First Phase of Design Begins on Vince Bayou Greenway Project

Hike-and-bike trail to create safe connections between Memorial Park and Strawberry Park

{December 15, 2021–Pasadena, Texas} The City of Pasadena is pleased to announce that work is underway on the first phase of design and land acquisition for the Vince Bayou Greenway project, funded by the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC).

“Resident input is a crucial component to this administration,” said Jeff Wagner, Mayor of Pasadena. “The Vince Bayou Greenway project is a direct result of the strong feedback we received regarding our community’s desire for expanded greenspace and connectivity, and I am pleased to see this project moving forward.”

In 2020, PEDC initiated a planning study with the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department, and Houston Parks Board to investigate a hike-and-bike trail along Vince Bayou. The trail would span from the City of Pasadena’s Memorial Park to Strawberry Park, creating a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists between parks, homes, schools, and businesses in the area. This trail was identified in multiple plans and studies, including the Pasadena Healthy Parks Plan and the Pasadena Livable Centers Study.

“We are very excited to see this excellent quality-of-life and economic development project moving forward,” said Steve Cote, PEDC Chairman. “These past few months of community engagement and research have only reiterated the need and want for connectivity throughout our community.”

As part of the planning study, three virtual community meetings and an in-person pop-up event at the City of Pasadena’s Memorial Park were held to gather community input. The first phase of design is based upon findings from this process. The proposed greenway was determined to be an approximately 3-mile long, 10-foot wide, concrete trail connecting Memorial and Strawberry Parks with associated trailheads, street crossings, and amenities.

“Houston Parks Board is proud to be a part of making parks healthy, welcoming, and accessible to all in the City of Pasadena,” said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “Community input is a key component in bringing to life Vince Bayou Greenway and we are excited to enter into this next phase of design work based upon the desires and feedback of nearby neighbors. We encourage everyone to remain involved as we move throughout this process.”

After the first design phase is complete, an analysis of community input received and an examination of feasibility will be conducted to determine which portions of the trail can move forward through design and construction. The next community meeting will be held in winter 2022.

For more information about the project, visit: bit.ly/VinceBayouTrailProject.

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Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC)

Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) was created in 1998 as a nonprofit, type B corporation under the Texas Development Corporation Act. It is financed by a half-cent sales tax collected in the City of Pasadena. State law allows the city to collect this sales tax to pursue specifically authorized economic development activities in the city. The seven members of PEDC’s Board of Directors are appointed and serve at the discretion of the City of Pasadena Mayor and City Council. The Corporation’s annual budget is also approved by City Council.

City of Pasadena

Rich in Texas history and community spirit, Pasadena is the second-largest city in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area, with a population of 150K+. Located northwest of Galveston and south of the Houston Ship Channel, Pasadena’s residents comprise a highly-skilled, dedicated and diverse workforce. Our city is home to the world-famous Strawberry Festival, the annual Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo, Armand Bayou Nature Center, El Jardin Beach, and a calendar full of family programs and events.

Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department

Pasadena Parks and Recreation manages and maintains 45 parks and trails throughout the City of Pasadena. There are also 4 Youth Recreation Centers, 1 Gymnasium, 1 Water Park, 3 pools a Senior Center and an Adaptive Recreation Center. The Department recently completed The Healthy Parks Master Plan, a yearlong process to develop a document to guide the parks system and its development for the next twenty years. This plan identified a number of metrics by which to measure the health and wellness of our citizens as well as to assist with providing opportunities to increase the same. The Parks and Recreation Department has been an integral part of Pasadena as evidenced by the partnerships with the City over the years to honor loved ones as well as American heroes in our Parks System. The Department hosts annual events such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Pasadena Fourth Fest, a Halloween Trunk or Treat and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event that Pasadenians have made part of their family traditions.

Houston Parks Board

Houston Parks Board creates, improves, protects, and advocates for parks for everyone. Since 1976, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has utilized public-private partnerships and its extensive philanthropic, government, and community relationships to provide equitable access to quality parks and green space to the Greater Houston region. In addition to leading the transformational Bayou Greenways initiative, Houston Parks Board cares for more than 2,600 acres of green space and supports park projects large and small. For more information on Bayou Greenways and Beyond the Bayous, visit houstonparksboard.org.