How can we make greenspace available to all Houstonians? Bayou Greenways brings convenient access to linear parks for nearly 1.5 million Houstonians. But that’s not everyone—yet. And that’s why our work continues to move Beyond the Bayous.
Beyond the Bayous is the umbrella for all of Houston Parks Board’s work, building on the foundation of the Bayou Greenways linear park system.
A landmark 2012 agreement between CenterPoint and the City of Houston approving recreational trails on CenterPoint’s rights of way was key to the launch and implementation of Beyond the Bayous and has paved the way for future connections and projects.
Beyond the Bayous looks to fulfill five primary objectives related to the essential issues that will impact Houston’s future as a vibrant, resilient, and equitable city. We use these objectives comprehensively to identify areas where we can make a profound difference locally and regionally. In our 2017 study, these objectives helped focus the greenspace strategy and determine the potential value of specific opportunities identified in the plan.
OBJECTIVES
EQUITY: Create, improve, protect, and advocate for parks for everyone.
ACCESS: Increase public access to park space and connectivity between parks, homes, and jobs.
ECOLOGY: Preserve and enhance urban ecosystems.
QUALITY: Improve the quality of parks.
COLLABORATION: Work with others to implement projects quickly.
We are using these five principles to guide our decisions about which projects to take on first.
CORNERSTONE PROJECTS
Beyond the Bayous includes parks and trails at all scales, both neighborhood and regional.
Currently, the Beyond the Bayous effort is focusing on six Cornerstone projects across Houston that embody our goals. These projects are opportunities to establish and refine Beyond the Bayous metrics while we build the next parts of this plan quickly. These projects will act as activity hubs, connectors, and destinations within the Beyond the Bayous network.
Coolgreen
Like all of Houston Parks Board’s work, we aren’t doing this alone.
Beyond the Bayous would not be possible without the generous support of Houston Endowment, and their transformative vision for expanding Houston’s public realm.
We also rely on our public sector partners, including the City of Houston, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precincts, City Council Members, County Commissioners, local management districts, and many others.
Most importantly, we will continue working with communities and Houstonians across the city. We strive to add meaningful engagement opportunities that make sure all Houstonians feel heard, welcome, and safe in their greenspaces.
We’ve been working with multiple partners on exciting projects across Harris County as part of Beyond the Bayous. Find more information on these projects below.
Precinct One CenterPoint Trails