This is another installment of my explorations for new places to paddle on the west side of Houston.
For a few years now, I've been driving past the location of a new Harris County park under development called John Paul Landing. Recently, I came across a story that the park was now open, with a nice big lake. I stopped in to take a look, and the lake is about a half-mile in diameter - big enough to get some paddling exercise. The lake is in the flat Katy Prairie, and there are no big trees on the shoreline, or elsewhere. The park has planted many smaller trees, but they will take decades to get big enough to create shade and a forest feeling. But it's a start.
Here's the official description:
"John Paul Landing park is 865 acres. Its most prominent features is a planned 450 acre lake. Not only does the lake provide a great place to fish, but it serves as a major flood detention facility for the area. When complete it will hold 2200 acre-feet of water. It is designed to accommodate wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic. The lake was dug over a number of years, and excavation will continue into the future. Currently, the lake is about 176 acres. When completed at 450 acres, it will be the third largest body of water in Harris County."
Sounds great for paddling, doesn't it? I returned with my canoe ready for some paddling exercise. However, as I was untying my boat from on top of my truck, a park employee came up to me and informed me that no boats were allowed in the lake. When asked why, he didn't have a good answer, other than hints that it was dangerous,because the open land allows higher winds to create waves. I had to abandon my paddling and exploration plans and depart with a dry boat.
 |
| Note the absence of a canoe/kayak symbol |
So, this story is to inform the paddling public that kayaks and canoes are not permitted in this park. And as a matter of fact, there is only one County park in all of Harris County Precinct 3 (the west side) that is authorized for paddle craft: Terry Hershey - the linear park alongside Buffalo Bayou. That's it.
And write a letter to Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack, telling him that the third largest lake in Harris County deserves to be made available to paddlers. You can send him an e-mail at this address: pct3@pct3.com The more, the better. Thank you.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Entrance sign |
|
Ready to paddle |
|
Park boats are OK though |
|
Fishing |
It might be great for hiking, biking and fishing. But boaters are not welcome at this time.