× For the latest information on closures and reopenings, click here.
  • Visit
  • Cistern
  • Events & Tours
  • Support
  • Donate
  • Plans & Programs
  • About Us
  • A Naturalist’s Blog
  • Rentals & Permits
  • Calendar
Menu
donate trail map
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
  • Visit
    • Buffalo Bayou Park
    • Cistern
    • Sabine Promenade
    • Sesquicentennial Park
    • Allen’s Landing
    • Buffalo Bend Nature Park
    • Public Art along Buffalo Bayou
  • Events & Tours
    • Calendar
    • Cistern Tours
    • Boat Tours
    • Walking Tours
    • Self-Guided Tours
  • Rentals & Permits
    • Sunset Coffee Building
    • The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park
    • Eleanor Tinsley Park
    • Permits
  • Support
    • Become a Member
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • The Currents
    • Buffalo Bayou Boutique
  • Plans & Programs
    • Buffalo Bayou East
    • “Deeper Dive” Virtual Presentation Series
  • About Us
  • News
    • Press
    • Newsletters
  • Blog

News

Find the latest news about Buffalo Bayou Partnership and all the doings along Buffalo Bayou.

Aug 12

Enhancements Underway at Eleanor Tinsley Park; Generous $2M from Silver Eagle Distributors

After the busy summer festival season, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is beginning construction in Eleanor Tinsley Park that will improve the overall visitor experience.

Left: Eleanor Tinsley Park during a special event. Right: The park during every day use.

The changes in the area between Taft Street and Sabine Street will include upgraded infrastructure for special events at the park, trails and stairs for easier pedestrian access, as well as upgraded landscaping.

BBP has received a generous gift of $2 million from Silver Eagle Distributors, a Houston-based company with a longtime commitment as a community partner and generous supporter of citywide festivals along Buffalo Bayou. With this funding, changes such as a Skyline Overlook, redesigned parking spaces and an improved garden area will be added. In honor of this gift, the Skyline Overlook will be named the Nau Family Pavilion and the event meadow will be named the Bud Light Amphitheater. Read or listen to this KUHF story.

Jul 11

The Water Works Underground “Cistern”: A Historic Houston Space with Enormous Potential

Update (2018):

  • The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is accessible through a street-level entrance to the right of our Visitor Center located at 105 Sabine Street.
  • Tours of the Cistern are now available. Tickets must be purchased in advance. View the schedule and purchase tickets here.

This post was originally published on July 11, 2013. Some information may be out of date.

As the Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine project began in 2010, an amazing structure was rediscovered below the lawn that is to become the signature Sky Lawn at The Water Works (north of the existing Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark). The “Cistern,” as it has been dubbed, was the City of Houston’s first underground drinking-water reservoir. Built in 1927, it provided decades of service until it was drained when it sprang a leak that couldn’t be located or contained.

BBPCistern_03_Katya Horner

photo by Katya Horner/SlightClutter Photography

Unused for years, the 87,500-square-foot expanse includes 25-foot tall, slender concrete columns set row upon row, hovering over two inches of water on the reservoir’s floor. Buffalo Bayou Park designers recognized immediately that this highly unusual space brimmed with potential for new life as a public space with light flooding in from the entrance hatches – a dramatic, almost artful expanse is created. Read this Houston Chronicle article.

The space is only accessible via small hatches that open to 14-foot ladders creating enormous logistical difficulties in viewing and navigating the area.

