[ Click here to return to list of articles ] Challenger 7 Memorial Park Clear Lake, TexasDecember 17, 2009 Challenger 7 Memorial Park was established in 1986 by Commissioner El Franco Lee in honor of the seven NASA astronauts who lost their lives in the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle. On January 28, 1986, the Shuttle Challenger was launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida. Aboard the shuttle were its Commander, Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, its pilot Michael J. Smith, and crew, Christa McAuliffe (the first "Teacher in Space"), Mission Specialists Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnick and Ronald E. McNair, and Payload Specialist Gregory B. Jarvis. Seventy-three seconds into the mission, the Challenger exploded and fell into the sea off the Florida coast. Two of the members, Scobee and Smith were buried in the Arlington National Cemetery as well as unidentified remains which were buried underneath the Memorial. A monument commemorating the loss of these heroes is located in the park. The lake is silted at Challenger Park so not many can use the area, but this makes the waterfront along Challenger Park a kayakers paradise. Everyday of the week you will find kayakers paddling up and down Clear Creek and even few sport fishermen. The park is located on FM 528 just west of I-45 and Clear Lake. Park Hours: Summer Hours: 7:00am to 9:00pm Winter Hours: 7:00am to 7:00pm Specific Park Rules: * Alcohol is permitted inside the park only with security present * Boardwalks are for nature observation. Pedestrian traffic only. No cycling or skating. * No bicycles allowed on Mother Earth Sculpture * Overnight scout camping is permitted. Reservations are required, please call Precinct One Southside Reservation Office * Pets are allowed, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Park Reservations: Precinct One Southside Reservation Office 7901 El Rio Street Houston, TX 77054 Phone: 713-440-1587 Fax: 713-440-7355 For more information, contact us now! [ Click here to return to list of articles ]   Bookmark this website!

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