What you need to know
The 634-linear-foot structure spans Brays Bayou from North Braeswood to South Braeswood boulevards between Stella Link and Buffalo Speedway. The bridge effectively connects Meyerland residents to the other side of the Brays Bayou Greenway without needing to cross a busy street.
The $3 million project, which broke ground in April, also included installing a 428-linear-foot concrete trail and the addition of bike racks and benches, all of which will be maintained by the Houston Parks Board, according to a Feb. 8 news release.
“Through this partnership with Commissioner Ellis, Houston Parks Board continues to expand and enhance safe connections along Brays Bayou Greenway,” Houston Parks Board CEO Beth White said in the release. “This bridge not only strengthens connections between communities across our region, but it also stands as a lasting tribute to the life and legacy of Rabbi Karff.”
Something to note
The bridge is named in honor of Rabbi Samuel Karff, a senior rabbi that served the Congregation Beth Israel in Houston from 1975 to 1999.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis said he chose to dedicate the bridge to Karff because it symbolizes the "connections he tirelessly worked to build across communities, ideologies and racial divides."
Karff's daughters—Amy Karff Halevy, Rachel Karff Weissenstein and Elizabeth Karff Seitz—said Karff used to walk the bayou for exercise and use the time for quiet contemplation.
“I cannot think of a more powerful symbol for dad than a bridge," Rachel Karff Weissenstein said at the ceremony. “In large and small ways throughout his entire life, he was a connector. He was a communicator extraordinaire.”
