Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition

New Chapter for Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition

2011-11-02T08:09:00.000-05:00

In March of 2009, the Greenspoint District hired me to carry out dual roles. In addition to my responsibilities for the District, I was given the charge of drawing on my ten years of non-profit experience to lay the ground work for an organization that could function independently. Thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, we did just that. The organization has grown from an entity with $35,000 in the bank to one that has secured $3M in cash and in-kind contributions. It has diversified its funding stream attracting memberships, corporate donations, and grants. A master plan is close to completion and award-winning projects are on the ground. It is time GBCC benefited from an executive director that can dedicate 100% of his/her time to helping the organization reach the next level of maturity.

At the October board of directors meeting the board voted unanimously to appoint Jill Boullion, our current development director, to the position of executive director, effective January 1, 2012. I cannot be more pleased. Jill came to us through a Houston Endowment grant and has had tremendous success both in the responsibilities assigned to her and those traditionally reserved for the executive director. She brings a wealth of strengths gained from running her own business and working for a local chamber of commerce. Additionally, her residence within the Greens Bayou watershed makes these issues near and dear to her heart.

As for me? I will transition to 100% economic development for the Greenspoint District. With the importance of flood control to our local businesses I look forward to contributing my time as a volunteer on GBCC's public policy subcommittee and other items where my expertise can be helpful.

It has been an honor to serve this organization in its formative years and the friendships I have been privileged to make are ones I cherish dearly. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this great effort.

Regina Lindsey

Hundreds of Volunteers Create a Cleaner, Greener Bayou

2011-10-20T15:19:00.000-05:00

Lead sponsor KBR was just one of a few corporate teams that converged with a total of 353 volunteers on the west reach of Greens Bayou on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition planning team under the direction of Mike Castro worked for nearly six months to plan an outstanding event.

More than 4 miles of bayou were cleaned of debris, tires, shopping carts, mattresses, cans and bottles. Seventy trees were planted at the entrance to Copper Creek Subdivision. Volunteers were provided by area Boy Scout troops, Willowbrook Rotary, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, San Jacinto College North, Best Buy, AECOM, Harris County MUD 33 and Harris County Utility District 15 just to name just a few. Hundreds of trash bags were filled, which will have a postive impact on flooding and water quality.

We are grateful for all our sponsors especially our Environmentalist level supporters: KBR, CenterPoint Energy, Lone Star College-North Harris, REI, Waste Management, Trees for Houston and Harris County Flood Control.

If you are interested in being a part of one of our future clean-up events please email jboullion@greensbayou.org. See you on the (clean) bayou!!

Master Plan is One Step Closer to Reality

2011-08-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

Monday, August 22nd was another milestone on the way to our master plan in partnership with the National Parks Service. A group of dedicated volunteers donated a full day of their time to review and rank the top 10 projects for each of our four reaches. These projects, and many others, came out of the seven public input meetings we held throughout our watershed in February. About 200 total projects were proposed and since then reach volunteers have been out scouring the city to determine the ease of implementation for all projects proposed. While the majority of projects will be included in the plan the goal was to determine the projects with the greatest impact and ease of implementation, thus the top 40 that our committee reviewed.

We want to thank this group for helping us in reaching our goal of a better quality of life for all who live, work and play along Greens Bayou:

Our Reach Chairs:
Eric Hall, KBR
Bart Baker, Greenspoint District
Matt Thornton, Edminster Hinshaw Russ & Associates
Omar Escobar, LJA Engineering

Our Regional Representatives:
Scott Bean, East Aldine District
Steve Hupp, Bayou Preservation Association
Regina Adams, Johnson Radcliffe Petrov & Bobbitt
Roksan Okan-Vick, Houston Parks Board
Andrew Tadross, City of Houston Parks Department
Rachel Powers, Houston Galveston Area Council

Of course we couldn't have done it without the continuing work of National Parks Service representatives Kathryn Nichols and Chance Kinnison. And a special thanks to Marcia Yim at LJA Engineering for getting our GIS data updated for the meeting.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come!!

Greens Bayou Part of HGAC Sustainable Communities Work Groups

2011-07-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

Imagine the year is 2040..... what will our 13-county greater Houston region look like? Will you be able to get around without using a car? Will you have a choice of housing options? Will you have opportunities to connect with nature? How can we create a more prosperous region that allows families a secure future?