Inspired by the space and challenge was Douglas Smith with SmartGeoMetrics, a Houston-based company with more than 30 years of combined experience providing 3D high definition laser services to industries such as petrochemical, civil engineering and architecture. Smith was so excited about the space that he and his team volunteered to acquire 3D imaging data of the cavernous space to document its as-is condition. This data can be used in software like AutoCAD and Revit as well as to create 3D fly-throughs and even autosteroscopic holograms. See a 3D fly-through.

smart geo

Laser scan point cloud showing the inside of The Cistern, photo by SmartGeometrics

Houston-based digital marketing company FuelFX also donated a specialized mobile and tablet APP to the project. The APP creates an interactive 3D augmented reality model of the “Cistern” that enables developers to better visualize the space in the palm of their hand. The APP debuted on August 29th at the “An Update on the Cistern Project” presentation at AIA Houston.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership received a $1.2 million grant from The Brown Foundation to make the necessary enhancements to bring the site up to code and will eventually turn it into a temporary art space.

 

May 31

Meet Our Partner, Katy Prairie Conservancy!

Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) are collaborating to increase Houston’s prairies. Twice monthly, KPC and its volunteers comb through some of the most pristine prairies left in the area including College Park Prairie, Nash Prairie and, of course, Katy Prairie for the best wildflower and native grass seeds that will be planted in a dozen acres of “pocket prairies” in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Once completed, these prairies will be a magnet for wildlife, a boon for photographers, and a reminder of Houston’s rich ecological and cultural history. Collectively, they will be one of the largest and most publicly accessible urban grasslands in the country.

May 31

Connect with Us

Did you know you can connect with Buffalo Bayou Partnership at virtually every corner of the internet? Post your favorite photos of the bayou on our Facebook page, chat with us on Twitter, or visit our website for the latest information on events and to learn more about what we do.

On the go? We are launching a Buffalo Bayou Partnership mobile app in late summer. You’ll be able to access the new trail map, find information on major destinations, view photo galleries, make a donation to Buffalo Bayou Partnership and more! Many thanks to all who participated in our app development survey shared in the March/April In the Works.

May 24

More About Parking and Accessibility

While encouraging people to take transit, ride their bikes or walk to Buffalo Bayou Park, Buffalo Bayou Partnership worked very hard to accommodate more parking spaces while not jeopardizing the park’s green spaces. Our plan for Buffalo Bayou Park includes increased parking at the following major destinations:

The Water Works area: 50 new spaces

Eleanor Tinsley Park: 20 redesigned spaces

Dog Park: 17 new parallel parking spaces

Lost Lake: 81 new parking spaces

Additionally, over 400 parking spaces are located at Lot H, off Memorial and Houston Avenue, which the City intends to convert to public parking on weekends. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is seeking other opportunities for shared parking with adjacent properties.

Of course, the two new pedestrian bridges will greatly improve access to the park, and due to the strong development taking place in neighborhoods north and south of the bayou, we anticipate many park visitors will walk and ride their bikes along our improved trails and footpaths.

The Rosemont Bridge with its related access trails to adjacent neighborhoods on the north side of Memorial is a major enhancement to the park’s accessibility, but access must also be improved to the neighborhoods south of Allen Parkway. In chapter 3, page 41 of the Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine master plan, Buffalo Bayou Partnership recommends access improvements like signalized intersections and crosswalks (at Taft and at Dunlavy) and an extension of the Rosemont Bridge across Allen Parkway, though these improvements are outside the scope of our project. Currently, recommendations are being considered by the City of Houston.

The intersection of Taft Street at Allen Parkwary.

Apr 02

Waterway Now Open at Montrose

Good news kayakers, canoeists and water enthusiasts! Buffalo Bayou near Montrose is open for park users, just in time for Spring. In mid-March, Harris County Flood Control District contractors completed channel realignment work in this area, allowing users to take uninterrupted trips down the bayou. Check our website for a list of upcoming boat tours.

First to get their feet wet? A record-breaking 800 participants in the 41st Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta on Saturday, March 16. Congratulations to winner Mark Addison, who completed the 15-mile race in 1:34:19!

Photos by Katya Horner/Slight Clutter Photography.

Apr 02

Construction Updates: March/April 2013

Clockwise from top left: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s trail widening work at Taft and Allen Parkway; Harris County Flood Control District channel realignment work at Jane Gregory Garden; TxDOT and City of Houston’s Shepherd Drive Bridge; Buffalo Bayou Partnership work at Police Memorial for new pedestrian bridge.

