Bellaire - Meyerland - West University | January 2026

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Bellaire Meyerland West University Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 9 JAN. 7FEB. 6, 2026

2026 Health & Wellness Edition Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor:

Connecting communities

Houston Parks Board to create 10 miles of new trails to link Meyerland to the Texas Medical Center

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

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Brays Bayou Greenway Trail

S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

HILLCROFT AVE.

Residents near the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail can use the park and trail system for recreation, such as walking and biking, as well as for accessibility to nearby amenities. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

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Bellaire

West University

Texas Medical Center

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Impacts

8 Suds Deluxe Car Wash Open seven days a week, the car wash offers unlimited memberships as well as a menu that includes four different specials that vary from a basic clean and rinse to a deluxe special. Customers can also use vacuums, towels, glass cleaners and leather conditioner for free. • Opening in 2026 • 10108 Bissonnet St., Houston • www.sudsdeluxe.com 9 Holly Hall Operations Center The four-story, approximately 145,275-square-foot facility in the Texas Medical Center will support the county health care system’s pharmacy and emergency medical services. • Opening in late 2026 • 2525 Holly Hall St., Houston • www.harrishealth.org

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What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

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10 Electrify America According to TDLR, the company known for developing electric vehicle fast-charging networks is set to install an 8,000-square-foot parking lot equipped with electric car dispensers and power units in the Meyerland Crossing Shopping Center. Construction is slated to wrap up in late 2026. • 8801 W. Loop S., Houston • www.capitalretailproperties.com

Meyerland

HOLLY HALL ST.

MEYERLAND PLAZA

S. POST OAK RD.

5 Memorial Hermann Medical Group Primary care specialists, including cardiologists, began accepting new patients at this health care clinic in mid-December. • Opened Dec. 15 • 5427 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. A., Bellaire • www.memorialhermann.org Waymo A leader in driverless operations, the company began rolling out its fully autonomous driving vehicles in Houston in November. It will launch in other Texas cities as well, including Dallas and San Antonio. • Launched in November • www.waymo.com

Now open

1 Alo Yoga The global wellness and yoga brand sells a variety of athletic clothing for men and women, such as matching leggings and sweatpants, as well as accessories, footwear and wellness products. • Opened in November • 2433 University Blvd., Houston • www.aloyoga.com 2 URBN Dental Offering comprehensive and personalized oral health care, the new dental office in Meyerland Plaza also provides dental implants and porcelain veneers. • Opened Dec. 12 • 450 Meyerland Plaza, Houston • www.urbndental.com 3 Goodwill Houston Officials with the company announced its first Education and Training Center, slated for South Gessner Road. The facility helps empower individuals through education, career pathway training and access to job opportunities, with an emphasis on repair, maintenance and technology. • Opened Dec. 9 • 8225 S. Gessner Road, Houston • www.goodwillhouston.org 4 Bloom at West University The new apartment complex opened off of Westpark Drive in December with studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts. Amenities include a fitness center, laundry facility and access to nearby parks and public transportation. • Opened in December

Relocations

11 Defy Pilates The workout studio relocated from Bissonnet Street to Cedar Street in January. The new studio features more parking, additional reformer machines and expanded class times and styles. • Relocated Jan. 2

• 5236 Cedar St., Bellaire • www.defypilates.com

In the news

Coming soon

12 Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship This coworking and lab space, designed to help students become innovators and start their own businesses, celebrated 10 years in December. The lab serves more than 1,600 students per year and supports hundreds of innovative ventures annually • Rice University, Cambridge Building, Houston • www.entrepreneurship.rice.edu 13 Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Officials with Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care recently announced in December that the West University Center on Holcombe Boulevard will now remain open until midnight, expanding access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. • 3501 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston • www.gohealthuc.com

6 Cafe Feuillette Renowned baker and pastry chef Jean-Francois Feuillette is bringing the concept of a French art de vivre to Houston, with the first cafe to open in the United States. The menu will offer French-inspired breakfast, lunch, pastries and pastry drinks. • Opening in 2026 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. D145, Houston • www.cafefeuillette.fr 7 Miniso Officials with the international retailer confirmed a new storefront is set to open in the Rice Village area in March or April. The store sells a collection of household and consumer goods with products and brands marketed toward young consumers. • Opening spring 2026 • 2501 Rice Blvd., Houston • www.miniso.com

