Communities can look forward to enjoying new trail connections in southeast and east Houston
Houston Parks Board (HPB) is pleased to share that construction has begun on new Bayou Greenways segments along Sims Bayou and Greens Bayou.
“We are excited that construction has commenced on several new spans of Bayou Greenways, which have been thoughtfully tailored to fit within the existing landscapes of Sims Bayou and Greens Bayou,” said Beth White, president and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “Nearby communities will now have vital connections to more than three City of Houston parks as well as increased access to greenspace.”
“Transformative projects like Bayou Greenways do not happen very often in major cities,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “But this project has many benefits for all Houstonians – especially those living in marginalized communities. The new section is a strong example of the inclusiveness and equity I want to see more of in the city.”
In addition to trail construction, HPB has acquired 882 acres of land as part of the Bayou Greenways initiative, which will now be preserved as permanent greenspace. Of this, 501 acres were secured utilizing funds from the Kinder Foundation’s lead gift to the initiative. More than 300 of these acres are along Lower Greens, Halls, and Sims bayous.
“The start of this new segment of the Bayou Greenways project moves us a step closer to the goal of making Houston a more connected city,” said Kenneth Allen, director of City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “This remarkable project can stand as a model for the nation and an example of how partnerships, working together, can make a difference in Houston’s greenspaces.”
Sims Bayou Greenway
In July, construction began on approximately 2 miles of Sims Bayou Greenway between Robert C. Stuart Park (owned by the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department) and Law Park (owned by the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department) in southeast Houston. The trail will include connections into three City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department parks – Robert C. Stuart Park, Stewart Park, and Law Park. At the intersection of Hemingway Drive and Reed Road adjacent to Robert C. Stuart Park, the trail will transition to a scenic 5-foot-wide walking path with a dedicated bike lane alongside Reed Road including a concrete raised curb, striping, and signage. Plans also call for a street-level connection to Swallow Street and under-street crossing at Mykawa Road and the adjacent railroad.
Greens Bayou Greenway
Construction is also underway on nearly 3.6-miles of Greens Bayou Greenway. This includes approximately 1 mile of trail between Strickland Park (owned by the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department) and Green Dolphin Street as well as 2 miles of trail between US 90 and Business 90. A 3-foot-wide natural surface trail was designed for these locations to minimize the impact on the woodland forest, cypress bog, and tributary crossings distinct to this area of Greens Bayou.
Beginning at Strickland Park, the first segment of greenway spans 1.22 miles and travels north through Coolgreen (the former Texaco Golf Course, owned by HPB) to connect into Texaco Road and Green Dolphin Steet, which will serve as the temporary end of the greenway until a connection between Wallisville Road and US 90 is completed. The greenway under US 90 will be constructed as part of TxDOT’s US90 Mainland Bridge project, expected to begin in 2024. Construction on the greenway resumes on the north side of US 90 and continues 2.17 miles until it reaches Business 90.
“The preservation of greenspace across Houston is essential to bettering the quality of life for those who live here, and it is imperative that there is a concerted effort to expand access to greenspace into communities that are lacking,” said Nancy Kinder, president and CEO of Kinder Foundation. “The Kinder Foundation is delighted to help fund the acquisition of land as part of our involvement in Bayou Greenways.”
Construction on the Greens Bayou Greenway segments is expected to conclude in spring 2023, and Sims Bayou Greenway work is expected to conclude in summer of 2023. During construction, the public should not enter areas surrounded by orange caution fencing.
The greenways will be outfitted with standard Bayou Greenways features including interpretive and directional signage, benches, trash cans, and recycling containers. Following construction, HPB will continue ongoing maintenance of Sims and Greens Bayou Greenways, which includes weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly mowing of grass along the trail, upkeep of the trail and amenities, and any necessary flood cleanup.