The city of Katy is set to begin construction on its first citywide trail system that will bring residents from the future Leyendecker Landing Park to downtown. Other projects are set to come to Katy City Park and Thomas Park, Katy Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Browne said.
Meanwhile, Fulshear residents will see the completion of two major parks projects, including Eagle Landing and the second phase of Primrose Park, both of which will bring resident-requested sports fields to the city, said Tiffany Stodder, assistant public works director for Fulshear. Additionally, residents could see a parks bond on election ballots sometime in 2025.
“Public parks and green spaces are community essentials,” said Bianca Clarke, director for The Trust of Public Land, a nationwide nonprofit that protects and creates park land. “Parks offer nearby residents a place to play, connect and reap the benefits of the outdoors.”
What's happening?
Katy’s upcoming 3-mile trail system aims to provide alternative methods of transportation and free opportunities for exercise to promote health and well-being, Browne said.
“We see the trail system primarily functioning to increase safe access to local schools, parks, events and businesses, helping to unburden some of the vehicular traffic congestion in the area,” he said.
The trails will be funded primarily by the city’s $4.2 million voter-approved May 2021 parks bond, which allocated $4 million to hiking and bike trails. Additional funds will be provided by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County.
Additionally, Fulshear has focused on its parks over the past few years with the completion of Primrose Park Phase 1 in 2021 and a focus on Phase 2 and 3, Stodder said. Construction also began in April on the new $4.69 million Eagle Landing Park, with an expected completion this summer.
“Parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for Fulshear residents,” she said. “They provide spaces for recreation, relaxation and social interaction, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.”
Zooming in
Both cities have heard requests from residents on growing their park land and enhancing amenities, officials said.
Katy City Council approved its park master plan in 2022 focused on parks, trails and amenities, with priority on resident-requested projects. Meanwhile, Fulshear officials are set to approve an updated strategic parks plan in the first quarter of this year, Stodder said.
“The Parks & Pathways Master Plan serves as a strategic roadmap for prioritizing park projects in alignment with community needs and long-term goals,” she said. “City staff are currently refining the plan based on feedback from the Parks & Recreation Commission.”
Only 33% of Katy residents and 19% of Fulshear residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, well below the average of the 100 most-populous cities in the U.S. at 74%, according to the Trust for Public Land.
The TPL launched the 10-Minute Walk program in 2017, which puts forth efforts to improve access to parks and green spaces, according to its website.
- A good park system provides different experiences based on the needs of the community that it serves,” Browne said.
- “Residents should know that parks in Fulshear are more than just green spaces—they are investments in our community’s future," Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy said.
Fulshear City Council could call for a potential general obligation bond in 2025 to help fund future parks projects, including Primrose Phase 3.
City staff was directed by council to bring options for both May and November to its January meeting for consideration. A May bond election must be called between Feb. 2-14, while a November election would need to be called between Aug. 6-18, according to agenda documents.
Meanwhile, Browne said the city of Katy plans to use the remaining funds from the city’s May 2021 bond to construct the city’s trail system and the first phase of creating a park at Leyendecker Landing.
Katy officials are constantly monitoring projects that would be a good fit for a bond, he said.
Contributions by Carson Weaver.