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (http://www.h-gac.com/) is undertaking a 3 year study involving a wide cross section of people representing expertise and geographic diversity. The resulting Regional Plan for Sustainable Development will look at current and future opportunities to meet the needs of diverse communities and residents of the region in a manner that doesn't compromise the needs of future generations. The plan will lay out goals for the region, develop metrics to assess sustainability, analyze regional scenarios, and recommend implementation strategies.

We are pleased to announce that GBCC Development Director, Jill Boullion, has been selected for the "Environment" group and will represent the needs and desires of the communities along Greens Bayou and its watershed. The work groups will meet for the first time in August and we'll keep any developments posted here in our blog. Stay tuned!

Thank you to our AWBD Sponsors!!

2011-06-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

On Friday, June 10th the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition will hold its second annual reception at the Association of Water Board Directors Annual Meeting in Ft. Worth. It is an opportunity for us to create more meaningful relationships with the utility board directors in our watershed and explore projects we can partner on. We are thrilled to have the support of a number of professional service firms as sponsors:

Bald Eagle Sponsor:
LJA Engineer

Heron Sponsors:
AECOM
Century Engineering
Johnson Radcliffe Petrov & Bobbitt PLLC

Wood Duck Sponsors:
AEI Engineering
Brown & Gay Engineers
Clark Condon & Associates
Rvi Planning
Sanford Kuhl Hagan Kugle Parker Kahn LLP
Uretek ICR Gulf Coast LP

We look forward to seeing all of you there!

Grant For Waste Water Treatment Study Approved

2011-03-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

For two years, at the encouragement of a South Reach committee member representing the Port of Houston, The Coalition has facilitated discussions with stakeholders exploring the idea of conducting a feasibility study for regionalized waster water treatment in the unincorporated areas of the ship channel. With Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority serving as the lead applicant, a $50,000 grant from the Texas Water Development Board has been approved to study 7,000 acres along the ship channel. Other financial partner include Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority, Harris County Precinct 2, industry at the port, and Port of Houston Authority. The study will begin this year and take a year to complete.

Ida Gaye Gardens To Receive Award From HGAC

2010-12-16T09:08:00.000-06:00

H-GAC is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 Parks and Natural Areas Award competition. These projects serve as models for planning and project implementation for parks and natural areas in the region.

H-GAC received a total of 25 applications in four categories: the Planning Process; Policy Tools; On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000; and On-the-Ground Projects over $500,000. On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the H-GAC Board of Directors will honor the outstanding parks and natural areas projects during the regular Board meeting at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at 10:45 a.m.

Ida Gaye Gardens, a project by Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition/The Greenspoint District is the winner in the Planning category. Plans for the Gardens include walking trails, specialized exercise equipment, an area for structured exercise classes and raised gardens. This 3.2-acre park development is designed to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle for senior citizens.

The Planning Honorable Mention project is the City of Sugar Land's Gannoway Park Master Plan.

Special recognition is also given to:
The City of Missouri City's Memorial Tree Program

The City of Galveston's Fort Crockett Park (Honoree: Clark Condon Associates, Inc.)

Harris County MUD No. 230's Mandolin Gardens (Honoree: Talley Landscape Architects, Inc.)

The City of Houston's Sam Houston Park Master Plan and Cell Phone Audio Tour Program

The Energy Corridor's Bicycle Master Plan

Greens Bayou Is Now Greener

2010-11-11T15:14:00.002-06:00

On the beautiful, crisp fall morning of November 6th more than 70 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Rotarians and community volunteers went to work on Greens Bayou beginning at Cutten Road to Bammel North Houston in our West Reach area. Trees and shrubs donated by the Harris County Flood Control District were planted by scouts under the supervision of volunteers from Trees For Houston while everyone else grabbed gloves and trash bags to pick up debris before it could move further down stream. Over 20 very heavy bags of trash and even a love seat and sofa were hauled out of the bayou!!

There are many people to thank for making this part of Greens Bayou a bit “greener” and we have to start with our event chair and board member, Mike Castro, City Manager of Jersey Village. We also were treated to a wonderful breakfast donated by Dave Crume, manager of the Willowbrook Sweet Tomatoes. Willowbrook Rotary came out for the second time to help us clean along with volunteers representing Green Team America. Cutten Green HOA allowed us space to store trees. Treena Dockery, of The Greenspoint District, did a splendid job checking everyone in and keeping us organized. And a big “thank you” to KBR for providing seed money for our bayou clean up efforts. The saying that “many hands make light work” was very appropriate.

