Bayou Greenways

In October 2013, Kinder Foundation pledged $50 million to the non-profit Houston Parks Board for the Bayou Greenways project, one of the most ambitious parks projects in the country.

Mason Park Bridge across Brays Bayou, taken on Bayou Greenways Day 2019. Photo courtesy of Houston Parks Board / Anthony Rathbun Photography
Hunting Bayou Greenway in Leland Park. Photo courtesy of Houston Parks Board / Anthony Rathbun.
Sims Bayou Greenway. Photo courtesy of Houston Parks Board / Anthony Rathbun.

Kinder Foundation was inspired by the visionary project to create new parkland and trails to connect greenspaces along Houston’s bayous. The creation of parkland, trails and natural areas along major bayous – while enhancing, protecting and preserving water quality, natural habitat, and native wildlife – enhances the overall health and welfare of the city and increases park access throughout Houston.

Given that Bayou Greenways creates greenspace in communities with few to no parks, Kinder Foundation made conscious decisions on how the $50 million investment would be applied to the bayou segments that form the heart of the Bayou Greenways project. Once Bayou Greenways is complete, it is estimated that 1.5 million people will live within a mile and half of a greenway.

The Bayou Greenways project is funded through a public-private partnership, including the Kinder Foundation’s grant, $100 million of 2012-voter-approved bond money from the City of Houston, and an additional $120 million raised by the Houston Parks Board.

Information on page is current as of April 2, 2025. Lifetime gift total of $50 million may include other gifts not mentioned in the web copy above.

houstonparksboard.org

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