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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polistes_carolina
Red wasp with black wings.
According to Wikipedia red wasps can nest on the underside of roofs, eaves, and bridges. They also nest in vegetation or hollow trees. Nests are constructed out of plant or wood fiber. Some of the largest nests contain 3,000-5,000 wasps.
This wasp was just resting on the tree for some time. The playground was very active with curious students, but the wasp did not seem to mind. Perhaps he was gathering some wood fiber to assist with building a nest.Upon closer inspection of the photo it looks as if the wasp is missing one left leg.
The above 2 species cannot be separated without use of microscopy, and P. rubiginosus is quite prevalent in Texas as well.