It was truly a community effort in every sense and we eagerly look forward to our next green gathering!

More photos for this event

Coalition Receives Houston Endowment Funding

2010-10-01T09:05:00.002-05:00

The Coalition has learned the Houston Endowment has approved two proposals submitted by The Coalition. The first proposal requested funding to assist in The Coalition's efforts to develop a master plan along the watershed. Initial funding for this effort comes from National Parks Service. Houston Endowment's funds specifically allows LJA Engineering to create a GIS platform that increases the ability to receive public input in the planning process. The second proposal allows The Coalition to hire a development director. The total award is $70,000.

The Coalition recognizes the importance of this achievement not only in terms of increasing and diversifying its funding, but in receiving approval from such a respected foundation. We appreciate the assistance Elizabeth Love provided in preparation for formal submittal and Houston Endowment's board of directors for their confidence in our work.

2010-09-13T08:50:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to announce the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition Board of Directors has selected Gulf Coast Landscaping Services as the contractor for construction of Ida Gaye Gardens. Gulf Coast Landscaping brings a wealth of experience to this project, having developed parks for the City of Missouri City, the City of Pasadena, Harris County MUD 120, and the Houston Parks Board.

Cherno Nije, developer of Langwick Senior Residence conveyed 3.2 acres of land for the expressed intent of a park development. With demographic studies showing 10,000 seniors in a one-mile radius and 75,000 within a three-mile radius, it was obvious this population was the target audience. WIth an abundance of research demonstrating the correlation of physical activity and independent lifestyles in senior citizen, the decision was made to develop a park that would Greenspoint senior citizens to remain active. After commitments from Texas Parks and Wildlife, CenterPoint Energy, and United Way of Greater Houston, the Greenspoint District has agreed to provide matching funds for construction. Construction is set to begin this month with phase I complete by the end of this year. We appreciate everyone who submitted bids.

Association of Water Board Directors

2010-06-22T08:04:00.001-05:00

The Coalition hosted its first reception at the AWBD Annual Meeting July 18, 2010, at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio. This was a great opportunity to thank our member MUD's and visit with potential members on our work. Using maps provided by LJA, we were able to walk directors through each of the reaches, show how the projects connect to the overall planned system, and benefit their district.

We would like to thank our sponsors: Advantage Water Management, Century Engineering, Inc., Johnson, Radcliffe, Petrov & Bobbitt PLLC, RVi Planning Landscape Architecture, and TERRA Renewal.

We would also like to thank those who donated door prizes: Marky Kay consultants Debbie Berry and Dawn Moore, Greenspoint Club, and hoteliers: Doubletree IAH, Park Inn, and Greenspoint Hilton.

I owe a personal thank you to Amy Craig, Rhea Davis, Treena Dockery, and Jocklynn Keville for their assistance in the days leading up to the event.

Unusual Palm

2010-06-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

On Friday, June 4, members from Texas Forest Service met with representatives from Bayou Preservation Association and Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition. The issue at hand is the identification of an unusual palm with suspected off-shoots growing on-site of the proposed canoe launch park. This unusually large palm (10 ft) has everyone stumped. Is it a new species or the Texas champ? First noticed by Eric Ruckstuhl, Eyes on the Bayou for Bayou Preservation Association, a variety of expert opinions have been sought. After visiting with Professor Landon Lockett at University of Texas and Texas Forest Service we will now take steps to do genetic testing to determine if this is in fact a new species. If not, all indications suggest this would be the largest Sabal Louisiana in Texas.

Get Ready for Park and Recreation Month In July

2010-05-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

July is Park and Recreation Month!

Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate!

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation's official Park and Recreation month. This year's theme is "Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate!" NRPA is encouraging members, agencies, and citizens to plan events and initiatives that remind local decision makers and the community of the exciting and vital role that parks and recreation play in our lives.

2010 "This is how we recreate!" Social Media Project

Show and share with America why parks and recreation are important to you, the community, and the U.S.! NRPA is encouraging individuals across the country to participate in the association's 2010 "This is how we recreate!" Social Media Project.

Print out the social media sign, available in the 2010 Park and Recreation Month Tool Kit, and take pictures of yourself, your family members, and your friends in any park or recreation facility. Post the images on all of your favorite social media sites with "July is Park and Recreation Month!" in the header, and help create a massive buzz throughout the country!

