[7] As the owners lacked funds to keep the park open year-round, it was originally solely used for Juneteenth celebrations.

[6] During this period, the park constructed a recreation center, swimming pool, and bathhouse, designed by prominent Houston architect William Ward Watkin.

The buildings have been used for after-school and summer programs for children, community meetings, and classes for youth and adults.

On November 7, 2007 the Houston City Council declared the park a historic landmark after it voted unanimously to do so.

[17] In 2012, Mayor of Houston Annise Parker made requests for donations in order to secure additional funding.

In 2016, the group entered into a 30-year joint management agreement with the City of Houston to provide fundraising and maintenance for the park.

[22] In January 2017, Houston City Council voted unanimously to legally designate Emancipation Avenue.

Mimi Swartz of Texas Monthly described him as "arguably" the "most prominent" American black architect.