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Willow Waterhole Fact Sheet
Overview
As part of Project Brays, the Willow Waterhole Greenway Project's primary focus is to reduce flood damage for area residents and businesses. However, it is also bringing much needed greenspace and recreational amenities to southwest Houston neighborhoods.
Project Benefits
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is funding, implementing and maintaining the flood damage reduction portion of the project. The Willow Waterhole Greenway Project includes one of Project Brays' four large regional stormwater detention basins or storage "lakes" that detain water during heavy rainfall to reduce peak flows in the channel that can cause flooding. Upon completion, Willow Waterhole will detain approximately 600 million gallons of stormwater. As a result, thousands of residents and businesses will benefit from the reduced risk of flooding.
When not being used for flood damage reduction purposes, Willow Waterhole will bring an additional 280 acres of useable greenspace for the nearby community. In addition, through partnerships with other organizations, amenities such as walking paths and bridges, bike trails, playgrounds and picnic areas can be added - creating a special place for neighbors and families to enjoy. For instance, the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a $750,000 grant by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to fund construction of some recreational and aesthetic amenities during the initial development of the Willow Waterhole Greenway Project.
A Model Partnership
The Willow Waterhole Greenway Project is a prime example of the regional partnership between the HCFCD, the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This unique partnership sets a new standard, demonstrating how different entities can work together to better benefit the communities they serve. This regional partnership has been successful because of the dedication and commitment put forth by a broad base of community leaders and organizations including the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy, which collectively helped to foster relationships and promote the project.
Project Location
The Willow Waterhole Greenway Project is located near S. Post Oak Rd. and US Highway 90 in southwest Harris County. The project also includes a link to the Willow Waterhole Bayou between Gasmer and South Willow Drive.
Schedule
The HCFCD began construction on the Willow Waterhole Greenway Project in May 2004 and construction is approximately five percent complete. It is important to remember that, even though it will take several years to complete the project, every phase completed will deliver some level of relief and steadily reduce the risk of flooding.
Public Involvement
This regional partnership has been successful because of the dedication and commitment put forth by a broad base of community leaders and organizations, exemplified by the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy, who collectively helped to foster relationships and promote the project. The Willow Waterhole Greenway Project is an example of how community input and participation can help develop innovative ways to meet the specific needs of an area and result in greater community benefit.
For More Information
For additional information on the Willow Waterhole Greenway Project, please visit our at www.projectbrays.org or call the Project Brays Hotline at 713-316-4820.
Last updated Feb. 2006
> View Printable Version (PDF) (PDF, 94KB, February 2006)
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