Chevron and Impact Houston 26 Unite to Bring Resilient Soccer Field and Park Revitalization to Mason Park

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Chevron and Impact Houston 26, the legacy initiative launched by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee with the Sports Authority Foundation, today unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony a renovated, resilient soccer field at Mason Park as part of a broader series of upgrades and beautification efforts transforming the space.

Inspired by Impact Houston 26’s new Sustainable Soccer Fields Toolkit, the reimagined Mason Park pitch demonstrates how community soccer fields can serve as models for weather resilience and heat mitigation; water-smart and flood-conscious design; tree canopy, shade and natural habitat; and healthy, safe and inclusive play spaces. The field’s smart drainage system also helps filter rainwater, reducing flooding and supporting the park’s bayou habitat.

“Chevron is proud to invest in the communities where we live and work and Mason Park is a perfect example of what’s possible when we come together around a shared goal,” said Leah Casey, Chevron’s Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, Houston. “Soccer brings people of all backgrounds together and every family deserves a space that is beautiful, safe and built to last.”

Upon its completion, the ongoing Mason Park improvements will also include more than 130 new trees planted with a two-year hand watering program with Trees for Houston, the removal of invasive plant species, the creation of a habitat restoration area supported by field drainage, a children’s nature exploration area created by Houston Community ToolBank, new picnic tables, educational signage and student art, and updated bleachers that will be painted with an innovative coating to help keep its surfaces cooler.

“Impact Houston 26 was created to ensure the global stage this summer delivers a lasting generational impact for the Houston–Harris County region,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and the Sports Authority Foundation. “Not only will these investments elevate our public spaces and expand access to the world’s game, but this innovative soccer field will establish a new benchmark for how community sports infrastructure can support long-term sustainability for years to come.”

The Mason Park field is among the first to bring to life the vision of Impact Houston 26’s Sustainable Soccer Fields Toolkit, which provides guidance on integrating resilience into neighborhood fields. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Toolkit provides a framework for parks, schools, and community organizers to create high-performing recreational spaces that benefit both residents and the environment.

“Through this partnership with Chevron, Impact Houston 26 is channeling this global momentum to drive meaningful environmental change,” said Elizabeth Carlson, Chair of the Sustainability Subcommittee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee. “This investment at Mason Park will help continue cultivating a culture of innovation, education and community engagement that will endure well beyond 2026.”

“Access to quality green spaces is essential to the health, well-being, and quality of life of our families and neighborhoods,” said Joaquin Martinez, District I Houston City Council Member. “I’m proud of our partnership with Impact Houston 26 to bring meaningful improvements to our beloved Mason Park, creating a more vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for residents of all ages. These revitalization efforts, including a renovated soccer field and the planting of 130 trees, will expand recreational opportunities while providing lasting environmental benefits. The new trees will offer more shade, improve air quality, help reduce urban heat, and further enhance the natural beauty for generations to come. By investing in our parks and green spaces, we are investing in healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.” About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee

The Houston World Cup Host Committee, operating under the Sports Authority Foundation, collaborates with FIFA, the City of Houston, Harris County, and community stakeholders to ensure a world-class experience for players, fans, and visitors surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026™. Alongside stakeholders, the Host Committee oversees operations, safety, transportation and logistics for the seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches to take place at NRG Stadium and the open-to-the-public FIFA Fan Festival™ to be held in East Downtown Houston during the length of the tournament. A core tenet of the Host

Committee is a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Houston beyond the tournament via initiatives that advance human rights, sustainability, and the growth of soccer. Learn more at FWC26 Houston. About the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation

The Harris County–Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), founded in 1997, is responsible for servicing the debt of the world-class sports facilities it was created to build and ensuring their long-term sustainability. In support of this core mission, HCHSA leads the charge in attracting major sporting events to Houston and promoting our region as a home for all sports-related activities. This ultimately results in enhancing our economic development, improving the quality of life for our residents, and reinforcing Houston and Harris County as a premier destination for marquee sporting events. Its 501(c)(3) arm, the Sports Authority Foundation, manages the community engagement and legacy programs tied to major events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Houston, through Impact Houston 26. Learn more at Harris County–Houston Sports Authority and Sports Authority Foundation. About Impact Houston 26

Impact Houston 26 is a bold legacy program launched by the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee in collaboration with the Sports Authority Foundation, designed to ensure that Houston’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ creates meaningful, long-lasting benefits for the region. Operating under the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority’s Sports Authority Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-focused and charitable sports initiatives, Impact Houston 26 will guide and manage legacy programs that extend well beyond the tournament. Guided by three core pillars; Growing the Game, Defending Human Rights, and Protecting the Environment, the initiative aims to elevate the quality of life across the Greater Houston area and serve as a model for future World Cup host cities. Legacy efforts include (but are not limited to) field development, youth soccer programming, soccer clinics and tournaments, coach and referee development, sustainability efforts, human rights programs and community arts initiatives. Funding is supported by Impact Houston 26 Partners, who are committed to building a meaningful legacy impact anchored in sport, community and opportunity. Current Partners include: Airbnb, Aramco, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, CenterPoint, Cheniere, Chevron, Citgo, City of Sugar Land, Houston Methodist, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment, NRG, Oxy, Quanta, Rice University, Shell, and Sysco.

Click to Download Photos From The Press Conference

Media Contacts:

Jared Shanker | jshanker@fwc26houston.com

Colin Spaulding | media@fwc26houston.com