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Coordinates: 29°45′40″N 95°23′02″W / 29.761°N 95.384°W / 29.761; -95.384
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{{AFC submission|t||ts=20200610234007|u=Bry0909|ns=118|demo=}}<!-- Important, do not remove this line before article has been created. -->

{{Infobox park
{{Infobox park
| name = Buffalo Bayou Park
| name = Buffalo Bayou Park
| photo = [[File:Buffalo Bayou - Downtown Houston.jpg|250px|frameless|center|Downtown Houston from Buffalo Bayou Park]]
| photo = Buffalo Bayou - Downtown Houston.jpg
| photo_caption = Downtown Houston from Buffalo Bayou Park
| photo_caption = Downtown Houston from Buffalo Bayou Park
| type = [[Linear park]]
| type = [[Linear park]]
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| coords = {{Coord|29.761|-95.384|region:US|format=|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{Coord|29.761|-95.384|region:US|format=|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{convert|160|acre|km2}}
| area = {{convert|160|acre|km2}}
| opened = October 2015
| opened = October 2015
| operator = [https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/buffalo-bayou-park/%20buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou Partnership]
| operator = [https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/buffalo-bayou-park/%20buffalobayou.org Buffalo Bayou Partnership]


P. Mirani
| visitation_num =
| visitation_num =
| status = Open
| status = Open
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}}
}}


'''Buffalo Bayou Park''' is a 2.3 mile long municipal park located along the banks of the [[Buffalo Bayou]] near [[Downtown Houston, Texas]].
'''Buffalo Bayou Park''' is a 2.3 mile long municipal park located along the banks of the [[Buffalo Bayou]] near [[Downtown Houston, Texas]].


With a total area of 160 acres, Buffalo Bayou Park stretches from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. Opened in 2015, the park features a variety of recreational activities including a skate park, picnic area, children's play area, dog park, cultural events hall, and miles of bike and hiking trails. <ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park - An Ambitious Public Space |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/Buffalo-Bayou-Park-an-ambitious-public-space-6740432.php |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>
With a total area of 160 acres, Buffalo Bayou Park stretches from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. Opened in 2015, the park features a variety of recreational activities including a skate park, picnic area, children's play area, dog park, cultural events hall, and miles of bike and hiking trails.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park - An Ambitious Public Space |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/Buffalo-Bayou-Park-an-ambitious-public-space-6740432.php |website=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


The area now known as Buffalo Bayou Park was earmarked for parkland since the early 1900's. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the City of Houston was gifted or outright purchased tracts of land around the Bayou with the intention of creating a city park. Due to increasing development, the land was subdivided into smaller parks, roadways, various public spaces and [[Interstate 45]]. Eventually, due to the presence of [[Allen Parkway]] to the south and [[Memorial Drive]] to the north, it became difficult for pedestrians to enter the park. During the 1950's, consistent flooding issues led the [[Army Corps of Engineers]] to strip the banks of vegetation and straightened the Bayou in order to allow floodwaters to easily pass through. The project failed to improve drainage as the lack of trees caused brush to grow and impede the flow of water. <ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park |url=https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites/buffalobayoupark.html |website=Houston Parks and Recreation}}</ref>
The area now known as Buffalo Bayou Park was earmarked for parkland since the early 1900s. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the City of Houston was gifted or outright purchased tracts of land around the Bayou with the intention of creating a city park. Due to increasing development, the land was subdivided into smaller parks, roadways, various public spaces and [[Interstate 45]]. Eventually, due to the presence of [[Allen Parkway]] to the south and [[Memorial Drive (Houston)|Memorial Drive]] to the north, it became difficult for pedestrians to enter the park. During the 1950s, consistent flooding issues led the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|Army Corps of Engineers]] to strip the banks of vegetation and straighten the Bayou in order to allow floodwaters to easily pass through. The project failed to improve drainage as the lack of trees caused brush to grow and impede the flow of water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park |url=https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites/buffalobayoupark.html |website=Houston Parks and Recreation}}</ref>


In 2011, the city entered an agreement with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership to develop and renovate the site. The $50 million renovation project was financed by a series of private donations, including a $30 million from the Kinder Foundation, with some public funding. <ref>{{cite web |title=$55 million 'green' plan to beautify Buffalo Bayou |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/55-million-green-plan-to-beautify-Buffalo-Bayou-1682890.php |website=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> [[Eleanor Tinsley Park]], which is now a section of Buffalo Bayou Park was also renovated during the same project. <ref>{{cite web |title=Eleanor Tinsley Park Getting a Face Lift |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Eleanor-Tinsley-Park-getting-a-facelift-4717817.php |website=chron.com |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> The updated park was officially opened in October 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park opens after four year renovation |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/article/Buffalo-Bayou-Park-opens-after-four-year-9810330.php#photo-11338037 |website=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
In 2011, the city entered an agreement with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership to develop and renovate the site. The $50 million renovation project was financed by a series of private donations, including a $30 million from the Kinder Foundation, with some public funding.<ref>{{cite web |title=$55 million 'green' plan to beautify Buffalo Bayou |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/55-million-green-plan-to-beautify-Buffalo-Bayou-1682890.php |website=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> [[Eleanor Tinsley Park]], which is now a section of Buffalo Bayou Park was also renovated during the same project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eleanor Tinsley Park Getting a Face Lift |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Eleanor-Tinsley-Park-getting-a-facelift-4717817.php |website=chron.com |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> The updated park was officially opened in October 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bayou Park opens after four year renovation |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/article/Buffalo-Bayou-Park-opens-after-four-year-9810330.php#photo-11338037 |website=Houston Chronicle |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>


