The Dean Highland Conservancy Initiative (DHCI) has been launched as a proactive service-based advocacy and fellowship program dedicated to solving several problems related to the neighborhood’s green spaces, alleyways, empty lots, historic homes and housing tracts, and “triangles.”
The DHCI is also to be used as a vehicle for organizing neighborhood efforts aimed at obtaining a world-class, 14-acre park in the empty Hillcrest parking lot located in the heart of our neighborhood (and, by extension, in the heart of Waco).
With a conservancy in action, Dean Highlanders no longer become passive actors in a rapidly-changing world. Dean Highlanders will no longer be ignored, taken for granted, or condescended to in negotiations related to the neighborhood’s growth, development, and governance.
The DHCI does not believe that hard-nosed reactionary tactics will further the neighborhood’s interests. Rather, the Conservancy Initiative seeks to weave service into the fabric of our neighborhood. With service — along with advocacy and fellowship – guiding our efforts at obtaining a world-class park and keeping what we do have clean, safe, and worthy of the neighborhood’s history, the Dean Highland Neighborhood Association believes that we can be a stronger, better looking, more organized, more welcoming to all, and safer neighborhood because of it.
Below is a short explanation for each of our focuses and how we plan to tackle them as a neighborhood conservancy.
Green Spaces
Dean Highland is currently home to two small “pocket parks” — Mitchell Park and Wenz Park, respectively – that are situated in the northern part of the neighborhood, and the neighborhood association is currently serving these “pocket parks” with zeal and abandon. You can read about our activity in these parks, as well as a general history of how they came about, and learn how to get involved in what we are doing with these “pocket parks,” here. If bi-monthly park cleanings are your thing, you will definitely want to check this out.
Alleyways
Dean Highland’s alleyways have long been a bane to homeowners and renters alike. Beginning in 2026, the DHNA is going to physically tackle these alleyways with blood, sweat, tears, and trash-cleaning equipment that we have received from the good folks at Keep Waco Beautiful. The long-term goal of our guerilla-style alleyway sweeps is two-fold: 1) a partnership with the City of Waco’s Public Works Department that is amiable, respectful, and collaborative; and 2) strong bonds between neighbors from all parts of Dean Highland that are built through service, love, and respect. If you have an alleyway in Dean Highland that you think could use a little service, love, and respect, let us know about it here.
Empty Lots
Dean Highland’s empty lots are few and far between, and the city does a great job of making sure that the neighborhood association is included in any and all decisions regarding the commercialization of our empty lots. Currently, we are exploring ways to keep these empty lots cleaner, and nothing is off the table, either, so if you have any suggestions, please get involved with the neighborhood association.
Historic Homes and Housing Tracts
Between the century-old homes belonging to Hillcrest hospital’s medical doctors, and the 80-year old postwar tract homes built during that era’s housing boom, Dean Highland’s residences are old and are surrounded by stories from the past and present. The Conservancy Initiative aims to make sure that Dean Highland’s homes and housing tracts age like fine wine. This Initiative also aims to ensure that those who may need help keeping up with yard maintenance get what they need with dignity and neighborly love.
“Triangles”
Dean Highland is home to several enchanting oddities that can only be described as “triangles”:
The DHNA has actually rehabilitated the most famous of the triangles already. From 2023-2025, we pursued and earned upgrades to the historical trolley stop triangle on 28th and Trice:
You can read more about our efforts for this triangle, which includes a prestigious Texas Historical Marker award, here.
The other four triangles in our neighborhood are not as charming, nor as historically relevant, as the trolley stop and they are currently filled with flyers, “yard sale” signs, broken glass liquor bottles, and dead grass. We want to change that. We want floral coverings, Dean Highland Neighborhood markers, and perhaps even some sculptures that help welcome guests and residents into the neighborhood. Our beautification efforts for these triangles are currently being pursued in collaboration with Waco’s Parks & Rec Department.
Join the Initiative!
The Dean Highland Conservancy Initiative is not an anti-growth initiative, nor is it meant to be a vehicle of exclusion or combativeness. Indeed, this Initiative seeks to be the first of its kind in the City of Waco: a unique, dynamic, creative, and inclusive initiative that gives neighbors the tools necessary to govern themselves and collaborate with others.
The Dean Highland Neighborhood Association is committed to bringing a 14-acre, world-class park to the empty Hillcrest lot. We have launched this conservancy initiative to show the city and those beyond (who may be interested in obtaining a stake in the empty lot) that Dean Highland’s residents are dedicated first and foremost to service, advocacy for others, and fellowship.
We are here to collaborate and bargain, not grovel for slivers of green space.
If you haven’t already, please sign up to become a member of the Dean Highland Neighborhood Association today. If you have any questions about our Initiative, please shoot us an email.