Parks, Trails & Recreation
Greens Bayou Coalition strategically integrates both government and non-government support to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Greens Bayou watershed. Leveraging partnerships with governmental entities, utility districts, nonprofits and corporations, we promote the addition of parks and trails in a mostly urban area that is underserved and in need of green space and recreational assets.
Numerous studies have shown how important it is to have access to nature. Green spaces minimize air, water and noise pollution in urban areas and increase both the mental and physical health of those who have access to them. Greens Bayou Coalition actively promotes connectivity and green spaces within the watershed.
​
Greens Bayou Coalition has won awards for its collaborative work on park spaces with North Houston District and Houston Parks Board. The Coalition continues to partner with these entities, as well as many others, to promote parks and trails within the watershed.
​
We also help seek funding to maintain and repair existing trails, plant trees and remove litter to keep these areas beautiful and healthy, so residents and workers can enjoy them.
Parks & Trails
The idea for a Paddle Trail Strategic Plan came with the development of Thomas Bell Foster Park on the south reach of Greens Bayou. A National Parks Service grant was received to develop the plan. It calls for launches all the way to the mid-reach area in North Houston, resulting in the possibility of a nearly 30 mile one-way paddle! Thanks to Houston Parks Board, there are now beautiful launches at Thomas Bell Foster, Brock Adventure, and Strickland Parks. The Paddle Trail Committee at the Coalition continues to look for partnerships for future launches, especially at Crowley Park. For more information about the launches, click HERE
​​
In 2023, the Coalition applied to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to have Greens Bayou designated as a Texas Recognized Paddling Trail from Brock Park to Thomas Bell Foster Park. The trail was surveyed and approved by TPWD in 2024. With the help of Houston Parks Board and Houston Parks & Recreation Department, and a grant from Harbourview Foundation, the GBC Paddle Trail Committee was able to install the gorgeous TPWD informational kiosks at the three launches along the trail. The official opening coincided with the 2025 Greens Bayou Regatta. More information about the trail can be found HERE.
​
The Annual Greens Bayou Regatta draws attention to the beauty of the south reach of the bayou, and to our mission. It follows the route of the Greens Bayou Paddling Trail. Paddlers from all over Houston and beyond come to participate in this combination race and bayou cleanup event. For more information about the Regatta, click HERE