According to an April 11 newsletter from Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin—who represents the city of Houston's District E, which includes Kingwood—the project is a partnership between the Houston Parks Board and the Harris County Flood Control District, which purchased the land to convert it to green space. The segment—which spans 2.5 miles from Woodland Hills Drive to Hamblen Road—goes through a former townhome community, The Riverview Townhomes at Forest Cove, which HCFCD acquired and demolished using their own funds as well as funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"This partnership brought recreational amenities to the area and removed people from harm's way of repetitive and devastating flooding," the newsletter reads.
Construction on the project took more than two years beginning in January 2021 and wrapping up in March. Notable features of the segment include:
- New off-street trails, as well as the use of existing residential streets for the trail system;
- Trail connection for Kingwood residents at Woodland Hills Drive to access the San Jacinto Bayou Greenway;
- Planting of native trees, meadows and wildflowers;
- Benches, seating areas and overlooks;
- Interpretive and directional signage; and
- Trash cans and recycling containers.
The grand opening celebration will take place April 15 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Forest Cove Community Center, which is located at 1025 Marina Drive, Houston. The event will include complimentary tacos from El Jimador, live music provided by DJ Waynehead, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a 20-minute guided group bike ride along the new trail segment. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets.
To RSVP to the grand opening event, click here.
