Breaking Language Barriers: TransLangua Provides Interpretation Services for Houston Mayor Whitmire at $11.3M Park Transformation Project
TransLangua's certified interpreters working alongside Mayor John Whitmire and community leaders at Burnett Bayland Park community engagement events.
In the heart of Houston's most diverse neighborhood, a transformative $11.3 million park project is taking shape – one that truly represents its multicultural community, thanks to inclusive language access. TransLangua proudly played a crucial role in this historic development, ensuring every community member could contribute to their neighborhood's future, regardless of the language they speak.
Bridging Communities in Houston's "Ellis Island"
When Harris County Precinct 4 launched its ambitious Burnett Bayland Park Improvements Project, they faced a unique challenge: how to genuinely engage with Gulfton's incredibly diverse population of 50,000 residents. Known as the "Ellis Island of Texas," Gulfton stands as Houston's densest neighborhood, where multiple languages and cultures converge.
TransLangua stepped up to this challenge by providing:
- On-demand interpretation in Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Arabic
- Certified interpreters at all community engagement events
- Cultural liaison services to ensure meaningful participation
- Real-time translation of community feedback
Making Every Voice Count
The success of this project relied heavily on community input, and TransLangua's team ensured language barriers wouldn't prevent anyone from participating. Our involvement helped facilitate:
- Three major community workshops with over 1,000 participants
- 850 multilingual survey responses
- Engagement with 30 civic and stakeholder groups
- Direct communication between residents and project leaders
"Our interpreters didn't just translate words; they helped bridge cultural gaps and ensure that every community member could actively participate in shaping their neighborhood's future," says [TransLangua Representative Name], who coordinated the interpretation services for the project.
Impact Through Inclusive Communication
The project's success in gathering diverse community input led to securing substantial funding:
- $11.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Interior
- Total of $39 million for Phases 1A and 1B
- Development expanding from 35 to 75 acres
Commissioner Lesley Briones noted, "Gulfton is one of the most vibrant, diverse communities in the nation." TransLangua's services ensured this diversity was reflected in every aspect of the park's planning.
Project Highlights Shaped by Multicultural Input
Thanks to inclusive communication, the project will deliver features that truly serve its diverse community:
- Enhanced connectivity for all community members
- Expansive green spaces addressing urban heat concerns
- Culturally inclusive gathering areas
- Sports fields and recreational facilities
- Picnic areas designed for family and community gatherings
A Model for Future Development
The Burnett Bayland Park project sets a new standard for inclusive community development. By ensuring all voices were heard, the project has become a blueprint for how major urban developments can truly serve their diverse communities.
Timeline for Implementation
- Design Phase: Began August 2024
- Construction Start: Late 2025
- Phase 1A Completion: 2026
- Phase 1B Implementation: Starting 2026
Timeline for Implementation
- Design Phase: Began August 2024
- Construction Start: Late 2025
- Phase 1A Completion: 2026
- Phase 1B Implementation: Starting 2026
The TransLangua Difference
Our involvement in this transformative project showcases TransLangua's commitment to:
- Professional, certified interpretation services
- Cultural competency in community engagement
- Rapid response to interpretation needs
- Support for inclusive urban development
- Building stronger, more connected communities
Looking Forward
As Burnett Bayland Park moves toward its construction phase, TransLangua remains committed to supporting Houston's diverse communities. This project demonstrates how professional language services can transform community engagement and ensure public spaces truly serve everyone.
Get Involved
Need professional interpretation services for your community project? TransLangua offers:
- On-demand interpretation in 300+ languages
- Certified interpreters for community events
- Cultural liaison services
- Document translation
- Virtual interpretation options
Contact TransLangua today to learn how we can help break down language barriers in your community project. Call (281) 814-3939 or visit our contact page.