If you’ve never heard of Willow Waterhole Greenway, a nearly 300-acre gem of an urban green space only minutes from some of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods and business centers, you’re not alone. Tucked just south of Meyerland in Westbury, Willow Waterhole Greenway is relatively new but quickly gaining popularity for its unique combination of natural beauty and amenities just minutes from some of Houston’s most well-known attractions and business districts.
Conveniently located near the southwest corner of Loop 610 between Chimney Rock and S. Post Oak, just north of U.S. Hwy 90A (South Main), Willow Waterhole Greenway is first and foremost a unique flood mitigation effort that helps protect the surrounding communities from extreme weather events. And thanks to the dedication and commitment to bring funding to the site, today the combination of park and nature preserve means there’s something for everyone.
M2L Principal Michael Mauer leads the firm’s effort to create a trail system linking the six lakes. Working closely with Gauge Engineers on the long-term project to reroute eight miles of trails and preserve and protect existing trees and habitats that support the natural wildlife and ecosystem that make the site so special. “Willow Waterhole is solving important flood resiliency and environmental challenges while serving the community with valuable park and recreational green space,” Mauer said. “We couldn’t be more honored to play a role in creating the new, winding trail system while preserving existing trees and wetlands. Willow Waterhole promises to be a unique place and experience for generations to come.”
Read on to learn more about this featured project in our portfolio and why we say this little-known green space “has something for everyone!”
Why are greenways so important in and around Houston?
You don’t have to live in Houston long to know the city has an undeniable flooding problem. Flat topography, overdevelopment and the proliferation of concrete, lack of resiliency funding, and Gulf Coast weather are all factors. In more recent years, city and urban planners, engineers, environmental experts, and landscape architects along with community conservancy efforts have collaborated to create innovative parkland systems and greenways to control stormwater runoff and flooding. Construction of the basin complex that is now Willow Waterhole Greenway began approximately 20 years ago in the wake of Tropical Storm Alison and as flooding worsened. Today the system is considered a beacon of hope and a blueprint for more effective flood control and safer communities.
So the greenway is more than just beautiful. How does the flood mitigation work?
The location is home to six interconnected lakes ranging in size from 10 aces to 110 acres, excavated to a depth with the same elevation as the Willow Waterhole Bayou. During flooding events, the six lakes hold excess stormwaters — up to 600 million gallons! — from Willow Waterhole Bayou and the larger Brays Bayou that might otherwise flood surrounding neighborhoods. As the excess waters recede, engineers slowly and safely release water back into the bayou system.
Do you enjoy nature and wildlife?
Visitors are genuinely surprised to see the amount and diversity of wildlife on display at Willow Waterhole Greenway. From ducks and waterfowl to opossums, coyotes and bobcats, you have to stay aware or you might miss one of the location’s many inhabitants or creatures just passing through.
Houston is raising its profile as a birding destination thanks to protected green spaces like Willow Waterhole. More than 250 species of birds have been identified, and birders report approximately 50 species per visit. Those numbers and the exceptional beauty and convenience of Willow Waterhole make it attractive for numerous birding and photography clubs. Highlights include monthly bird walks, a chimney swift habitat, rare species sightings, during migrations (including bald eagles and ospreys).
In addition to the animal inhabitants, the location is home to year-around blooms and color from carefully cultivated trees and grasses to an abundance of wildflowers. The abundant show of flora and fauna is thanks to its development as a flood basin as well as the discovery of its unique combination of virgin, untouched prairies as well as restored prairies, or those that have been replanted after disturbances, such as human activity. With this ability to view nature’s inhabitants in their own backyard, it’s hard to believe this urban retreat is in the middle of the concrete jungle of sprawling Houston.
Do you enjoy exercise and fitness?
Eight miles of trails against a stunningly beautiful setting awake walkers, hikers, runners and bikers at Willow Waterhole Greenspace. Trails have both paved and crushed-granite paths, with varying elevations. So whether you’re enjoying an easy stroll to get your steps in or training for more serious fitness pursuits, the trails at Willow Waterhole offer any level of challenge.
Do you enjoy the lake life?
The lakes at Willow Waterhole are meant to be used. Beyond their flood mitigation function and natural beauty, the lakes provide year-around stocked fishing (including catfish, bass and sunfish), boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, with impressive docks and ADA-compliant piers to accommodate all ages and abilities.
Willow Waterhole Greenway makes it easy to be a frequent visitor and fan, with convenient parking, benches, picnic tables, shaded areas and restrooms. Visit the website to learn more and stay updated on seasonal news and park activities.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Marti and Willow Waterhole Greenway