What would a contractor and an architect do on a hot summer day in Houston in the mid-1970s? They would take a helicopter ride of course! That’s exactly what George R. Brown and Charles Tapley did to look for land for a new park. From their aerial viewpoint, they spotted an old dairy farm, a perfect spot for what would become Keith-Wiess Park. This sprawling park, nearly 500 acres, was a generous gift from the Elkins family, named in honor of their parents, Keith and Wiess. The family’s deed to the City of Houston came with a special request: Keith-Wiess Park was to remain a natural haven for families and group activities. Today, this partnership between the city, county, and the Harris County Flood Control District has transformed the park into a model of recreation and environmental sustainability. Take a stroll along the paved trails that wind through the trees and around the central pond. You might even spot some native birds, like egrets and herons, that call this park home. One of the park’s most remarkable features is hidden in plain sight. The large retention ponds, carefully designed to look like natural features, were actually added after Hurricane Allison in 2001. These ponds serve a vital purpose, holding back stormwater and helping to protect downstream areas from flooding. So, as you wander through the peaceful trails of Keith-Wiess Park, remember those early visionaries in their helicopter, soaring over the cityscape in search of a place where nature and recreation could thrive together.
Greenwood Church
How about a story of faith spanning generations? This is the story of Greenwood Church. Greenwood Church has a rich