A ribbon-cutting and community festival for the opening of Japhet Creek Park in Houston’s Fifth Ward
What: The Japhet Creek Park Opening Celebration takes place Saturday, September 21
Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is pleased to announce the first green space opening in Buffalo Bayou East. Japhet Creek Park sits adjacent to a historic tributary of Buffalo Bayou that extends deep into the Fifth Ward. The transformation of this neighborhood park was completed in early 2024 and features accessible trails, lawns for gatherings and events, BBP’s signature lighting, and wildflower meadows. The second phase of this project is currently in design and will include a creekside trail leading to a bayou-crossing pedestrian bridge connecting to Tony Marron Park on the south bank.
The opening event will begin with remarks from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Erica Lee Carter representing the late Sheila Jackson Lee; and Rich Kinder, Chairman of the Kinder Foundation, along with a ribbon cutting. A celebration for the whole community will follow with an afternoon of music from the Wheatley High School Marching Band and Cheer Squad, local band Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws, a special performance by piano prodigy and TikTok sensation, Traevon Narcisse, and a DJ set by KTSU. Food and drink vendors, face-painting, and community organizations will help to make this a fun and festive occasion.
WHO
Presented by Buffalo Bayou Partnership
WHEN
Saturday, September 21
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE
Japhet Creek Park
4600 Clinton Dr, Houston TX 77020
REGISTRATION
Online registration is requested but not required.
Register here
The media should check in with the BBP team upon arrival. A check-in table will be located at the BBP tent.
MORE INFORMATION Free parking is available on-site and along adjacent streets.
About Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Established in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is the non-profit organization creating and stewarding welcoming parks, trails, and unique spaces, connecting Houstonians with the city’s most significant natural waterway. The organization’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of the bayou that flows from Shepherd Drive, through the heart of downtown into the East End, and on to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. In addition to spearheading award-winning green spaces such as Buffalo Bayou Park, BBP also removes trash from the waterway and activates the bayou through unique programs, public art, volunteer events, and recreational opportunities that enrich the quality of life in Houston.
About the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan
By 2032, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and its partners will realize the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan, bringing parks, trails, bayou-crossing bridges, affordable housing, cultural destinations, and infrastructure improvements to the Greater East End and Fifth Ward. This visionary plan is made possible by a $100 million catalyst gift from the Kinder Foundation to Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which leveraged $24.3 million from Harris County, $83.5 million from the City of Houston including funds from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) #23 and #18, and $19.1 million in federal housing tax credits. Buffalo Bayou Partnership continues to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the plan.