Brian’s Top Local Parks to Visit

When most folks think of Katy, or even Fulshear, the first that usually comes to mind is Churches. Or the School District. Or Affordable Homes. All of which our area has become widely popular for. But did you know that our area also has some pretty incredible parks targeted to all kinds of recreation and visitors? Here’s a list of Brian’s top local parks to visit!

1. Willow Fork Park

Willow Fork Park is Katy’s newest, and coincidentally one of the largest parks in our area. Located along the Grand Parkway, it can be accessed from Cinco Ranch Blvd. The entry driveway is the first right turn immediately West of the Grand Parkway on Cinco Ranch Blvd. In essence you’ll be driving down the right hand side of Cinco Ranch High school.

There is plenty of parking and the entrance finds you crossing an iron bridge into the 32 acre park. Once there, you’ll find plenty of room to stretch out, partaking of rolling hills, walking paths, a large lake and even a frisbee golf course. There are park benches and outdoor grills for picnics, a pavilion, playgrounds for the kids, and a nature reserve for the nature lovers. The park even has free Wifi, but if we’re honest.. we feel like this is exactly the kind of place that’s enjoyed best without our electronic leashes.

Located at: Behind Cinco Ranch High School

Learn more about Willow Fork Park

2. Mary Jo Peckham Park

Mary Jo Peckham Park is likely one of the most well known and amenity rich parks in all of West Houston. Located at 5597 Gardenia Ln. in Old Katy, the easiest routes to get there are either straight North on Avenue D through Old Katy, or straight West on Franz Rd. from the Grand Parkway. Either way, you’ll make it.

This feature filled park is also roughly 32 acres in size, and includes a large fishing pond and pier, a walking path around the entire perimeter, multiple pavilions with under-cover grills, picnic benches, playgrounds for the kiddos, and even a putt-putt golf course… and the ball and club rentals are free! What’s more, there’s an indoor pool for when the summers just get too hot.

But wait, there’s more! Immediately to the south you’ll find the Off-Leash Katy Dog Park. And immediately to the West, you’ll find the Katy City Park that includes tennis courts, baseball fields, a basketball court, and on of Texas’s first and largest all-abilities playground, designed from the ground up to be accessible to children of all abilities. All of this is in one general area and walkable and now that I’m thinking about it, should probably be our favorite park!

Located at: 5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, Texas 77493

Learn more about Mary Jo Peckham Park

3. Exploration Park

Cinco Ranch’s newest, and grandest play-park, this one should probably really be classified as a playground. The design of Exploration Park is rooted in children’s play, environmental stewardship, educational principles, and an overall theme inspired by water.

It offers visitors a multipurpose play area, an open lawn for unstructured play, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Play features include a sensory garden, swings, a musical bridge, a raindrop berm lawn, and a slide tower and bridge connecting to a hill slide. An interactive water cycle wall creates a hands-on experience that demonstrates the water cycle and educational signage encourages water conservation.

The park can be found at 15020 Cinco Park Rd, which is located immediately south of Creech Elementary on S. Mason Rd. While you’re in the area, be sure to check in and check out The Ballard House, our favorite non-profit. You’ll pass right by it on the way to the park.

Located at: 15020 Cinco Park Rd, Katy, Texas 77450

Learn more about Exploration Park

4. Thomas Park

A small, historic park located at the edge of Historic Downtown Katy, Thomas Park is the location of the tri-county marker where the borders of Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties intersect. Thomas Park attracts visitors to its tranquil environment, paved walking path, benches, public restrooms, playground and gazebo.

Thanks in large part to it’s popular gazebo and the tri-county marker, Thomas Park is a popular location for photographers, weddings and parties. And if you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors, this is your spot. Unless you know where this park is, you’d never know it was there… and that’s what makes it such a treasure.

Located at: 5919 4th St, Katy, Texas 77493

Learn more about Thomas Park