Hill at Sims Park


NEIGHBORHOOD:

Sunnyside

CONTACT EMAIL:

Capital.Projects@cp1.hctx.net

TIMELINE:

Est Completion: 2023

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Hill at Sims Trails will be located on the site of a stormwater detention basin and adjacent land along Sims Bayou and Scott Street in southern Harris County. Precinct One and the Houston Parks Board are currently designing a system of pedestrian trails for the site. This greenspace could serve a dual purpose that both protects homes and businesses during severe weather, and provides access to safe, healthy recreational opportunities for everyone to enjoy. 

Precinct One’s investment in the Hill at Sims starts the first phase of improvements to transform the more than 100-acre regional detention basin into easily accessible parkland. An initial programming study of the Hill at Sims site, also funded and led by Precinct One, includes community input gathered during a public meeting in November 2019. The project team, led by the Houston Parks Board, also attended multiple public meetings hosted by civic organizations to gather feedback from community members about their priorities for the future park. See the below links to view the study and corresponding materials:

The Initial Improvements Phase, Phase One, has completed design and permitting with public input, focused on creating enhancement around the detention basin and access to adjacent neighborhoods and destinations that could be expanded in future phases. Improvements include a trail around the basin, entry plaza, parking lot, nature trails, plantings, site furnishings, and signage.

Separate from Phase One, Precinct One is funding the design and construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge across Sims Bayou from Hill at Sims connecting to Sims Bayou Greenway and Margaret Jenkins Park.

As of May 2022, Phase One is on hold due to receiving a federal earmark.

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PROJECT BENEFITS:

Once completed, these improvements will provide:

  • An additional network of pedestrian trails would help provide families with nearby access to miles of recreational opportunities and outdoor activities.
  • Trails would also help to better connect the community to the Sims Bayou greenway and expand access to active transportation
  • Additional trails on Sims Bayou can contribute to a greener, more resilient community.


Enlarge Project Map

Hill at Sims

Aerial view of Hill at Sims

Hill at Sims Wildlife

COMMUNITY MEETINGS:

On July 20, 2022, community members attended an in-person open house at the Cloverland Church of Christ to hear how their input from the August 2021 virtual meeting has been implemented in the Hill at Sims Park designs. The open house started with a presentation, followed by an exhibit walk-through, and ended with a walk to the Hill at Sims Park across the street from the church. The open house presentation is available to view below. 

Hill at Sims Presentation - July 20, 2022

On August 5, 2021, the community was invited to join a virtual community meeting to hear how your input from the March 2021 Community Meeting is reflected in the planned design for transforming the Hill at Sims into a Precinct One park! A recording of the meeting can be watched below: 

The presentation slides can be viewed here.

On March 31, 2021, the community was invited to join a virtual community meeting to hear updates on the planning study and discuss the initial improvements to gather public input. A recording of the meeting can be watched below: 

The presentation slides can be viewed here.