• 2939 Westpark Drive, Houston • www.bloomatwestuapts.com

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14 Shoe Carnival The national footwear retailer is changing its name in 2026 to Shoe Station. The name change is intended to reflect the company’s foundation for becoming the nation’s leading family footwear retailer. • 8032 S. Gessner Road, Houston • www.shoecarnival.com Lifesaver Literacy Kits The Houston Public Library launched these news kits in December for teachers and students that include a Brainchild Study Buddy device, Challenger books, dictionaries and a calculator to help equip literacy centers with the tools needed to help adult students build confidence. • www.houstonlibrary.org/home

Coming soon

Worth the trip

16 Trader Joe’s The grocery store chain confirmed plans to open a new store in Bellaire that will replace the former Randall’s. The national chain retailer is known for its branded products and carries fresh produce, snacks, meat, beer and wine, flowers and baked goods. • Opening TBD • 5130 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire • www.traderjoes.com

17 Doc’s Jazz Club Conceived by jazz pianist Brent Watkins, the modern take on the golden-age supper club now features a full mezzanine level, a performance stage, an upstairs bar, private alcoves and cabaret-style seating. • Opened Nov. 11 • 1201 Westheimer Road, Ste. A, Houston • www.docsjazzclub.com

Closings 15 Taco Cabana

Officials with the fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant announced the permanent closure of two nearby restaurants. Restaurant officials did not provide a reason for the closures. • Closed in late 2025

• A 3905 Kirby Drive, Houston • B 7501 Bellaire Blvd., Houston • www.tacocabana.com

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Government

West University Place officials will notify more than 30 property owners who stand to be affected by the planned widening of Poor Farm Ditch. Public Works Director Michael Leech and Har- ris County Flood Control District officials gave the formal update to City Council Dec. 8. Explained Construction is expected to start in late spring or early summer, Leech said, with a projected duration of 28-29 months. The context An estimated $36 million in project Poor Farm Ditch work slated to start in spring

improvements will take place south of Bellaire Boulevard and go north to University Boulevard, according to HCFCD officials, to address failing concrete lining and to reconstruct the channel. Funding for the project is a combined effort between local, state and federal dollars, accord- ing to city officials, which includes funding from neighboring Southside Place. What to expect Here’s what to expect about fencing, yard drains and trees, according to city officials: • Temporary construction fence along the project’s right-of-way that defines the construction zone • Private fences will need to be removed by the county, then placed back once able • Trees and shrubs within the project’s right-of-way that conflict with the project will have to be removed by the county contractor In most locations after construction, HCFCD will install a six-foot permanent chain-link fence along the channel limits to secure access. Some locations will also have a maintenance walkway

RICHMOND AVE. WESTHEIMER RD. Poor Farm Ditch boundaries The waterway runs from just south of Greenway Plaza to the Brays Bayou through the cities of Houston, West University Place and Southside Place.

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SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

to access the project inside the fence. What residents should know A broader public meeting on the project is being planned in January or February.

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BY MELISSA ENAJE & CASSANDRA JENKINS

Short-term rentals now prohibited in Bellaire After several residents expressed concerns with nearby short-term rentals in the city, Bellaire City Council tightened the regulations surrounding STRs—a move that included adding a new ordi- nance and limiting where they can operate. What’s changed? The city previously only required STR owners to obtain a certificate of occupancy, which, according to the American Legal Publishing website, is a legal document that certifies a building is safe to be occupied and is in compliance with building codes and zoning laws. Regulations now prohibit STRs in residential districts and give existing owners until March 17 to cease operations. City officials said the changes will affect about a dozen homeowners. Short-term rentals will still be permitted within mixed-use districts, subject to a permit process.