== Attractions ==
== Attractions ==
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===Johnny Steele Dog Park===
===Johnny Steele Dog Park===
[[File:Johnny Steele Dog Park.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Johnny Steele Dog Park]]
[[File:Johnny Steele Dog Park.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Johnny Steele Dog Park]]
Named after Houston architect, Johnny Steele, the dog park opened in January 2015. The 2 acre park consists of separate play areas for large and small dogs, a pond where dogs can swim freely, and dog washing areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wildly popular Buffalo Bayou dog park reopens with new perks for pups |url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-13-18-must-love-dogs-allen-parkway-buffalo-bayou-dog-park-reopens/#slide=0 |website=Culture Map Houston |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> Due to its proximity to the Bayou, it is designed to handle periods of flooding from storms.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Much Will the Repairs to Buffalo Bayou’s Dog Park Cost? |url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2018/05/buffalo-bayou-park-dog-park |website=Houstonia Magazine |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Flooding and the Effects on Johnny Steele Dog Park |url=https://buffalobayou.org/flooding-and-the-effects-on-johnny-steele-dog-park/ |website=Buffalo Bayou Partnership |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
Named after Houston architect, Johnny Steele, the dog park opened in January 2015. The 2 acre park consists of separate play areas for large and small dogs, a pond where dogs can swim freely, and dog washing areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wildly popular Buffalo Bayou dog park reopens with new perks for pups |url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-13-18-must-love-dogs-allen-parkway-buffalo-bayou-dog-park-reopens/#slide=0 |website=Culture Map Houston |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref> Due to its proximity to the Bayou, it is designed to handle periods of flooding from storms.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Much Will the Repairs to Buffalo Bayou’s Dog Park Cost? |url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2018/05/buffalo-bayou-park-dog-park |website=Houstonia Magazine |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Flooding and the Effects on Johnny Steele Dog Park |url=https://buffalobayou.org/flooding-and-the-effects-on-johnny-steele-dog-park/ |website=Buffalo Bayou Partnership |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
===Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark===
===Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark===
The 30,000 square foot [[Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark|skate park]] is named after Houston attorney [[Joe Jamail]]. Completed in 2008 at a cost of $2.7 million and renovated in 2016, the world-class skate park has hosted a variety of events and competitions. <ref>{{cite web |title=When Is the Jamail Skatepark Reopening? |url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2017/01/when-is-the-jamail-skatepark-reopening |website=Houstonia Magazine |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
The 30,000 square foot [[Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark|skate park]] is named after Houston attorney [[Joe Jamail]]. Completed in 2008 at a cost of $2.7 million and renovated in 2016, the world-class skate park has hosted a variety of events and competitions.<ref>{{cite web |title=When Is the Jamail Skatepark Reopening? |url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/2017/01/when-is-the-jamail-skatepark-reopening |website=Houstonia Magazine |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.jpg|300px|thumb|Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark]]
[[File:Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.jpg|300px|thumb|Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark]]

===Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion===
===Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion===
Located near the skatepark, the '''Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion''' includes a boulder rock scramble, a stream and waterfall, a sandpit, climbing logs and stones and a slide. It features a tree house with a climbing net and a picnic pavilion that can be rented out for events such as birthday parties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion |url=https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/buffalo-bayou-park/ |website=Buffalo Bayou Partnership |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>
Located near the skatepark, the '''Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion''' includes a boulder rock scramble, a stream and waterfall, a sandpit, climbing logs and stones and a slide. It features a tree house with a climbing net and a picnic pavilion that can be rented out for events such as birthday parties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion |url=https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/buffalo-bayou-park/ |website=Buffalo Bayou Partnership |accessdate=11 June 2020}}</ref>

=== The Cistern ===
[[File:Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.jpg|alt=Columns and their reflections from inside the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park|thumb|The Cistern]]
The '''Cistern''' is a 87,500 square foot public space for visual art and sound installations<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Mortice |first=Zach |date=2017 |title=The Cistern |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=guest&db=edb&AN=120974206&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8436643&&profile=edsfolio&authtype=sso&groupid=main&profile=edsfolio |journal=Contract |volume=58 |issue=1 |pages=126-129 |via=EBSCO}}</ref>. Once a water reservoir for the City of Houston, the structure was decommissioned in 2007 due to an irreparable water leak.<ref name=":0" /> In 2010, Houston architecture and engineering firm, Page, transformed the historic reservoir into an ultra minimalist, safe, and accessible attraction.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Cistern – Buffalo Bayou Partnership |url=https://buffalobayou.org/location/the-cistern/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> The Cistern opened in May 2016<ref name=":1" />, and the first art exhibit debuted in December 2016.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 2017 |title=From Water to Art |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=guest&db=buh&AN=120322383&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8436643&&profile=edsfolio&authtype=sso&groupid=main&profile=edsfolio |journal=PM Network |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=12-13 |via=EBSCO}}</ref>

