City: Houston, TX

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (281) 496-2177

Address: 15200 Memorial Dr.

Description: Like George Bush Park and Cullen Park, Terry Hershey Park sits on flood control land in west Houston. The park, previously known as Buffalo Bayou Park, was renamed in 1991 to recognize conservationist Terry Hershey, who successfully fought to prevent the paving and channeling of Buffalo Bayou in the 1960s. Today Terry Hershey Park is a popular place to bike and train for marathons. The park’s trails, which stretch from TX 6 to the Sam Houston Tollway, now measure nearly 11 miles. Trees and breeze blowing off the bayou help cool a good chunk of these trails, but many sections aren’t well shaded. There’s also quite a bit of litter along the trails. Harris County continues to expand the park to make it easier for west Houston residents to bike to the Metro’s Addicks Park and Ride Lot. Terry Hershey Park also has a playground, picnic areas, and green space for throwing a Frisbee. Although the park runs along Buffalo Bayou, it’s not safe to swim or drink the water here.