Ban approved on public sidewalk use In a unanimous decision Nov. 17, Bellaire City Council members voted to add a new section to an existing ordinance that regulates the use of streets, sidewalks and public places. A closer look According to the agenda item, the new section will prohibit the following activities

The short-term rental ordinance approved by Bellaire City Council also: Defines STRs and platforms Provides enforcement for owners, guests and platforms Establishes permit, renewal, appeal and revocation rules and procedures Declares STRs as a nuisance in residential districts due to incompatibility

SOURCE: CITY OF BELLAIRE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

on all public sidewalks in Bellaire: • The use of motorized vehicles • Placement of personal items • Sitting or lying down

What they’re saying Bellaire resident Jamie Perkins, who’s been living next door to a short-term rental property, said she is grateful for the new ordinance. “Aside from the typical standards, it brings addi- tional crime into the neighborhood,” she said. “It brings trash because [guests] don’t really care; it’s just a hotel to them. Loud partying. Noises. There was no regulation of this,... and it’s terrible.”

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Transportation

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

BRAEBURN DR.

DAIRY ASHFORD RD.

UNIVERSITY BLVD.

FERNDALE ST.

PINE ST.

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1 Bissonnet Safe Streets project Project: The project includes rehabilitating seven miles of Bissonnet Street from South Dairy Ashford Road to Hillcroft Avenue, which includes improving crosswalks and lighting, as well as installing bike lanes and dedicated turn lanes. Update: Houston City Council approved a $28.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the project Dec. 4 to move forward with construction in 2027. • Timeline: Spring 2027-2028 • Cost: $35.9 million • Funding sources: USDOT, city of Houston

2 Sidewalk Replacement Services Project

3 Traffic Control Measures Project: At the request of property owners, Bellaire City Council will install speed humps along the 4800-4900 blocks of Pine Street, between Pauline Street and Ferndale Street, as well as the properties adjoining the north side of Pine Street. Update: City Council approved the installation of four bolt-down rubber speed humps to be installed along the requested streets. The specific locations will be later identified by the Public Works Department in consultation with a traffic engineer. • Timeline: January • Cost: $6,300 per speed hump • Funding source: petitioners of the project

Project: The project will address all open requests in West University Place for sidewalk repair and replacement, as needed. Update: West University Place officials approved a two-year contract extension in December with Queens Constructors, LLC, to address additional sidewalk repair. Construction is estimated to start in the first quarter of 2026. • Timeline: 2026-2027 • Cost: $453,772 • Funding source: West University Place

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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION

Development

Events

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

BY ROO MOODY

Texas Medical Center to add new hotel, conference center to Helix Park

businesses, as well as performers, educators and guest speakers.

Hotel, convention center and residential tower

January

February

The buildings will include:

• Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. • $20-$35 (per ticket)

Japan Junction: Oshogatsu Celebrate the new year with live performances, traditional games, omikuji fortune telling and hands-on crafts like calligraphy, origami and mochi pounding. • Jan. 10, 11 a.m. • Free • 3801 Eastside St., Houston • www.levyparkhouston.org/featured-events Houston Autoboative Show The annual auto and boat show displays the latest models on the market and offers the opportunity to ask brand experts questions. • Jan. 28-Feb. 1, times vary • $20 (general admission for one day), free (kids ages 5 and under) • NRG Park, 1 Fannin St., Houston • www.nrgpark.com/event/houston-autoboat-show

• NRG Park, 1 Fannin St., Houston • www.worldodditiesexpo.com

18,000-square-foot conference center

250 hotel rooms

300 residential units

Daddy Daughter Disco The city of Bellaire is inviting fathers and daughters to Bellaire City Hall to get their groove on for a night of daddy and daughter dancing. Attire for the event is glam meets groovy. • Feb. 7, 6:30-9 p.m. • $55 (residents), $70 (non-residents) • 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire • www.bellairetx.gov/837/Daddy-Daughter-Dance Making Tracks Accompanied by an adult, children aged 3 to 7 can participate in the Nature Discovery Center’s new program, which highlights nature’s mess makers by playing with materials such as foam and slime. • Feb. 8, 10-11:15 a.m. • $22 (members), $27 (non-members) • 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire • www.naturediscoverycenter.org

Officials with the Texas Medical Center are looking to add a place where visitors, patients and residents can stay inside Helix Park when visiting the center’s hospitals, research labs and campuses. What we know Bill McKeon, the president of the Texas Medical Center, announced during the State of TMC event Nov. 20 that a new hotel, conference center and residential tower will break ground in 2026. McKeon said during his speech that the develop- ment is driven by a need for more space to gather and host larger events, as the current capacity of the TMC3 building has begun to reach capacity. “This is the largest medical center in the world with 60-plus institutions—we don’t have a confer- ence center,” he said. “This is something that we have needed forever.”

