Bordering the Energy Corridor District, George Bush and Cullen/Bear
Creek Pioneers Parks provide the largest urban park space outside
of the National Park System. The reservoirs were authorized in 1938
after the tragic 1936 flood devastated downtown Houston . The two
massive rolled earthen dams were built in the 1940's to prevent
downstream flooding in the City of Houston . Barker Reservoir Is
located 17 miles west of downtown on Buffalo Bayou. Less than a
mile to the north, Addicks Reservoir is located at the confluence
of Bear Creek, South Mayde Creek, Langham Creek and Horsepen Creek,
tributaries of Buffalo Bayou. In addition to the reservoirs' flood
damage reduction mission, recreation and nature observation opportunities
abound through the 26,000 acres. The majority of land is leased
as recreation areas or cattle grazing. Longhorn cattle graze on
fenced pastures alongside miles of recreational trails dedicated
for hiking, jogging, roller blading and bicycling.
 There
are plenty of opportunities for family fun in Bush and Cullen/Bear
Creek Pioneers Parks. The Addicks Reservoir includes 12,000 acres
in Cullen Park and 2,000 acres in Bear Creek Pioneers Park Complex
featuring the Olympic-class Alkek Velodrome, baseball/softball fields,
community center, equestrian and nature trails, Farm and Ranch Club,
3 golf courses, a horseshoe park, lighted jogging trail, large pavilions,
picnic and barbeque areas, playgrounds, restrooms, rodeo arena,
soccer fields, tennis courts, Veteran's memorial, and wildlife habitat
and aviary. The 8,000-acre George Bush Park features the American
Shooting Center, baseball complex, equestrian area, hike and bike
trails, meeting room, pavilions, picnic tables, playgrounds, ponds,
Dick Scobee Model Airplane Fields (named in memory of the late NASA
astronaut who was the commander of the orbiter Challenger), soccer
complexes and restrooms. The 2,000-acre 5th Infantry Army Reserve
training grounds and 2,000-acre Fort Bend Park provide additional
variety of uses in Barker Reservoir.
Website Links
|