  • Phase II of construction will begin in April. This work includes the park’s overall site work, including landscaping, irrigation, trails, water features and more. Millis Development & Construction, Inc. has been awarded the Phase II contract.
  • Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is continuing its channel realignment work upstream to Shepherd. Please be mindful of their work as you make your way downstream.
  • HCFCD continues structural work to restore the bayou’s banks near the Jane Gregory Garden. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also working in this area, adding a widened trail at street level.
  • Work on the Police Memorial Bridge has begun. The north bank piers have already been installed and the south bank pier work is scheduled to begin soon.
  • Millis will soon install two dramatic support columns for the much-anticipated Jackson Hill Bridge.
  • The new pedestrian bridge at Shepherd Drive is open, but there is still work to be done at both its north and south approaches. Please be mindful that the contractor continues to work in this area.

Apr 02

Jump In and Get Involved

Would you and your neighbors or friends like to learn more about the improvements underway in Buffalo Bayou Park?

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is hosting a series of informational gatherings for residents living along the bayou and those just wanting to learn more about what’s going on. The first event, held on March 21 for 40 Memorial by Windsor residents, featured food, drinks and a brief presentation on the project. Attendees mingled with fellow bayou enthusiasts and signed up for Bayou Buddies, Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s young professionals group, just in time for Bayou Bash on April 13!

If you’d like to invite Buffalo Bayou Partnership to speak to your professional or networking group or homeowners association, please contact Trudi Smith, Director of PR and Events, at 713.752.0314 ext. 103.

Feb 01

Spotlight on Board Members “Running” the Show!

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is fortunate to have so many enthusiastic board members who are as committed to healthy living as they are to transforming the bayou. Three-year board member Lisa Foronda is an avid Buffalo Bayou Park user and all around picture of health. As highlighted in her in-depth 2010 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Lisa is also passionate about helping people improve their lifestyles. She is a volunteer coach for Power in Motion, an exercise group for beginning runners.

Lisa has been training on the Buffalo Bayou Park trails for 12 years, and recently ran the 41st Annual Houston Marathon presented by Chevron (her 15th marathon) alongside two other board members – Sis Johnson and ex-officio board member and Downtown District President and Executive Director Bob Eury. This was Bob’s 30th consecutive Houston Marathon, an accomplishment which earned him a coveted spot in the Houston Marathon Hall of Fame in early January. Bravo, fearless leaders!

Lisa Foronda, left, runs through Sabine Promeande. Bob Eury, right, completes his 30th consecutive Houston Marathon.

Feb 01

Construction Updates: February 2013

  • Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) continues to conduct channel realignment work near the Police Memorial. Canoeists and kayakers are asked to remove all watercraft at Montrose. After the waterway reopens around mid-March 2013, HCFCD will continue its work upstream to Shepherd.
  • In the coming weeks, HCFCD will also begin major structural work near the Jane Gregory Garden (just west of the Henry Moore bronze sculpture) and park users will see some large trees being removed from the bayou banks. Because of the severe erosion, HCFCD must get large equipment down to the bank to drill very large concrete drill shafts to pin the bank in place. This is necessary work important to the overall structure of the bayou. HCFCD is attempting to save as many trees as possible.
  • TxDOT and the City of Houston are nearing completion of the much-anticipated pedestrian bridge at Shepherd Drive and trail users can expect the bridge to be open soon

A special thanks to all bayou users and visitors – construction is at times inconvenient, but we are working to improve and make this stretch of Buffalo Bayou more accessible and enjoyable.

  • ←
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • →

For press inquiries, email Trudi Smith, Director of PR and Events, or call 713.752.0314 ext. 103.

