Location
US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin
Houston’s history has been shaped by Buffalo Bayou. Traveling east along the bayou’s hike and bike trails, visitors enter one of Houston’s most historic and culturally rich areas. In 1914 the Houston Ship Channel opened to deep-water navigation and the channel, in combination with the railroads, transformed the area into the industrial heart of Houston. Today, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is working to bring new parks and trails, vibrant cultural destinations, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements to the Greater East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. We call this area, stretching from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin, Buffalo Bayou East.
A 10-Year Plan for Buffalo Bayou East
Informed by significant community outreach and engagement, Buffalo Bayou Partnership launched a master plan for Buffalo Bayou East. Rooted in the core values of Authenticity, Connectivity, Inclusivity, and Resiliency, the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan creates a long-term vision for vibrant public spaces, dynamic cultural destinations, and connected neighborhoods along Buffalo Bayou east of downtown.
BBP and its partners are now realizing the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan to create a cohesive system of parks, green spaces, and transformed industrial relics for community and recreation in this historic area of Houston.
Major projects of the 10-Year Plan include:
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Expansion of the City’s Tony Marron Park from 19 to 40 acres
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Restoration of Japhet Creek to connect the Fifth Ward to Buffalo Bayou and beyond
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Extension of the bayou trail system from downtown into Buffalo Bayou East
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Addition of two bayou-crossing pedestrian bridges
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Transformation of Turkey Bend into a recreational and cultural destination
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Development of affordable housing for the community
Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan Timeline
From 2022 to 2032, numerous parks, trails, pedestrian bridges, and transformed industrial spaces will be constructed and opened to the public as part of the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan. Find current timing for projects in design and construction here.
Please note that construction timelines are subject to change. Updates will be shared here as available.
Japhet Creek Park
- Construction began: January 2023
- Construction completed: May 2024
Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou
- Construction began: January 2023
- Construction completed: September 2024
Garver Park
- Construction began: May 2024
- Construction completed: October 2025
The Warehouse at Turkey Bend
- Construction began: April 2024
- Construction completed: October 2025
North Bank Hike and Bike Trail – US-59 to Jensen Drive
- Construction began: May 2024
- Construction completes: November 2025
Tony Marron Park
- Construction began: November 2024
- Construction completes: Spring 2027
Marron Park Way
- Construction began: April 2025
- Construction completes: Early 2026
The Wharf at Turkey Bend
- Construction began: August 2025
South Bank Hike and Bike Trail – Jensen Drive to Tony Marron Park
- Construction began: November 2025
- Construction completes: Late 2026
Silos and Stormwater Crossing
- Construction began: November 2025
- Construction completes: Late 2026
Gregg Street Pedestrian Bridge
- Construction began: Summer 2026
- Construction completes: Late 2027
Japhet Creek Trail and Kinder Pedestrian Bridge to Tony Marron Park
- Construction began: Early 2026
- Construction completes: Late 2027
By 2032, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and its partners will realize the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan, bringing parks, trails, bayou-crossing bridges, affordable housing, cultural destinations, and infrastructure improvements to the Greater East End and Fifth Ward. This visionary plan is made possible by a $100 million catalyst gift from the Kinder Foundation to Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which leveraged significant public support from Harris County and the City of Houston, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds.
To learn more about Buffalo Bayou East giving opportunities, please contact Leigh McBurnett, Vice President of Development, at 713.752.0314 ext. 105. Join with Buffalo Bayou Partnership as we continue to establish a vital, connected, and welcoming waterfront for all Houstonians.