The new building will take over the entire north end of Helix Park, McKeon said—a space that sits as an empty parking lot. He noted the project is already fully financed, but did not share the overall cost. Construction is slated to start in 2026 and take approximately two years to build. In related news McKeon also announced that The Commons, located at 6550 Bertner Ave., will receive a new facelift. The building serves as a restaurant hub for employees and visitors to use. Improvements include replacing the exterior’s running wall of water with a “kinetic wall.” A kinetic wall, according to Extech, a company that builds them, is a dynamic wind-driven facade that creates the appearance of rolling waves. The green space located outside of the building will

1 Future residential tower

3 The Commons 4 The Waterwall & green space

2 Future hotel &

conference center

JOHN FREEMAN BLVD.

HELIX PARK AVE.

Lunar New Year Celebration Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Asia Society Texas Center and enjoy vibrant performances, arts and craft activities and traditional food inspired by traditions across Asia. Registration is required. • Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission), $12 (ticketed performance) • 1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston • www.asiasociety.org

BERTNER AVE.

FUTURE WAY

SOURCE: TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

February

also be transformed to include a park with trees, a shaded bus stop and seating options. New restau- rants and brands are also slated to be added to The Commons. Renovations began on Jan. 1.

World Oddities Expo The traveling oddities festival claims to be where weirdness thrives and features artisans and small

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Health & wellness

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition!

Gold Sponsor

This annual guide highlights opportunities for residents to engage in healthy activities and learn about wellness-related topics in their community. All stories were written by Community Impact’s team of local journalists. In this edition, readers will nd coverage examining how neighborhood amenities, parks and community spaces contribute to physical activity and overall well-being while creating shared spaces that bring neighbors together. The lead story explores local eorts to support active lifestyles by expanding and improving neighborhood parks, trails and outdoor spaces in the Meyerland area. The guide also includes features on local parks, recreational activities and wellness-related topics. Finally, this edition reects the idea that health and wellness are part of daily life in how people move through their neighborhoods, connect and make everyday choices. Community Impact remains focused on providing local reporting that helps residents stay informed and connected where they live.

Chloe Mathis General Manager cmathis@ communityimpact.com

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Bellaire City Council is preparing to vote on the nal conceptual design plan for Evergreen Park in January. The project includes creating an all-inclusive and accessible playground, renovating the pool complex and providing a green space with exible uses. Latest update Redeveloping the park has been a topic of discussion for the city since late 2024, when a public survey was launched to gather residents’ feedback on the process. The redevelopment was also later adopted in April 2025 as part of the city’s scal year 2026-28 strategic plan. The project has already garnered close to Evergreen Park prepares to kicko capital campaign

Key

Pool facilities & restrooms

Pavilion

Paths

EVERGREEN ST.

Open lawn

Parking

Active play zone

Open lawn

Pool area

Open lawn

Active play zone

Concept 1

Concept 2

VERONEST.

SOURCE: WE ARE EVERGREENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

$700,000 in proceeds, as of Dec. 1. The sum includes a combination of grants, fundraising and event promotion. Council member Cindy Cohen-Taylor, who spearheads the We Are Evergreen committee, said the overall cost of the project is slated to be approx- imately $6 million to $8 million. The nal estimate will depend on the nal design plan chosen.

Next steps Cohen-Taylor said the next step of the process is to receive council approval of the conceptual design, which will take place in January. After council approval, the committee will kick o a capital campaign in 2026 to raise funds for the rest of the redevelopment.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY MELISSA ENAJE

West U eyes pickleball courts, trail connectivity in parks master plan

How we got here

West U officials completed the city’s first parks and open space master plan in 1989, according to agenda documents. A second plan was developed in 2000, and by 2015, a volunteer citizen task force was added to the project. Before the October updates, the city utilized the 2015 master plan. A full update to the city’s parks and open space master plan was recommended for 2030, according to White, where park officials will be looking at key points within the city, and possibly include a citizen task force for the project. “Generally, these plans only have a shelf life for 10 years, and we’ve pushed it out for 15,” White said.

