Below is a timeline of events since the inception of the Conservancy.

1985: Two engineering studies funded by the Brays Bayou Association (BBA) determined that a regional stormwater detention basin was required in the Brays Bayou Watershed east of Gessner. The search for a regional detention site became the holy grail of the BBA.

1992-4: Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) determined that the optimum location for a regional basin was along Brays Bayou between Chimney Rock and Stella Link, but it could not find a suitable site.

1995: The City of Houston Planning Department facilitated organizing the Westbury Area Improvement Corporation (WAIC) to revitalize the area around Westbury High School.

1996: The WAIC proposed a site along Willow Waterhole Bayou containing over a dozen dilapidated and obsolete buildings as well as several brownfields. They recommended that the site also serve as a park. The BBA was partially responsible for getting the U.S. Congress to authorize HCFCD to design Project Brays, allowing more citizen input into the process than just the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Willow Waterhole Greenway Story

1997-2000: BBA and Westbury community members proposed and advocated for the current site as a dual-use flood detention and park. The BBA and eventually HCFCD began a series of engineering studies of the WAIC proposal. BBA hired Kevin Shanley of SWA Architects to create the dual-use design.

1998: The BBA presented a conceptual design of a conservation reserve on the Willow Waterhole site at a public meeting held at Johnson Middle School. The design by Kevin Shanley (SWA) was based on the results of one of the initial engineering studies.

1998-2000: WAIC and BBA members were active on the Citizens Advisory Committee formed by HCFCD to receive input on the Project Brays design.

2000: HCFCD received $75 million in funding for Willow Waterhole from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as part of Project Brays and began purchasing properties (ultimately totaling 291 acres). Harris County Commissioners Court authorized HCFCD to excavate the lakes at the Willow Waterhole site. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) received a $750,000 grant for Willow Waterhole from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department based on the BBA design.

2001: The BBA sponsored a new 501(c)3 organization, the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy (WWGC), which became the recognized steward of the facility by both HCFCD and the City. The WWGC adopted the name Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve for the facility. The WWGC, with the help of the National Parks Service, initiated a process that eventually added 30 additional acres to the Conservation Reserve.

2002-3: The HCFCD acquired 279 acres for the park.

2003: A $750,000 urban park grant received from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department jump-started the project with a 2004 ground breaking event, and work began gazebos at two lakes on trails, benches, tables, bridges.

2004: After a spring groundbreaking event, the first construction phase was completed in the fall. HCFCD completed the demolition of the dilapidated and obsolete buildings and the cleanup of all but one of the brownfields. The worst aspects of the site were gradually replaced with trails, bridges, gazebos, picnic tables, and benches funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant.

2005: The WWGC held its first annual Fun Run and Walk.

2006: The Clematis Basin, now Willow Lake (bounded by South Post Oak, Gasmer, South Willow, and Ricecrest) was excavated. The Jack Rafferty Memorial next to Triangle Lake on Ricecrest was dedicated during the second annual Fun Run. It honors of the engineer who crafted the first flood control master plan for Houston in the late 1930s.

2007: The Houston Audubon Society began monthly bird surveys at Willow Waterhole. The third annual Fun Run and Walk had a larger participation than in previous years. WWGC conducted the first Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower planting, the Eagle Scout program, and Conservation Workdays. Houston Parks and Recreation Department selected Willow Waterhole as one of its seven new Signature Parks, bringing the total to nine.

2008: The 4th annual Fun Run and Walk was canceled due to recovery from Hurricane Ike. Wildflowers were again planted.

2009: The WWGC started organizing periodic volunteer work days. The 5th Annual Fun Run and Walk was a success. The Greenway Master Plan was published.

2010: Benches and picnic tables were installed by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Conservation Reserve was the focus of the Rice University Charrette design competition. Boy Scouts installed the first kiosk. Movies in the Park started.

2011: Triangle Lake was completed by HCFCD, including the final remediation phase of the remaining contaminated brownfield. The inaugural Sunday Music in the Park event was held featuring the jazz band of Westbury High School and honoring HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier. Trees for Houston began planting tribute groves.

2012: A federal grant of approximately $400,000 supported additional amenities that included trails, signage, educational outreach, habitat restoration, and plantings. Trees for Houston held two tree planting events. The WWGC hosted music and movie events as well as a harvest moon festival. HCFCD acquired 12½ additional acres for the Conservation Reserve, bringing the total to 291. Yes Prep students and Boy Scout Troop 99 implemented the first and second phases, respectively, of the Bayou Trail Rehabilitation Project. Greenway selected, from among other Houston Parks, to be the future site for a free outdoor professional and diverse music venue: Levitt Pavilion Houston.

2013: Construction was completed of Westbury Lake . The WWGC hosted the 1st Annual JazzFest. The WWGC held its first tree planting event. The third and final phase of the Bayou Trail Rehabilitation Project was completed by students from various local schools.

2015: Construction was completed on Prairie Lake, located to the east of South Post Oak, and construction began on the final two lakes on South Willow Drive. The first high school cross-country meet was held.

The Conservancy is partnering with the Levitt Foundation, Friends of Levitt Pavilion Houston, Brays Oaks Management District, and the City in developing the former Shell property next door. The site plan includes Levitt Pavilion Houston, substantial parking, permanent bathrooms, a performance theater, a community center, and a detention pond. Levitt Pavilion Houston will be transformative in moving Willow Waterhole Greenway forward and serving as a catalyst for socioeconomic revitalization.

The basin complex’s six connected lakes were excavated as deep as the bayou’s bottom. They range in size from 10 to 110 acres and can hold up to 600 million gallons of stormwater.

Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trailsthroughout the park.

The Winter Fun event near the Bob Schwartz Gazebo gives many Houston kids their first taste of snow and a chance to slide down a hillside.