A major milestone in local connectivity and outdoor access was celebrated on Saturday as Commissioner Lesley Briones, the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20, and the Houston Parks Board marked the official opening of the first phase of the Sharpstown Hike-and-Bike Trail.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at Iglesia Elohim in Southwest Houston, brought together elected officials, community leaders, and residents to recognize the completion of a 1.8-mile concrete trail designed to improve walkability, safety, and recreation in the Sharpstown area.

The new trail features:

• Seven key connections at Beechnut Street, Triola Lane, South Gessner Road, Neff Street, Bellaire Boulevard, Clarewood Drive, and Sands Point Drive
• Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including crosswalks and safety signage
• Landscaping, trail signage, and trash receptacles to support clean and accessible public use

The Sharpstown Trail project received $1.5 million in funding from Harris County Precinct 4 as part of Commissioner Briones’ Places 4 People initiative. An additional $1.5 million was contributed by the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority. The Houston Parks Board served as the project manager, overseeing the development and construction.

Commissioner Lesley Briones emphasized the importance of collaboration in delivering the project:

“First, I too want to thank our partners because today is a testament of what can happen when we join forces to get big, bold things done — and in record time,” she said during her remarks. “This trail is about access, health, safety, and strengthening our communities.”

Prominent speakers at the event included:

• Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4
• Congressman Al Green, U.S. House of Representatives, District 9
• Representative Gene Wu, Texas House District 137
• Council Member Edward Pollard, City of Houston, District J
• Beth White, President & CEO, Houston Parks Board
• Saul Valentin, Vice Chair, Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20
• Peter Acquaro, Vice Chairman, Southwest Management District
• Patt Menville, Founding Member, Sharpstown Civic Association

The Sharpstown Trail is expected to promote healthier lifestyles, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and stronger neighborhood connections across Southwest Houston.

For more updates on trail development and future phases, visit houstonparksboard.org.