Considering new green spaces, lighting and shade needs, pickleball interests and safe pedestrian access to parks are some of the improvements and ongoing efforts being considered in West University Place’s parks and open space master plan. In November, West U’s Parks and Recreation’s 11 new board members were appointed, not long after City Council unanimously approved several master plan revisions during an Oct. 27 meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Susan White said the updated plan ensures the city’s facilities evolve over time. “The updated plan serves as a guiding document for current and future West U residents and also its leaders when we’re considering making decisions regarding our parks and recreation facilities,” White said.

West University parks

MEMORIAL PARK

Six parks, excluding Friends Park, Liberty Hill and the Recreation Center playground, have been evaluated to ensure they remain vital for the limited space available West University Place city limits

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MEMORIAL PARK

West U and connecting trails, outside parks Residents expressed a desire to have walking paths within parks and trails that currently do not exist within the city.

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

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SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BISSONNET ST.

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West University Place

The update

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KILMARNOCK TRAIL ROUTE

The master plan updates were a collaboration over the last year between the city’s Parks and Recreation board members and city staff. Ongoing efforts for park improvements have occurred since 2015, officials said. White said recommendations included adding information regarding the following:

• Lighting and shade analysis • Needs and interests for pickleball courts and public art • Connectivity to Brays Bayou and Memorial Park trails • Adding safe railroad crossings by the Recre- ation Center • Adding safe pedestrian access to parks such as Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire

CENTERPOINT RIGHT-OF-WAY RAIL ROUTE

Master plan suggestions include the consideration of constructing a hike- and-bike trail along Kilmarnock Ditch towards Brays Bayou.

N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

BRAYS BAYOU TRAIL

• Colonial Park inventory • Wier Park renovations

SOURCE: WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Connecting communities From the cover

future trail to one further downstream from Bualo Bayou Speedway to connect to Hermann Park. Rondot said the ultimate goal is to create a continuous trail system that people will be able to use all the way from Gessner Road to the Texas Medical Center and nearby Hermann Park. The project scope includes about 10 miles of new trails and underpasses, he said. “It’s amazing the connectivity this is going to bring to the neighborhoods and give people expanded options for getting around,” White said. “And then the other really wonderful thing to celebrate is that we’re going to maintain them. The community can be assured that the quality and standard of care are not going to change.” The majority of projects along Brays Bayou that were not completed in 2025 are slated to start construction in 2026 or 2027.

game changer in terms of safety and experience for people who use the trail.” Trent Rondot, conservation and maintenance director for the Houston Parks Board, said the new undercrossings will keep residents from crossing streets like South Rice Avenue, Hillcroft Avenue and Braeswood Boulevard, as well as four other streets. “That’s seven streets that people don’t have to worry about crossing,” he said. “And it actually ties in really well with other projects that we’re doing downstream towards the [Texas] Med Center to create even more trails and underpasses.” Looking ahead, HPB ocials are currently out to bid on a project that will create a new lower shelf trail from South Rice Avenue to Stella Link Road that will include a pedestrian bridge over Willow Waterhole Bayou and eventually connect to the TMC. Another project is also expected to link from that

The full story

The Houston Parks Board and its partnering organizations completed several projects in the Meyerland neighborhood in 2025 to increase accessibility to nearby amenities. The rst set of projects created a 4.4-mile system that runs from Loop 610 to South Gessner Road and provided a 1-mile, 10-foot-wide hike-and-bike trail, seven new underpasses and replaced an existing asphalt trail. “It’s amazing when you think about what this is going to add to the community,” said Beth White, former CEO of the Houston Parks Board. “It’s not a lot of miles in the grand scheme of things, but getting those bridge underpasses in there is a

Brays Bayou Greenway Trail projects Expansion of the trail includes adding miles of hike-and-bike trails, new underpasses and amenities in the Meyerland area and beyond to connect communities, reduce ooding and provide accessibility.

