White Oak Studio was retained
to prepare a new master plan for this
400 acre City of Houston Park. Demographic
changes necessitated a re-thinking of
the 20 year old master plan, but the
major impetus was a planned 100 acre
regional flood detention basin to be
constructed within the park. A client
committee made up of Harris County Flood
Control District, Houston Parks &
Recreation Department and the land donor
family dictated that the new detention
basin must be integrated as an amenity
to the park and an attraction to the neighborhood.
The plan illustrates a multi-use park,
with active recreation and family picnic
facilities focused in a previously developed
area, with extensive natural areas along
Hall’s
Bayou planned for trail and natural areas.
The storm water detention basin is integrated
into the site using sinuous configuration,
extensive woodland and grassland habitat
plantings and an innovative system of water
quality ponds, wetlands and streams diverting
water from the bayou. The water re-enters
Hall’s Bayou 1/2 mile
downstream after being naturally cleaned
within the basin system. Mr. Patterson
led the completion of the project at Knudson & Associates
while he was principal with that firm |
