This February, Memorial Park Conservancy is celebrating a milestone in the opening of its monumental Land Bridge project.
The tunnel system as with the Land Bridge and Prairie project is a part of MPC’s ten-year plan. Begun in 2018, a $70 million gift from the Kinder Foundation – then the single largest parks grant in Houston history – catalyzed the project.
Since then, the partnership has extended to include the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Uptown Development Authority, and the City of Houston.
The Land Bridge and Prairie is a 100-acre greenspace that features two distinct 35-foot-high hills that which creates a “natural” bridge over Memorial Drive. Its purpose is to re-unite the north and south sides of the park, promote regional biodiversity, and manage stormwater – all while creating a new community green space and giving visitors scenic views of the area.
On February 11, organizers are celebrating the achievement with “The Biggest Picnic in Texas”.
“Memorial Park is a place for ALL Houstonians, and all are invited to be a part of two days of festivities marking the opening of Memorial Park’s 100-acre Land Bridge and Prairie,” the organization wrote on its website.
“At ‘The Biggest Picnic in Texas,’ enjoy food, music, giveaways and activities for all ages. Be among the first to traverse the two 35-foot Land Bridge hills that connect the north and south sides of Memorial Park’s 1,500 acres.”
Beginning at 10 am, the free event will feature live music, face painting, and guided tours on site, as well as picnic basket-filled goodies courtesy of H-E-B.
“Explore the expansive project featuring wildlife viewing stations, trails and boardwalks, and a “Scramble” path to the top; and take in the dramatic views of the Uptown and Downtown skylines and Memorial Park itself from this new vantage point.”
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