by N. Bradford
Upcoming improvements to Pearland’s park system include a 2.4-mile extension of the Clear Creek trail in 2025.
The new portion of the Clear Creek Trail will begin at Barry Rose and Pearland Parkway.
“It will travel north all the way to the University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland campus,” Parks and Recreation director Carry Capers said during a capital improvement projects update for the city council on Oct. 23.
“This project will include a major trailhead and parking near the University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland and a pedestrian bridge that crosses over Clear Creek from the Harris County side into Brazoria County.”
From 2018 to 2023, approximately $30 million has gone into parks in Pearland. The most recent investments include expansions to the dog park and sidewalks in Independence Park, artificial field turf at the Shadow Creek Ranch sports complex, and the Ed Thompson Inclusive Park.
During the workshop, Capers reviewed future parks and recreation projects planned over the next five years.
At the Knapp Activity Center, where membership has reached a record 773, a covered activity space will create 3,000 more square feet.
“Since the pandemic, members of the facility have been more active than ever,” Capers said. “When I say it’s bursting at the seams, it does feel like that some days. There are wait lists to participate in fitness programs, social programs, and also wait lists for many of the events.”
Funded through federal Block Grants, that project is currently in the design phase, and construction is set for 2024.
A slate of projects at the Hickory Slough Sports complex, including six new sports fields, pavilion, parking, playground, lighting, and restroom expansions, are expected to begin construction in 2025.
Initially set to be completed with bond sales approved by voters this year, the Hickory Slough project is funded through an agreement with the Pearland Economic Development Corp.
“We just won’t sell those bonds unless the council determines there are other uses for those,” City Manager Trent Epperson said.
At Independence Park, a pond will be converted to an amenity lake, and a splash pad, playground expansion, and trail and sidewalk connections will be added in 2026. Public outreach will be conducted regarding the details of those bond-funded improvements.
