Vision
In 2006, Westchase District developed a long-range vision for the area, which included creating a connected network of open spaces to provide the green spaces and recreational opportunities needed for higher-value development. Since then, the District built and maintains a five-mile network of off-road trails, featuring exercise equipment and public art. The next steps in that vision are safe, attractive parks that connect to these trails. These parks will reap economic, social, recreational and health benefits for the community.
Westchase District’s plans were recently featured in the Houston Chronicle and Bike Houston:
Bike Houston, April 2020 Executive Director’s Report: Bikes in West Houston
Houston Chronicle, March 23, 2020: Westchase wants to connect bayous with bike trail
Houston Chronicle, February 17, 2020: Millions of dollars flow in to transform Westchase District
NEED
Westchase District is home to 31,000 residents living in multi-family communities. But according to the City of Houston, the area also encompasses some of the most park-deficient sectors in the city. In fact, Westchase District residents have to drive 20 minutes or more to the nearest park. The City of Houston has recognized Westchase’s park needs and has purchased land for two parks in the District. Westchase District will break ground in 2020 on Woodchase Park, a 1.75-acre park site that connects to Westpark Trail. Woodchase Park is fully-funded by the District’s 380 Area Program with the City of Houston.
WOODCHASE PARK
Woodchase Park is located on Woodchase Drive just north of the Westpark Tollway. The 1.75-acre parcel connects to the Westchase Trail, which runs along the utility corridor between Gessner Road and Briarpark Drive. Opened in October 2021, the park features a children’s play area, dog park, water misting feature, community garden, restrooms, public art, fitness space, 2,700-square foot multi-purpose pavilion and 7,500-square foot activity lawn. Woodchase Park is within walking distance of more than two dozen apartment communities and townhomes with approximately 10,000 residents, making it an ideal location for a neighborhood park.
WILCREST PARK
Wilcrest Park will be built on a 3.4 acre parcel of land just north of the Robinson Westchase Library. The park’s design includes a children’s play area, performance pavilion, dog park, botanical garden, exercise stations, public art, an area for table games, a food kiosk, parking for food trucks, restrooms and a 30,000-square-foot activity lawn perfect for movie nights, yoga, tai chi and concerts. Wilcrest Park connects to the District’s trail system. This park will be more than a neighborhood park; it will be a destination park for all of West Houston.
MAINTENANCE
Westchase District’s Board of Directors has committed the funds necessary to maintain both parks in the future. “They’ll look just as good and be well-maintained years after they’re opened for the community,” said Philip Schneidau, board chair. “These parks will be an integral park of our community and we’re proud to do this for our residents and visitors alike.”
FUNDRAISING
The City of Houston invested $2.4 million in this project when it purchased the land for the park. Funding from our 380 Program ($3.6 million) will cover basic development expenses for Wilcrest Park. But additional financial support ($3.2 million) is needed from the community to ensure that Wilcrest Park will have high-quality amenities and activities, like those in Houston’s best parks. Westchase District’s Projects Director Louis Jullien is leading the campaign to raise the additional funds needed to make Wilcrest Park the same kind of transformational space that Discovery Green and Levy Park have been for downtown Houston and the Upper Kirby area. Click here for brochure
TEAM
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Candyce Rylander
Cindy Dahl
Camden Property Trust
Greg Cardwell
Phillips 66
Jim Russ
EHRA
Kurt Von Ploski
Battlecat Oil
Stacy Hunt
Greystar Management Services
Wayne Swafford
LAN
Contributions to the Greenspace for Westchase campaign may be made through Westchase District’s 501(c)3 organization: Westchase District Community Fund.