Buffalo Bayou East
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
