Hill at Sims Park

Home Precinct One at Work Our Improvements Parks Hill at Sims Park
Parks

Neighborhood:

Sunnyside

Timeline:

Est Completion: Q4 2025

Contact Email:

Capital.Projects@cp1.hctx.net

CIP_Timeline_DESIGN

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. 

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PROGRAMMING STUDY 

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:


PHASING

HILLTOP & BASIN TRAILS

  • Improvements to the Hill (includes hilltop pavilion, concrete walks and nature paths, overlook/gateway points, and hill security barriers)
  • 1.6 mile basin loop trail
  • Nature trails
  • Water access pier
  • Parking

SCOTT STREET GREENWAY

  • 1.5 mile trail along Scott Street from Swingle Road to South Acres Drive

NATURE CENTER PAVILION

  • Nature center pavilion with restrooms
  • Flexible lawn space for active programming
  • Picnic pavilions
  • Plantings

FUTURE PHASES

  • Planning study for the southern portion of the site 

Precinct One is also 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.

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.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS:

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, 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 on the left:

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 on the left: 

The presentation slides can be viewed here.