safe in our own yards, our vehicles will still be in the parking lot in which we left them, and our children can play outside without harm. The SPNA is about diverse individuals coming together for a greater good. We are parents, employees, students, and retirees. We are old, young, and from different ethnic backgrounds. BUT WE ALL CARE AND CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.

WHO SHOULD JOIN THE SOUTH PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION?

Consult the above map to see the area that comprises the South Park Neighborhood Association. Anyone who lives, works, or worships within the above area has a reason to join the SPNA and participate in the area’s improvement.

Email us
spna@bmtneighbors.org

Links

South Park Neighborhood Association Local Website
Beaumont Neighborhood Associations