1 New lower trail Nearly 3 miles of new trails were added to the lower shelf on the south side of Brays Bayou. It crosses under eight streets and has multiple connections up to street level. • Scope: Cambridge Street to Buffalo Speedway • Timeline: construction completed in fall 2025 • Funding source: city of Houston

2 New lower trail undercrossings

3 New upper trail & memorial plaza

This project added 1.4 miles of new trails on the lower south side of the bayou and four new underpasses. • Scope: Underpasses are at A South Rice Avenue, B Chimney Rock Road, C Hillcroft Avenue and D North and South Braeswood Boulevard. • Timeline: construction completed in fall 2025 • Funding sources: city of Houston, Harris County Precinct 4

This project added a mile of new trails on the north side of the bayou, which connects to the Atwell Pedestrian Bridge and includes a new memorial plaza dedicated to Capt. Gary Herod with seating, benches, picnic tables and a drinking fountain. • Scope: Chimney Rock Road to Hillcroft Avenue • Timeline: construction completed in fall 2025 • Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 4, city of Houston, community donations

Completed projects Upcoming projects

SOURCE: HOUSTON PARKS BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

W. HOLCOMBE BLVD.

HERMANN PARK

ARTHUR STOREY PARK

S. GESSNER RD.

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FONDREN RD.

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C H N U T S T .

CAMBRIDGE ST.

STEIN FAMILY PARK

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S. BRAESWOOD BLVD.

BRAEBURN GLEN BLVD

HILLCROFT AVE.

BRAES BAYOU DR.

CHIMNEY ROCK RD.

4 New lower trail & pedestrian bridge

5 West Loop Transit Center A connection from the Brays Bayou Trail to the METRO West Loop Transit Center will be created to improve access to mass transit sites. • Scope: from Brays Bayou Trail to the transit center • Timeline: construction to start in spring 2026 • Funding source: city of Houston

6 Trail replacement & new undercrossings Nearly 2 miles of new trails and three new underpasses will be added on the south side of the bayou east of Gessner Road. • Scope: New underpasses are at A Fondren Road, B Braes Bayou Drive and C Bissonnet Street. • Timeline: construction to start in 2026 or 2027 • Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 4, city of Houston

7 New trail Over 2 miles of new trails will be added to the neighborhood, as well as a pedestrian bridge across Brays Bayou east of I-69 and three new underpasses. • Scope: Braeburn Glen to Beltway 8, with underpasses at I-69, Beechnut Street and Beltway 8 • Timeline: under construction until spring 2026 • Funding sources: Harris County Precincts 3 and 4, city of Houston

This project includes creating 1.6 miles of new trails and a pedestrian bridge between Stella Link Road and South Rice Avenue across the Willow Waterhole Bayou. Underpasses are at the West Loop and the Union Pacic railroad bridge. • Scope: Stella Link Road to South Rice Avenue • Timeline: construction to start in early 2026 • Funding source: city of Houston

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BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Project funding

The impact

Looking ahead

Funding for the projects along Brays Bayou is shared between HPB, Harris County Precinct 4 and the city of Houston. However, while Houston has a large share of private investments in parks, it lags behind other cities in public investment. As of 2025, the per capita spending was only $127 per resident, with 70% coming from private investments, accord- ing to a study by the Trust for Public Land. Public vs. private investment in Texas In 2025, Houston landed in the No. 7 spot among the top 14 Texas cities for park investment.

White and Rondot said they hope that all the projects will help enhance Houston’s connectivity and walkability. Houston only has a walkability score of 47, according to Walk Score, which analyzes walking routes to nearby amenities based on distance. For comparison, larger cities in the nation, such as New York City, San Francisco and Chicago, have walkability scores in the 80s and 90s. Meyerland resident Rumi Bautista said getting around by car shouldn’t be the city’s only form of transportation. For example, he uses the trails along Brays Bayou to take his two children to day care in the Med Center. “The better the network gets, the more people will be willing to use it,” he said. “And not to mention, a big part of the redevel- opment was also the ood management, and I know Houston can get behind that. I am really happy to have the [Brays] Bayou Greenway Trail in our community.”

The Houston Parks Board’s ve-year strategic plan focuses on four core priorities: Enhance, expand and connect the Bayou Greenways system “Our vision goes way beyond just making Brays better east to west, but also north to south,” Rondot said. The Houston Parks Board is aiming to complete $25 million worth of trails and pedestrian bridges by 2030—a goal that includes connecting the Brays Bayou to other existing bayous in Houston, including Bualo Bayou and Sims Bayou.

