Harris County renamed Horsepen Creek Park after fallen deputy Darren Goforth. Harris County renamed Horsepen Creek Park after fallen deputy Darren Goforth.[/caption]

Harris County commissioners voted Sept. 15 to rename Horsepen Creek Park as Deputy Darren Goforth Park in honor of the fallen deputy.

Goforth—a 10-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office—was fatally shot in the line of duty Aug. 28 at West and Telge roads in Cypress, less than two miles from the park.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack brought the name change request in front of commissioners court after speaking with Goforth’s widow.

“She liked the idea of [renaming] a park instead of a road name change,” he said. “I think she feels this is a better way to honor the family. I certainly think we should yield to the desires of the widow.”

New signs were installed along Barker Cypress Road near the park hours after commissioners approved the request to designate the new name. Radack said there could be plans in the future for a formal dedication.

The 165-acre Deputy Darren Goforth Park, located at 9118 Wheat Cross, features a dog park, playground, trails and lakes for fishing.

Numerous fundraising efforts are still underway for the Goforth family in Cy-Fair, including two events in late September. Masones Saloon will host a fundraiser from noon-9 p.m. Sept. 27, and Henry Hudson’s Pub has a fundraiser planned from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26.