* [[Eleanor Tinsley Park]]
* [[Eleanor Tinsley Park]]
* Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
* The Cistern
* Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
* Lost Lake
* Lost Lake
* [[Houston Police Officer's Memorial]]
* [[Houston Police Officer's Memorial]]
* Tapley Tributary
* Tapley Tributary




== References ==
== References ==
Line 51: Line 56:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Parks in Houston]]

[[:Category:Parks in Houston]]

{{AfC submission|||ts=20201124014740|u=Bry0909|ns=118}}


Revision as of 18:33, 29 June 2024

Buffalo Bayou Park
Downtown Houston from Buffalo Bayou Park
Map
TypeLinear park
LocationHouston, Texas
Coordinates29°45′40″N 95°23′02″W / 29.761°N 95.384°W / 29.761; -95.384
Area160 acres (0.65 km2)
OpenedOctober 2015
Operated byBuffalo Bayou Partnership


P. Mirani
StatusOpen
WebsiteHouston Parks and Recreation

Buffalo Bayou Park is a 2.3 mile long municipal park located along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou near Downtown Houston, Texas.

With a total area of 160 acres, Buffalo Bayou Park stretches from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. Opened in 2015, the park features a variety of recreational activities including a skate park, picnic area, children's play area, dog park, cultural events hall, and miles of bike and hiking trails.[1]

History

The area now known as Buffalo Bayou Park was earmarked for parkland since the early 1900s. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the City of Houston was gifted or outright purchased tracts of land around the Bayou with the intention of creating a city park. Due to increasing development, the land was subdivided into smaller parks, roadways, various public spaces and Interstate 45. Eventually, due to the presence of Allen Parkway to the south and Memorial Drive to the north, it became difficult for pedestrians to enter the park. During the 1950s, consistent flooding issues led the Army Corps of Engineers to strip the banks of vegetation and straighten the Bayou in order to allow floodwaters to easily pass through. The project failed to improve drainage as the lack of trees caused brush to grow and impede the flow of water.[2]

In 2011, the city entered an agreement with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership to develop and renovate the site. The $50 million renovation project was financed by a series of private donations, including a $30 million from the Kinder Foundation, with some public funding.[3] Eleanor Tinsley Park, which is now a section of Buffalo Bayou Park was also renovated during the same project.[4] The updated park was officially opened in October 2015.[5]

Attractions

Johnny Steele Dog Park

Johnny Steele Dog Park

Named after Houston architect, Johnny Steele, the dog park opened in January 2015. The 2 acre park consists of separate play areas for large and small dogs, a pond where dogs can swim freely, and dog washing areas.[6] Due to its proximity to the Bayou, it is designed to handle periods of flooding from storms.[7][8]

Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

The 30,000 square foot skate park is named after Houston attorney Joe Jamail. Completed in 2008 at a cost of $2.7 million and renovated in 2016, the world-class skate park has hosted a variety of events and competitions.[9]

Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion

Located near the skatepark, the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion includes a boulder rock scramble, a stream and waterfall, a sandpit, climbing logs and stones and a slide. It features a tree house with a climbing net and a picnic pavilion that can be rented out for events such as birthday parties.[10]

The Cistern

Columns and their reflections from inside the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park
The Cistern

The Cistern is a 87,500 square foot public space for visual art and sound installations[11]. Once a water reservoir for the City of Houston, the structure was decommissioned in 2007 due to an irreparable water leak.[11] In 2010, Houston architecture and engineering firm, Page, transformed the historic reservoir into an ultra minimalist, safe, and accessible attraction.[12] The Cistern opened in May 2016[12], and the first art exhibit debuted in December 2016.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Buffalo Bayou Park - An Ambitious Public Space". Houston Chronicle.
  2. ^ "Buffalo Bayou Park". Houston Parks and Recreation.
  3. ^ "$55 million 'green' plan to beautify Buffalo Bayou". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  4. ^ "Eleanor Tinsley Park Getting a Face Lift". chron.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  5. ^ "Buffalo Bayou Park opens after four year renovation". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Wildly popular Buffalo Bayou dog park reopens with new perks for pups". Culture Map Houston. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  7. ^ "How Much Will the Repairs to Buffalo Bayou's Dog Park Cost?". Houstonia Magazine. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Flooding and the Effects on Johnny Steele Dog Park". Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  9. ^ "When Is the Jamail Skatepark Reopening?". Houstonia Magazine. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion". Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  11. ^ a b Mortice, Zach (2017). "The Cistern". Contract. 58 (1): 126–129 – via EBSCO.
  12. ^ a b "Cistern – Buffalo Bayou Partnership". Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  13. ^ "From Water to Art". PM Network. 31 (1): 12–13. January 2017 – via EBSCO.