Special purpose public Primary city agency

Other public agencies Private

Invest equitably in neighborhood parks

$285

Austin Garland Plano Dallas Frisco

$211 $205

Create or improve larger regional parks as destinations for Houston residents Ensure sustainable support for parks and Houston Parks Board

$198

$155

$140

San Antonio Houston Arlington Fort Worth

NOTE: DATA REFLECTS THE PRICE PER CAPITA IN 2024.

$127

$112

$102

SOURCES: TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND, HOUSTON PARKS BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT

$90

Irving

SOURCE: HOUSTON PARKS BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health & wellness

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

New president and CEO of the Houston Parks Board talks about future vision for the city’s landscape

Justin Schultz was selected as the new President and CEO of the Houston Parks Board in October after the former head of the department, Beth White, announced her retirement. Schultz joined the board in 2022 and served as the chief planning and strategy officer for two years before he was promoted to chief program officer. He has overseen the organization’s capital projects, land acquisition and conservation work, as well as led the strategic planning process. Schultz assumed his new role as CEO on Jan. 1. What will be your first 6-12 months’ priorities? We are working on building 50 new miles of trails to add to our 156 miles that already exist in the Bayou Greenways system. We are working on renovating 25 neighborhood parks through- out the city of Houston, and then also making improvements to a couple of regional parks. So I want to continue to make progress on our neighborhood park program and complete those larger projects. How will you balance major, large-scale projects with the needs of smaller neighborhood parks? We are really lucky at HPB that our entire staff is multifaceted and can pivot from one type of project to another. In the morning, we might be talking about how we are going to improve a ten- nis court at one of our neighborhood parks, and in the afternoon, be at a 158-acre site thinking about building a whole new complex. Having that diversity in our work is really part of the drive that keeps us going.

Why is resilience and sustainability crucial to new park and trail designs in Houston? This is an issue that we have to deal with exis- tentially as a community, so we are always looking at a couple of different things. One, how do we add shade to the parks? We want people to be able to enjoy a park all year, so that means adding shade to our playgrounds and adding trees, which also helps with the heat island impact. Another thing is that we are always trying to create multi-benefit parks, which provide recreation to the community, but also mitigate and help protect against flooding. The other thing we think about is accessibility. What is your plan for engaging local residents in planning and prioritization? For every single project that we do, those projects start with community engagement. We go out into the community, we understand what they want in their community parks and in their regional parks, in trails that go through or near their communities, and we shape and design those projects to meet their objectives. It’s up to the individual community members to tell us what they want. Talking to the community helps us design better parks. How does HPB plan to secure funding through private and public partnerships in the future? We’re in the top five in terms of our philanthropic community and private donations to parks. That said, we know that our public sector partners have tight budgets, so one of the things we do at HPB is try to make everyone understand the value of parks. We continue to raise the profile, the importance and the value to help secure the appropriate public

COURTESY HOUSTON PARKS BOARD

funding while continuing to show the private sector that parks are worth their investment. What is your long-term vision for Houston’s parks and greenways over the next 5-10 years? I want to keep building out the system. I believe that whether you live in Aldine or Spring Branch, you should be able to travel to any other part of the city without being on the street or in a vehicle. Investing in parks and making sure that they are beautiful and useful is really important. I believe Houston should be the greenest city, and that it can be. Every day, that’s what motivates me.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

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Real estate

The majority of homes sold in Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place in November sold for more than a million dollars, with the second most homes sold in the $250,001 to $500,000 range. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

November 2024

November 2025

+10%

+12.5%

-77.78%

-19.05%

-30%

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

77005

77401

77030

Median home sales price

77025

610

November

2024

2025

$2,062,500 $379,500 $485,000 $450,000 $1,051,000

$1,450,000 $487,300 $817,700 $452,000 $1,242,808

77096

77005

288

77025

Homes sold by price point

77030

77096

November 2025

77401

$1,000,000+

$750,001-$1,000,000

Average days on market -2.53%

$500,001-$750,000

+84.62%

+64.18%

+95.74%

-49.32%

$250,001-$500,000

<$250,001

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 832-678-4770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77005

77025

77030

77096

77401

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