Harris County Precinct 4 crews have begun construction of a net-zero facility at Carter Park.

Net-zero facilities create the energy they need to function with alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, and rain harvesting systems.

The facility will house restrooms and shelter for people on the trails at the Spring Creek Greenway and Carter Park.

“It’s going to have a little covered seating area, so if you’re out there and get caught in a storm, it will have a little covered area to get out of the weather,” Johnston said.

While flooding has delayed construction, the work could be completed in the fall, Johnston said.

The 15 miles of trails along the Spring Creek greenway have other areas that cannot tap into electrical power, he said.

“This is a test, albeit one that has a safety net to see if we can make one of these off-grid restrooms work,” Johnston said. “If we [make it work] we will continue to be able to build these along the greenway system; if this is a success, then we can do others.”

Johnston said Bill and Ellen Carter—Carter Park’s namesake—donated $50,000 to the project, which he estimates will cost $300,000.