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Hill at Sims Grand Opening held on May 30
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Sunnyside showed up in a big way! Thank you to the nearly 1,500 community members and supporters who joined us and the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis this past Saturday to celebrate the historic grand opening of Hill at Sims, a nearly $30 million public and private investment and the first new park in Sunnyside in nearly 50 years.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were able to explore the park and learned about the various park amenities. The party kept going all morning as community members enjoyed free food and beverages from local vendors. Special thanks to all organizations that hosted activities!
The new 100-acre regional park's features include:
- The Brown Foundation Hilltop Pavilion, situated atop a 60-foot hill with scenic views of Downtown Houston, Uptown, and the Texas Medical Center
- Nearly 5 miles of paved and natural hike-and-bike trails
- A recreational fishing pier — Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Pier
- A unique glass viewing platform with vistas of the park — Hildebrand Foundation Overlook
Hill at Sims was made possible thanks to the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, HPB, The Brown Foundation, Inc., Hildebrand Foundation, and the advocacy of State Representative Dr. Alma Allen and Congressman Al Green.
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View from The Brown Foundation Hilltop Pavilion
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If you haven’t had a chance to visit Hill at Sims Park yet, we are hosting a pop-up event on Saturday, June 6, from 8 – 10 a.m. to celebrate National Trails Day. In addition to Kona Ice, music, (and fun!), Nature Heritage Society will be leading users on a nature walk to share more about the park and its future.
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MacGregor Park will undergo transformative improvements through a partnership between HPB, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Kinder Foundation
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Join us on Saturday, June 27, from 8 – 10 a.m. at MacGregor Park for a Community Walk & Talk to get an update on the improvement project's design and features ahead of construction beginning later this year.
Community members will learn more about the:
- Improvements coming to the park
- Construction timeline
- Upcoming facility closures during construction
This is an opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the future of one of Houston’s most culturally historic parks.
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HPB is accepting qualifications and proposals from experienced artists for two public art installations at MacGregor Park. Help shape the future of this beloved greenspace through art that celebrates its history and community.
The application is now open through July 28.
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We are heading to Austin this month to attend City Parks Alliance’s Greater & Greener 2026 conference. There, we will connect with other park leaders who also work to create more sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities. Our very own Senior Project Manager, Lisa Graiff, will join the panel Disability: Inclusion Is Not Extra, It’s Essential! to discuss the Disability-Inclusive Parks, Trails, and Playgrounds Best Practices Guide, created by HPB and Huitt-Zollars.
The Guide, which we released last fall, outlines ways to make new and existing parks and trails more inclusive and accessible. Designed to meet organizations where they are, the Guide offers flexible, community and research-backed recommendations that can be applied at any stage of a park or trail project, whatever the budget or scope.
We are thrilled to join this panel and dive into the implementation of this living Guide. Everyone deserves access to parks and greenspaces to connect with nature.
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As temperatures heat up and we welcome the first official day of summer on June 21, remember to practice heat safety while enjoying your neighborhood parks and the Bayou Greenways. Whether you're walking, biking, running, or simply spending time outdoors, a few simple precautions can help you stay safe in the Houston heat.
Heat safety tips include:
- Drinking lots of water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
- Avoiding hitting the trails during peak temperature hours — earlier mornings and later evenings are best
- Taking shade breaks to cool down! The Bayou Greenways feature benches and tree shaded areas along many trail segments.
- Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to stay cool and comfortable while enjoying the outdoors
Get outside, stay active, and enjoy Houston’s greenspaces safely this summer!
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Houston wouldn’t be Bayou City without a little help from nature. 🌿
Wetlands are a vital piece of the region’s habitat, supporting birds, fish, other wildlife, and even people. Globally, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands, making them one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Read this month’s blog from HPB Conservation Technician Christina Lee to learn about how wetlands support the Greater Houston region.
If you are looking to get your hands dirty, we encourage everyone to participate in upcoming conservation events and offerings (click the links below!):
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Hill at Sims Park is now open to the public:
- Houston Chronicle: New 100-acre Sunnyside park marks major investment in long-neglected Houston neighborhood. Read here. (PDF here)
- Click2Houston: Harris County completes Hill at Sims Regional Park, Sunnyside's first new greenspace in 50 years. Read here.
- Houston Business Journal:100-acre park opens in Sunnyside, neighborhood's first in 50 years (PHOTOS). Read here. (PDF here)
- CultureMap Houston: $30 million, 100-acre new park rises in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood. Read here.
- The Forward Times: Sunnyside Welcomes Its First New Park in 50 Years as Hill as Sims Opens. Read here.
- Houston Public Media: Houston residents are invited to the new $30M Hill at Sims Park in Sunnyside. Read here.
- ABC 13: Sunnyside sees 1st new park in 50 years; experts say green spaces essential for quality of life. Read here.
- Axios Houston: 100-acre Hill at Sims Park in Sunnyside opens. Read here.
- Secret Houston: The newest 100-acre park in Houston is finally open — featuring a hilltop pavilion, panoramic views, and miles of trails. Read here.
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