Bayou Greenways

In October 2013, the 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.

The Mason Park Bridge along Brays Bayou was completed in September 2018 as part of the Houston Parks Board's Bayou Greenways 2020 project. Photo courtesy of HPB/Anthony Rathbun.

The 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 promotes park equity throughout Houston.

Given that Bayou Greenways will create greenspace in communities with few to no parks, the 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 2020 project. Once Bayou Greenways is complete, it is estimated that 6 out of 10 Houstonians will live within a mile and half of a bayou park or trail.

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.

houstonparksboard.org

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