Businesses Can Connect With MUD's

2010-05-13T15:20:00.001-05:00

Plans are coming together for our reception at Association of Water Board Director's (AWBD) Annual Conference on Friday, June 18, 6pm at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio. We appreciate Johnson, Radcliffe, Petrov, & Bobbitt and Terra Renewal 's sponsorship of this event. Sponsorships are still available. Click here for more information.

We are also looking for door prizes. We have a Wii with Sports Resort package as one of the prizes. The plan is to set up the canoe program for the event and allow guests to race each other. I'm looking forward to watching that! If you have items you would like to donate please call Treena Dockery at 281-874-2146.

Sponsorship and door prizes are two great ways to get your name in front of directors of these MUD's.

Invitations should be complete and will go out next week.

Regional Waste Water Treatment Facility

2010-05-03T10:41:00.001-05:00

By nature economic development project are sensitive. So, we don't have the opportuity to talk about them until after a public announcement has been made. We can, however, talk about one project. The unincorporated areas of the ship channel do not offer waste water treatment. Businesses are responsible for treatment on site through septic or package plants. This cuts into a business' bottom line and hampers attraction efforts. After all who wants to handle to their own waste water? The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition, Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority, LJA Engineering, and The Port of Houston Authority are moving forward with feasibility study to look at a regionlized waste water treatment facility for over 20,000 acres. As we move closer to the opening or the Panam Canal, Houston needs to be prepared for increased economic development activity. Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition is glad to be part of the preparation.

KBR Makes Donation to Coaltion

2010-04-26T08:58:00.001-05:00

We were excited to have representatives from KBR at our quarterly board meeting on Thursday, April 22. Richard Jennings and Eric Hall presented The Coalition with a $10,000 check and Mr. Jennings shared KBR's giving history. It was exciting to hear the work KBR is involved in and to realize we were selected with these other causes. We are definitely in good company and appreciative of the recognition by such a good corporate citizen. Thanks KBR!

Association of Water Board Developers Annual Conference

2010-04-12T15:43:00.001-05:00

Several of our committee members have recommended that we get involved with Association of Water Board Directors (AWBD). The recommendation we hear over and over is to attend its Annual Conference and host a reception. With over 2,000 directors in attendance we decided that would be a good opportunity to visit more in depth about our work. We now have details on this event. We are looking forward to visiting with directors at a reception on Friday, June 18, 2010, 6pm at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. If you offer professional services to Municipal Utility Districts (MUD) and would like to sponsor the event click here for details. If you are a MUD with an interest in Greens Bayou call Treena Dockery at 281-874-2146 to RSVP.

National Park Service Grant

2010-03-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to have the National Park Service working with us to develop a master plan for the forty-five miles of Greens Bayou through its Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.

Kathryn Nichols, Community Planner, National Park Service, was in town Monday, March 30, visiting with the volunteers that meet monthly to work on Greens Bayou. We had a great turn out and appreciate everyone's participation. Kathryn tells us this helped bring all the pieces togehter for her.

Now, it's time to get input from the community at-large. Over the next year reach committees will host workshops in the reaches, surveys will be sent out, on-line surveys will be developed, and we will learn what recreational activities the community wants. If you have ideas stay tuned to our Calendar of Events for details on meetings in your area.

March 20, 2010 West Reach Clean Up/Tree Planting Event

2010-03-23T17:08:00.000-05:00

Despite the threat of rain and the eventual deluge, approximately 75 volunteers worked for three hours along the upper portion of the watershed. Before the cool front pushed through forty trees were planted and fifty bags of trash were collected.

Volunteers from KBR, Boy Scouts, Willowbrook Rotary Club, Klein Collins High School Interact Club, Leadership North Houston alumni, and the community at large chipped in to make this first event a huge success. The committee was particularly impressed with the number of youth volunteers that participated and the work ethic they displayed. They hung in there, got soaked, and finished the job with a smile on their face and a little laughter.

GBCC extends its sincere appreciation to KBR for financial support, Harris County Flood for donation of the trees, Trees for Houston for materials and instruction, Bayou Preservation Association for its expertise, and CenterPoint Energy for donation of equipment. We look forward to future projects.

Help Us Beautify the Bayou!

