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Willow Waterhole Fun Run and Gathering Area Dedication to Be Held October 14th
Contacts:
Howard Sacks
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
713-479-2662
Heather Saucier
Harris County Flood Control District
713-684-4078
Estella Espinosa
Houston Parks & Recreation Department
713-845-1135
October 12, 2006
The Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy will host its second annual Fun Run followed by a special ceremony honoring a flood control pioneer at Willow Waterhole Park on Saturday, October 14.
The event will include an adult 5K run and walk, 1-mile family walk, raffle and dedication of the Jack Rafferty Gathering Area, named after the first Flood Control Engineer of the Harris County Flood Control District.
Funds raised from the event will be used for additional park amenities and parking at one of southwest Houston's newest parks that was built around the Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin, currently under construction by the District.
Partnerships Key to Park's Success
"When plans for the stormwater detention basin were announced years ago, the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy had a vision of what those 280 acres could become when not holding stormwater," said Howard Sacks, president of the Conservancy. "With the help of the Flood Control District, the City of Houston and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, that vision is becoming a reality."
A $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, brokered by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, added a picnic pavilion, gazebo, bridges and trails to the site. "We cannot thank the Conservancy enough," said Joe Turner, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. "Their hard work and dedication today will make Willow Waterhole one of Houston's premier parks."
A Place to Reflect
Last fall, the Conservancy established the Jack Rafferty Gathering Area under a large oak tree at the site. Rafferty was the District's first leader and has family residing near the park. Decorated with large granite seating blocks and interpretive signage, the memorial pays homage to Rafferty (1896-1940), who paved the way for countless projects, such as the Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin, that have significantly reduced flooding risks in Harris County.
Massive Stormwater Detention Basin Helps Protect Thousands From Flooding
When complete, the basin will hold over 600 million gallons of stormwater (more than one Reliant Astrodome) that might otherwise flood homes and businesses. The basin is part of the District's Brays Bayou Flood Damage Reduction Project (Project Brays) that aims to contain the 1% (100-year) floodplain inside the bayou's banks.
Willow Waterhole Park is bound by South Willow and Gasmer drives and Ricecrest Street in southwest Houston.
Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
Fun Run and Dedication schedule:
Registration: 7 to 8 a.m. (Meet at the gazebo at South Willow Drive and Ricecrest Street)
Adult Run (5K): 8:30 a.m.
Adult Walk (5K): 8:45 a.m.
*Family Walk (1 mile): 9 a.m.
Rafferty Memorial Dedication: 10:30 a.m.
*raffle and awards will follow family walk
> See Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin Exhibit
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