Buffalo Bayou Park is officially opened. After a $58 million renovation, the 160-acre and 2.3 mile green space that stretches along Buffalo Bayou features two pedestrian bridges, a picnic pavilion, one of the city’s largest dog parks, a skate park, and children’s play area.
The park was made possible through a public and private partnership led by Buffalo Bayou Partnership, The City of Houston Parks Department, Harris County Flood Control District and the Kinder Foundation.
The Kinder Foundation contributed $30 million dollars in 2010 toward the project in 2010. Buffalo Bayou Partnership raised an additional $23.5 million through over 850 individual donors.
“As Houston’s population grows, so will the desire for the quality of life amenities like parks and green spaces,” said Nancy Kinder, president of the Kinder Foundation.
“As a foundation, we saw an opportunity to work collaboratively to develop the urban jewel that is Buffalo Bayou Park, which will be enjoyed by individuals from all parts of the world.”
The park’s renovation project took just four years to complete, and was open throughout the construction. The vast improvements have taken the park from an empty grassy field to a vibrant green space where families can picnic, exercise, pontoon boat tours and even enjoy live entertainment.
“It was messy, weedy and difficult to navigate, but it gave a sense of what was possible. If you see this stretch of Buffalo Bayou from a canoe or a kayak there are places you can forget you are in the middle of the city and that is absolutely priceless,” said Mayor Annise Parker.
“What we have now is the ability to enjoy the entire stretch of park.”
The grand opening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony held by Mayor Parker, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership leadership, Rich and Nancy Kinder, and other dignitaries.
Citizens from around Houston enjoyed live entertainment and a fireworks display to celebrate Houston’s newest recreational destination.
“Buffalo bayou is embedded in the rich history of Houston. The vision and investment of our philanthropic community has delivered a premier park asset to our city, one that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Mayor Parker.