Proposal:

Build a footbridge across Caney Creek that connects Kingwood's trail system with Lake Houston Park's.

Why this is important:

Lake Houston Park, the largest city-owned nature park in North America, has no entrance within the City. The park's master plan does not budget one either. The City plans to put the entrance to the park in New Caney. As a consequence, Kingwood's 70,000 residents will have to drive more than 26 miles (round trip from Town Center) to enjoy a park less than 200 feet away.

Kingwood borders on Lake Houston Park for 2.5 miles. We are separated from it only by Caney Creek.

Linking Kingwood with the park will:

• Create an entrance to a city park within the City
• Give easy access to the taxpayers paying for the park
• Connect Kingwood to a recreation area almost as large as Kingwood itself
• Improve park attendance and economics
• Allow people to hike and bike from River Grove Park to New Caney without ever crossing a major thoroughfare
• Support the City's long range vision to create a network of connected trails within the San Jacinto watershed
• Minimize environmental impact
• Reduce traffic congestion both within and outside the park
• Improve property values in Kingwood

Not funding a footbridge will:

• Exclude kids without drivers' licenses or vehicles from the park
• Reduce park attendance and hurt park revenue
• Force residents who visit the park to waste time and gasoline
• Leave a 5,000-acre park with one way in and one way out with no safety exit in case of forest fire!

To download the latest master plan, business plan and opportunities analysis for Lake Houston Park, go to: http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/publications.html