The big picture
At a March 4 meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved an additional $364,945 for the design of Cullinan Park Phase 3 by engineering and design consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates. The third phase will add a multi-million dollar nature play area, Parks Development Manager Fenglin Du said in an email.
Design consultant staff have already completed 30% of Phase 3’s design, Du said.
A closer look
The third phase, located at 12414 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land, aims to create a Learn, Explore and Play concept focused on an accessible and immersive outdoor space for families and children to connect with nature, Du said.
According to agenda documents, the third phase will bring:
- Interactive play elements
- A treehouse
- Trails
- Boardwalk
- Pavilion
- Wetlands
- Signage
The cost
The 754-acre Cullinan Park was annexed by Sugar Land in January 2016 through an interlocal agreement with the city of Houston, according to agenda documents. Sugar Land is responsible for operations and maintenance, while the Cullinan Park Conservancy, a nonprofit, funds capital improvement projects.
The third phase is expected to cost approximately $3.4 million, which will be fundraised by the conservancy, Du said. As design progresses, a phased approach will be created to align with available funding.
Looking back
The park has already seen the completion of two phases in fall 2019 and spring 2024, respectively. According to agenda documents, the phases included:
- Phase 1: restroom, trailhead, boardwalk, signage and White Lake East Trails
- Phase 2: additional parking, trailheads, art monuments and 1.2 miles of trails
A final timeline is still being established, but officials said they hope to complete the design by the end of this year, with bidding expected in spring 2026, Du said. If funding is secured, officials said they hope to begin construction in late summer or fall 2026.
