When was the construction of the detention complex started?
Construction began between 2001 and 2003 after the purchase of 291 acres in southwest Houston. The Harris County Flood Control District, with financial support from the Brays Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project (Project Brays), purchased the land that now makes up the Willow Waterhole Bayou detention basin complex. The six detention basins were completed in 2018. Read more about the history of the basin complex and Conservancy here.

What is the size and capacity of the basin complex?
Today, the six completed compartments range in size from 10 to 110 acres. They are capable of holding 600 million gallons of stormwater. During flood events, Willow Waterhole Bayou overflow is diverted into the basin complex and held—that is, detained—until the storm has passed, and then slowly released downstream into Brays Bayou.

How did the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy originate?
In 2001, as the Harris County Flood Control District began designing the detention basins, the Brays Bayou Association founded the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. The nonprofit organization was dedicated to creating a major park at the complex. Its objective was to help develop the Willow Waterhole Greenway by assisting and nurturing the partnership of neighborhood residents and groups, environmental organizations, the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precinct 1, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Houston Parks Board. Together these partners determined that the complex would include native prairies, forests, trails, and amenities for walking, running, biking, bird watching, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, picnicking, and community meetings and events.

The Willow Waterhole basin complex has revitalized an area of southwest Houston that was previously used mostly for commercial and light industrial developments.

What are the hours of the Greenway?
The Greenway is open from dawn to dusk, except for special park-sponsored events.

Can I hold an event at the Greenway?
Yes. The Bob Schwartz Gazebo (5300 Dryad St.) and Rafferty Memorial Oak (11350 Ricecrest St.) areas may be used for small events such as birthday parties, scout ceremonies, and meetings. These spaces are used on a first-come, first-served basis; they cannot be reserved for small events. Visitors wanting to be sure of using either space should arrive early. For events with more than 50 people, visitors may reserve the Bob Schwartz Gazebo and can set up an adjacent tent. This type of event requires a City of Houston reservation, a permit, and a fee that is determined by the number of expected participants and whether the group is a nonprofit organization. For questions, contact Houston’s City Parks and Recreation Department.

Do the lakes have alligators?
No. The lakes currently have no alligators The two signs at Westbury Lake warning of alligators were installed several years ago by the Harris County Flood Control District with the thought that alligators might arrive some day, but none have.

Can I fish at Willow Waterhole?
Yes. In 2020, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocked four lakes—Westbury, Willow, Prairie, and Triangle—with bass, catfish, and sunfish. Carp and other invasive and non-native fish can also be found and should never be released back into the water. See the fishing rules here.

Can I launch a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard into a lake?
Yes. Most people use Westbury Lake for boating since it is the biggest. A pier for fishing is located at the northwest corner of Westbury Lake near the Westbury Little League field. If you would like more information, contact our Fishing Committee chairperson at info@willowwaterhole.org.

When will Levitt Pavilion Houston be built?
The timing of Levitt Pavilion Houston’s construction depends on the fundraising success of the Friends of Levitt Pavilion Houston. Construction on the pavilion will begin in 2024. If you would like to be a part of this exciting project, please consider joining Levitt Pavilion Houston’s Founders Circle. For more information: info@LevittHouston.org or (281) 687-1334.

How often is Willow Waterhole Greenway mowed?
The Harris County Flood Control District mows the banks of the lakes three times a year: mid-April, mid-August, and mid-November. The City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department mows the bank sections that have amenities every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the time of year.

What types of trees are planted at the Greenway?
Only native trees are planted. The most common ones include live oak, water oak, swamp chestnut oak, red oak, bald cypress, river birch, pecan, hickory, sweetgum, cedar elm, eastern red cedar, Mexican sycamore, Mexican buckeye, Mexican plum, loblolly pine, redbud, wax myrtle, hackberry, willow, southern magnolia, yaupon, and white fringe. Trees are planted from November to March by volunteers and by the Harris County Flood Control District. Most of the volunteer plantings have been donated by Trees for Houston.

What events does the Conservancy host each year?
The Conservancy hosts MusicFEST on the last Saturday of October, combined with Halloween Trunk or Treat. Five major high school cross-country running meets are held from late August to mid-October: Incarnate Word Invitational, Bellaire Invitational, Westbury Invitational, YES Prep Invitational, and St. Thomas Episcopal Invitational. At least 20 Conservation Work Days are held every year, powered by volunteers from various groups and organizations.

How do I become a supporting member of the Conservancy?
The Conservancy welcomes new members and depends on generous visitors and community residents for help with conservation, maintenance, events, and projects. Information on becoming a member is available here or by email at membership@willowwaterhole.org.

Can someone from the Conservancy speak at my meeting?
Yes. The Conservancy has numerous speakers eager to present on a variety of topics. Contact us at info@willowwaterhole.org.

Can I volunteer at the Greenway for conservation workdays, events, and projects?
Of course! The Conservancy relies on volunteers to improve the Greenway, help host MusicFEST and other community events, and fundraise for projects. Contact us at info@willowwaterhole.org.

Can my child do a Scout project at the Greenway?
Yes. Please email our Conservation Committee chairperson for information at info@willowwaterhole.org.

Nonmotorized water sports of all types are popular on Westbury Lake, where a fishing pier is planned.

Trees for Houston and other organizations continue to add trees to the Greenway.