2010-03-18T07:54:00.000-05:00

When the West Reach initially met and went through a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threat) exercise, one of the themes that emerged was the lack of appeal in this part of Greens Bayou. With funding from KBR, GBCC is partnering with Harris County Flood Control District, Bayou Preservation Association, Costa Vizcaya Apartments and Trees For Houston to host a Bayou Clean/Tree Planting Day on Saturday, March 20, 2010, from 9 am - 12 noon.

The clean up will start at the top of Greens Bayou and begin working down stream. If you are interested in participating in the clean up meet at Walgreens located at Jones Road and Cypress-North Houston. The tree planting will focus on an area between North Gessner and Mills Road. If you are interested in participating in the tree planting meet at Costa Vizcaya apartments at 12020 N. Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77064.

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Awards GBCC Grant

2010-03-03T15:06:00.001-06:00

Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition (GBCC), Houston Parks Board, Bayou Preservation Association, and Wendel D Ley Family YMCA are working together to develop the first canoe launch park on Greens Bayou.

The site is a genuine diamond in the rough, with two unusual finds. First, the furthest east stand of Anacuas are present. More importantly, it is home to a ten foot palm. Specialist at the University of Texas are working to determine if it is a new species, or simply the largest Louisiana Sabal in the State of Texas.

State Farm Youth Advisory Board awarded GBCC a $38,019 grant to work with Galena Park ISD high school students. Students will be introduced to native vs. invasive species concepts, identify and remove invasive species, and replant native plants.

1st Annual Meeting a Big Success

2010-02-22T09:45:00.000-06:00

Celebrations in general are just so much fun! We certainly enjoyed sharing our accomplishments with the community at our 1st Annual Meeting on Thrusday, February 18. What did we celebrate?

Over $1 Million in cash and in-kind donations secured over the past year.
Companies and individuals that made significant contributions
Projects that include

West Reach Clean Up/Replanting
Ida Gaye Gardens
Canoe Trail
Regionalized Waste Water Treatment study

Joe Wozny and North Houston Association with Founders Awards

For more photos visit us on Facebook

Final Days of Preparation for Annual Meeting

2010-02-15T08:48:00.002-06:00

Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition will host its 1st Annual Meeting this week on Thursday, February 18, at Hilton Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Drive. Registration begins at 10:00 am.

There are so many unknowns for a first event. How many people will attend? How many sponsors can we secure? With no previous record it is just difficult to know how successful an event will be. This has not been the case with our Annual Meeting. We are very pleased with the number of RSVP's for this event and the number of sponsors. We are looking forward to sharing this year's successes with the community. If you would like to attend call Treena Dockery at 281-874-2146.

Special thanks to Montgomery & Barnes, Inc, Amegy Bank, Greenspoint District, LJA Engineering Inc, Port of Houston, RVi, SEK Engineering Inc, and SWA Group.

2010-02-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Texas Trails Network conference was a great opportunity to meet visit with others in the field and hear from a wide range of topics. I had a couple of things happen that was very exciting.

First, when I checked in the volunteer seemed to recognize my name and organization. After first asking if I was from the Grapevine area it dawned on him that he had heard about us because he found our website. He had great things to say about the website. Good job Kathryn! You came through for me once again.

Second, Mark Fenton, host of PBS'America's Walking, was one of the lunch time presenters. He had photos of Greens Bayou and held it up as an example for what could be done.

We were very excited to be recognized at a state-wide conference this early in our development.

Back From Texas Trails Network Conference

2010-02-10T07:55:00.000-06:00

Board Meeting

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

We had our first real board meeting with the new board of directors last week. I say real because they have met one other time, but it was more of an introduction to the organization. We didn't do all of the financial reports, committee reports, etc. I am so excited to be working with this board. Not only because everytime people hear who serves on the board we get a very surprised reaction about the caliber of the board for such a new organization, but because they are engaged, asking really good questions, and are providing helpful feedback.

I am also thankful that they are taking the responsibility of participating financially seriously. We had members bring about $10,000 to the meeting. This helps us credibility when we ask others for funding. It is so important for board members to participate in the fundraising function of the organization.

Lifestyle Effects On Chronic Illnesses

2010-01-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

I attended two events last week that really opened my eyes to the benefits of parks and trails as it relates to healthy lifestyles. It was really an eye opener.

