Hill at Sims Park

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Parks

Neighborhood:

Sunnyside

Timeline:

Estimated Completion: Q4 2025

Contact Email:

Capital.Projects@cp1.hctx.net

CIP_Timeline_CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Hill at Sims is located on the site of a Harris County Flood Control stormwater detention basin along Sims Bayou and Scott Street in southern Harris County. The Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Houston Parks Board are currently constructing a system of pedestrian trails and other amenities 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. 

Receive updates on this project

PROGRAMMING STUDY 

Investment and community outreach for the Hill at Sims started with a programming study of the Hill at Sims site, funded and led by the Office of Commissioner Ellis, to transform the more than 100-acre regional detention basin into easily accessible parkland. The project team, led by project manager Houston Parks Board, gathered community input through public meetings and community events. See the below links to view the study and corresponding materials:


PHASING

SCOTT STREET GREENWAY

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

HILLTOP, BASIN TRAILS, & NATURE CENTER PAVILION

  • Improvements to the Hill (includes hilltop pavilion, concrete walks and nature paths, and three overlook areas)
  • 1.6 mile basin loop trail
  • Nature trails
  • Water access pier
  • Parking lot
  • 2,000-square-foot open air pavilion with restrooms
  • Flexible lawn space for active programming
  • Picnic pavilions
  • Landscaping

FUTURE PHASES

  • Planning study for the southern portion of the site

The Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis 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:

  • Families with nearby access to miles of recreational opportunities and outdoor activities;
  • Improved connections from the community to the Sims Bayou Greenway and expanded access to active transportation;
  • Improved connections to the MLK Health Center and other nearby destinations.

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.