Hill at Sims Park


NEIGHBORHOOD:

Sunnyside

CONTACT EMAIL:

Capital.Projects@cp1.hctx.net

TIMELINE:

Est Completion: Summer 2024

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Hill at Sims 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 will 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. 

PROGRAMMING STUDY AND PHASE ONE

Precinct One’s investment in the Hill at Sims started with a 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, included community input gathered during a public meeting in November 2019. The project team, led by project manager 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 the 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.

PHASE TWO
While funding is being confirmed for Phase One, Precinct One has transitioned to planning and design for Phase Two. 
Phase Two is divided into various packages, which are described below:

Package A

  • Improvements to the Hill (includes hilltop structure, concrete walks and nature paths, overlook/gateway points, and hill security barriers)
  • Plantings

Package B

  • Trail along Scott Street from Swingle Road to Airport Boulevard
    Note: This project is on hold due to a pending federal earmark

Package C

  • Nature center pavilion
  • Picnic pavilions
  • Plantings

Package D

  • Planning study for the southern portion of the site 


Enlarge Project Map

Hill at Sims

Aerial view of Hill at Sims

Hill at Sims Wildlife

COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS:

On Saturday, October 15, community members attended a free Family Fun Fest at Cloverland Park. During the Fun Fest, families enjoyed kid-friendly activities and learning stations.

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.