When I was young it was very rare that you ran across someone that had diabetes. Children with diabetes was almost unheard of. That trend is changing. By the time my youngest daughter was in middle school, in a class with approximately 200 students, there were four classmates diagnosed with diabetes. Two of them relied on pumps to regulate their insulin. Even though two of them were in my girl scout troops it never really hit me that there has been a real spike in diabetes diagnosis.

While the girls I knew did not have weight issues, the stories we heard last week at the Quality of Life Coalitions' symposium last week illustrated the significance of the American lifestyle on our health. I think the story that really hit home for me was the story of an immigrant family from Cambodia. Dr. Siripoom McKay from Baylor College of Medicine showed us a picture of a family with three children. The parents and oldest daughter were born in Cambodia and spent much of their life there. The youngest two children were born in American and lived a typical American lifestyle. The differences in weight were astounding. The youngest son, at 16, is now dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Dr. McKay works with families to connect them to park and trails facilities in their neighborhood to encourage physical activity.

The second event I attended was Leadership North Houston session on Health & Human Services. In addition to hearing from medical professionals on the impacts of our weight on our health, we saw a heart valve replacement surgery at Ben Taub. The patient was very heavy.

It was an interesting week. I obviously always knew that weight impacted a person's health. It was just interesting to see it from a couple of different perspectives this week.

Oh.....by the way....my husband and I bought bicycles this week.

Great Meeting With Houston Endowment!

2010-01-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

OK....1st things 1st. I grew up in Downtown Houston at Main 2016 (yes.....I was there when they filmed Urban Cowboy for all you native Houstonians) and the explosion of Downtown Houston just amazes me. Houston Endowments offices are in the JP Morgan Chase Building, which is the tallest building downtown. It is quite a navagational feat to get to the 64th floor. First you have to find the elevator bank that takes you to the 60th floor then you search for the bank of elevator bank that takes you to higher. I got dizzy when I stepped off the elevator, and I wasn't even close to a window.

The meeting with Houston Endowment went incredibly well. You know how when you are busy in the day to day routine of work, and you wonder if your are on the right track? Working with a new organization that's how I have often felt. We received so many compliments on "the strategic nature" of our work. Elizabeth Love, our grants manager, really reaffirmed that we are on the right track. From the early foundation, to pursuing the National Park Service grant for assistance in master planning, to the composition of the board makeup, to SWOT Analysis it appears we have been getting it right. I feel very encouraged about our prospects in success with Houston Endowment. It is still a long process but looks like we are on the right track.

Meeting with the Houston Endowment

2010-01-13T07:24:00.000-06:00

One of the things new non-profits deal with is the uncertainty of finding funding. This is even more true today in light of the recession. I have to say we have been fortunate at Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition because we have are receiving grants from programs that will lend to our credibility. We have a big meeting today with the Houston Endowment as part of the next phase of their review process. The Houston Endowment has a record of assisting newer organizations and we are thankful to have reached this stage in discussion. There is still a long way to go, but at least they are still talking to us!

Pieces Coming Together For Major Sports Complex in Greenspoint Area

2010-01-06T08:08:00.000-06:00

With the possibility of additional recreational opportunities at Glen Forrest Basin north of Greens Road and adjacent to I-45 North and a new skateboard park to be developed by the Greenspoint Redevelopment Authority, Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program funding will allow the development of a trail that extends the current trail at Wussow Park and connects future recreational opportunities. Recently, Texas Department of Transportation approved $2.9M for Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition (GBCC) and Greenspoint District to pursue that opportunity. Additionally, stakeholders such as North Houston Alliance-Greenspoint Inercontinental Airport (NHAGIA) and Greenspoint Community Partners (GCP) recognize its importance and have contributed to the effort. NHAGIA, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive sports complex, donated $25,000 to the effort. Area hotels feel that the proximity of Greenspoint to the airport, with easy access from I-45, make Greenspoint the ideal location for hosting tournaments and events. Commissioner El Franco Lee's office is providing the pedestrian bridge to the effort. With growing inquiries from the private sector in how they can participate, GBCC is meeting with Clark Condon Associates to explore opportunities for sponsorship recognition along the trail system. If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity contact Regina Lindsey at 281-874-2137.

Ida Gaye Gardens

2009-11-29T13:49:00.000-06:00

Final concept design for Ida Gaye Gardens. Ida Gaye Gardens will be a park designed to promote an independent lifestyle in senior citizens through physical activity. Phase I will be complete by December 2010 thanks to a $97,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant and a match provided by the Greenspoint District.