News Coverage

  • Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s East Sector Plans Get a $10 Million Boost Houstonia Mag, December 9, 2020
  • What’s next for Buffalo Bayou? $10 million grant accelerates master plan's 3 key projects Houston Chronicle, December 9, 2020
  • Here's the next show coming to the Cistern. Imagine a turntable. Houston Chronicle, November 24, 2020
  • Houstonians toast Buffalo Bayou Park's birthday with picnic under the stars Culture Map, November 11, 2020
  • Houston’s Beloved $58 Million Park Celebrates a Milestone With the Ultimate Starry Night Paper City, November 9, 2020
  • Picnic celebrates Buffalo Bayou Park Houston Chronicle, November 6, 2020
  • Check Out Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales, an Exhibition 50 Years in the Making Houstonia Mag, October 28, 2020
  • El parque Buffalo Bayou celebra su quinto aniversario Univision, October 26, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou’s new soundtrack is heard in landscape thanks to ROCO Houston Chronicle, October 22, 2020
  • The story behind the new sculptures at Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park Houston Chronicle, October 20, 2020
more

Press Releases

  • Houston Endowment Awards Buffalo Bayou Partnership $10M Grant December 9, 2020
  • Immersive Installation by Anri Sala in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern November 23, 2020
  • Houston Celebrates Texas Arbor Day by planting 600 trees at Buffalo Bend Nature Center November 10, 2020
  • Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales (En Español) September 28, 2020
  • A “musical scavenger hunt” with ROCO and Buffalo Bayou Partnership September 21, 2020
  • Artful Anniversary: A series of virtual and visual arts events through the month of October to celebrate 5 Years of Buffalo Bayou Park September 10, 2020
  • Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales September 3, 2020
  • Harris County Flood Control District and Buffalo Bayou Partnership Making Repairs along Buffalo Bayou as part of the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Program August 20, 2019
  • Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Cistern: Spatial Chromointerference April 11, 2018
  • Encounter: Meeting Points on Buffalo Bayou March 5, 2018
more

Monthly Newsletters

  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - January 2021 January 13, 2021
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - December 2020 December 10, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - November 2020 November 10, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - October 2020 October 1, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - September 2020 September 9, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - August 2020 August 12, 2020
  • Buffalo Bayou eNewsletter - July 2020 July 17, 2020
  • Bringing Buffalo Bayou to You: Part 9 May 28, 2020
  • Bringing Buffalo Bayou to You: Part 8 May 20, 2020
  • Bringing Buffalo Bayou to You: Part 7 May 13, 2020
more

Banking on Buffalo Bayou

  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Winter 2020 January 2020
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Spring 2019 May 2019
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Winter 2019 January 2019
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Summer 2018 July 2018
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Summer 2017 August 2017
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Spring 2017 March 2017
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Winter 2016 December 2016
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Summer 2016 July 2016
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Spring 2016 March 2016
  • Banking on Buffalo Bayou - Fall 2015 December 2015
more

Categories

  • Art
  • Awards
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Board Members
  • Buffalo Bayou Park
  • Construction
  • East Sector
  • Español
  • Johnny Steele Dog Park
  • KBR Kids Day
  • Other Nations: A Naturalist's Blog
  • Press Releases
  • Staff
  • The Dunlavy
  • Uncategorized
  • Updates

Archives

Calendar

January 2021
M T W T F S S
« Dec    
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to get involved with keeping our parks and trails growing and the bayou flowing! Check out our Volunteer Opportunities or become a Buffalo Bayou Partnership Member today.

Membership Volunteer

Stay Connected

Bayou Boutique

Looking for a unique gift? Shop our Bayou Boutique!
Shop Now
  • Home
  • Visit
  • Support
  • Plans & Programs
  • About Us
  • News
  • Blog

1019 Commerce Street, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77002

t : 713.752.0314    f : 713.223.3500
info@buffalobayou.org

© 2021 Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
website by CORE Design Studio. Log in

Back to Top Events & Tours