In our Park Spotlight series, we take a closer look at Houston’s vast array of public recreational areas to shine a light on hidden and not so hidden gems. This week we’ll be spotlighting Cullen Park. Join us as we take a trip through Houston, park by park.
Located west of Downtown in the Energy Corridor, the immense Cullen Park is one of America’s largest urban parks with a mammoth 9,269.82 acres of outdoor recreational potential, much still in a natural state.
Visitors to this mega park on the west side of the city’s metropolitan area will find a ball field complex, a well-kept soccer field, an archery range, a picnic area with covered tables, playground equipment, barbecue facilities, and plenty of wide-open fields, perfect for dog walking and flinging a disc.
Outdoorsy guests interested in enjoying the scenery can walk or ride their bikes along more than 8 miles of trails including paved trail that begins at the Phase II picnic area and end 3 miles later at Highway 6 with stops along the way at a historic cemetery, wildflower plantings, 2 wetland environments, and through the shade of splendid oak trees.
And let’s not forget about the kids. In addition to utilizing the sports facilities, children can cool off from the hot weather at the park’s water playground, complete with misting flowers, a spouting whale fountain, and even surprise geysers.
History of Cullen Park
In 1983, The Cullen Foundation committed $6 million over several years to develop portions of Cullen Park, a 10,500-acre west Houston park under long-term lease to the City of Houston by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Managed by the Houston Parks Board, Phase I “Community Park East” was completed in 1986 and includes the Alkek Velodrome, a four-field baseball complex, four soccer fields, and a picnic/playground area.
Phase II improvements “Community Park West” were completed in 1989 and include picnic facilities, restrooms, shelters, playgrounds, and trails.
Cullen Park
- Location: 19008 Saums Rd, Houston, TX 77084
- Hours: 7am to 5pm daily.
- Parking: Free lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area.
