The Houston Parks Board (HPB), a nonprofit dedicated to expanding parks and trails, announced that design work has begun on the Cypresswood Spring Trail, a new connector between the Cypress Creek and Spring Creek Greenways. The project was introduced at a community meeting on Sept. 17, where residents were invited to share input and ask questions.
Project partnership and funding
HPB is partnering with Harris County Precinct 3 to fund the design phase. Precinct 3 will also assume responsibility for trail maintenance once construction is finished. IDS Engineering Group, a civil‑engineering firm, has been contracted to produce the design plans.
The trail will stretch 3.52 miles and feature an 8‑foot‑wide concrete surface, providing a safe, accessible route for cyclists, walkers, and families. Design work is expected to conclude by July 2027, after which the project will move into a bidding phase followed by construction.
Timeline and costs
According to Lisa Graiff, senior project manager for HPB, the bidding process will take several months, and construction is projected to last about one year, targeting a July 2028 completion. Construction costs are estimated at roughly $5 million. The design phase carries a price tag of $1.33 million, with Precinct 3 contributing up to $665,000 from bond proceeds and HPB matching that amount to cover additional design expenses and potential overruns.
HPB is also seeking a federal grant to help fund construction. “We’re hoping we get that federal funding,” Graiff said. “If we don’t get that, we’ve got a few other ideas of where we can potentially get funding. So the schedule might grow a little bit if we can’t get our funding in place by July of next year.”
Community impact
The Harris County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement between Precinct 3 and HPB on Aug. 6 to move the project forward. Precinct 3 will provide trash bins, signage, and 911 mile markers along the trail, enhancing safety and maintenance. The mile markers, placed every quarter mile, display specific numbers to help emergency responders locate callers quickly.
Approximately 57,000 residents live within 1.5 miles of the proposed route, putting the trail within a ten‑minute bike ride for many families. The alignment includes two minor and three major road crossings, and four potential trailheads have been identified for easy access.
Local leadership and next steps
Jim Robertson, chairman of the Cypress Creek Greenway Project, called the connector “really significant,” noting that years of work on the Cypress Creek Greenway will finally achieve the long‑sought link to the Spring Creek Greenway.
HPB plans to hold another community update meeting between January and March 2027 to keep residents informed of progress and any funding developments.
With strong local partnership, clear funding strategies, and active community involvement, the Cypresswood Spring Trail promises to enhance recreation, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen the network of greenways serving Houston’s residents.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
