The Sunnyside community is getting its first new park in nearly half a century — and it’s a big one.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the nonprofit Houston Parks Board (HPB) have completed Hill at Sims Park, a 100-acre regional greenspace in south Houston that transforms a stormwater detention basin into a vibrant destination for outdoor recreation, community connection and flood resilience.
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“For too long, communities like Sunnyside — where I grew up — have gone without the parks and greenspaces they deserve. Hill at Sims changes that,” Ellis said.
The nearly $30 million project officially opens to the public Saturday, May 30, with a free grand opening celebration beginning at 9 a.m. and a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
The event was originally scheduled for May 23 but was postponed because of inclement weather.
A model for flood-resilient parks
Hill at Sims is more than a park — it’s a blueprint.
Built around an existing 100-acre regional detention basin owned by the Harris County Flood Control District, the project demonstrates how flood mitigation infrastructure can be reimagined as a community asset.
“Hill at Sims reflects how strategic partnerships can elevate infrastructure projects beyond their primary purpose,” said Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District.
The park is expected to serve nearly 50,000 residents and strengthen connections to 12 nearby schools and community anchors, including religious institutions, a public library, a hospital, a community college and multi-service centers.
A park built for people and the planet
Situated within an existing Harris County Flood Control District stormwater detention basin, Hill at Sims is designed to do double duty — holding nearly 325 million gallons of stormwater along Sims Bayou.
The nature-based regional park includes three scenic overlook areas connected by a 1.6-mile loop and nature trails, nearly 5 miles of paved and dirt hike-and-bike trails, a hilltop pavilion with views of downtown Houston, Uptown and the Texas Medical Center.
The park’s centerpiece is The Brown Foundation Hilltop Pavilion, perched atop a 60-foot hill offering sweeping skyline views.
Visitors will also have access to more than 20 miles of trails along Sims Bayou Greenway and the broader Bayou Greenways network, which spans more than 170 miles across the Houston region.
Other highlights include the Dr. Alma Allen Bridge, linking Sims Bayou Greenway to the park; the Hildebrand Foundation Overlook, a glass viewing platform with panoramic vistas; the Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Pier for recreational fishing, funded by Texas Parks and Wildlife; the Congressman Al Green Pavilion with an outdoor classroom; and six large-scale murals by local and international artists.
The park also features the Beth White Overlook, named in honor of HPB’s former president and CEO.
“Hill at Sims reflects the kind of forward-thinking design Houston needs as we adapt to a changing climate,” said Justin Schultz, president and CEO of HPB.
Public-private partnership fuels $30 million investment
The nearly $30 million project was made possible through a combination of public and private funding.
Public investment totaling nearly $22 million came from the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with federal and state funding secured through the advocacy of State Rep. Dr. Alma Allen and Congressman Al Green.
HPB raised nearly $8 million in private investment, led by a major contribution from The Brown Foundation, Inc.
“Access to quality greenspace brings families and individuals closer to healthier lives and stronger communities,” said Nancy O’Connor, president of The Brown Foundation, Inc.
Texas Parks and Wildlife and Trees for Houston also contributed in-kind support, with Trees for Houston supplying more than 670 native trees to the park.
Built with the community in mind
The vision for Hill at Sims was shaped through more than 20 community meetings and input from over 700 Sunnyside residents.
Saturday’s grand opening celebration will feature family-friendly activities, recreational amenities, music, food and beverages. Organizers are encouraging attendees to dress for warm weather and wear comfortable clothing.
Free parking will be available at RIG Church, located at 10800 Scott St., with complimentary Harris County Precinct 1 shuttle service running from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Attendees can also reach the event via METRO’s 54 Scott route or by walking or cycling along Sims Bayou Greenway. Complimentary bicycle valet service will be provided by BikeHouston.