Honor our heroes new sign project

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    April 19, 2025, was officially proclaimed Tim Hearn Day in Houston, and we were deeply honored to be joined by Officer Hearn’s lifelong friend, Mayor John Whitmire. The two graduated together from Waltrip High School in 1968 and stood beside each other as best men in each other’s weddings.

     Tragically, just ten years later, on June 8, 1978, Officer Tim Hearn was killed in the line of duty at age 28, leaving behind a wife and young son. He was working undercover for the Houston Police Department when he was murdered while attempting an arrest. Good looking and a recent UT graduate and leader among his peers, Tim also captained the HPD RAIDERS Softball Team, often playing right here in Cleveland Park. It is only fitting that the city chose to name this ballfield in his honor.

    Yet it took 20 years to even place a sign in the park—and the one currently displayed barely tells the story of this Houston hero. Tim Hearn graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree from the nation’s top-ranked accounting program, but he chose a life of public service and joined the Houston Police Department instead. He is survived by his wife Jenny, his son Tory, and two grandsons who live in the Woodlands. 

     In 2025, Friends of Cleveland Park was founded as a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the ballfield and enhancing the park. Our goals include planting 50–80 new trees in November 2025 and advocating for a new playground, bridge, and redesigned dog park area.

     Like the Hearn family, we believe the current ballfield sign—with its awkward font and lack of meaningful information—does not do justice to Officer Hearn’s legacy. Thankfully, with support from the Mayor and assistance from HPARD, we are proud to announce that the field has been officially renamed:

 Officer Timothy L. Hearn Memorial Ballfield.

Adding just the words “Officer” and “Memorial” already gives visitors a deeper understanding of who Tim was. In fact, a survey of park visitors in March 2024 revealed that only 4% knew Officer Hearn’s story—something we aim to change.

Every dollar donated will go directly to the creation of the new sign, beautification of the ballfield, flags, and updated dugout amenities.  We are halfway there  -please donate today.