City of Katy Invites Public to Help Reimagine Historic Thomas Park as Part of Long-Term Parks and Trails Master Plan
As part of a bold vision to enhance public spaces citywide, the City of Katy is asking residents to help reimagine one of its most historic landmarks: Thomas Park. A cornerstone of the community for over a century, Thomas Park is now the focus of a planned revitalization effort aligned with Katy’s broader Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan, a key component of the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
To kick off the next phase of the project, the City of Katy Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Thomas Park Site Plan Public Input Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Katy Civic Center (910 Avenue C, Katy, TX 77493). This informal, come-and-go event invites community members to preview early design concepts, meet the project team, and share ideas for the park’s future—whether that means a new playground, shaded areas, or improved accessibility.
A Landmark with Deep Roots
Located at 5919 Fourth Street near Historic Downtown Katy, Thomas Park is more than a community green space—it’s a living piece of the city’s origin story. The park is named after Oliver Thomas, one of Katy’s founding fathers who moved from Mississippi in the 1880s and mapped out the city’s original town plan. The land that became Thomas Park was officially donated in 1907 by J.O. Thomas, L.C. Luckel, and R.M. Cash.
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Today, Thomas Park features a playground, paved walking trail, benches, and a gazebo popular for small weddings, family photos, and community gatherings. At its southern edge lies the Tri-County Marker, a weathered concrete pillar denoting the exact point where Harris, Waller, and Fort Bend counties meet—a unique geographical feature that draws both visitors and locals alike. The marker is mounted on a triangular base, each side labeled with the corresponding county’s name.
Share Your Vision—In Person or Online
If you can’t attend the May 20 meeting, you can still make your voice heard through the Thomas Park Community Survey, available online through the end of May here. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes and covers a range of topics including:
- Preferred amenities for active and passive recreation (like playgrounds, gardens, and walking paths)
- Types of community events you’d like to see (e.g., farmers markets, fitness classes, live performances)
- Ideas for incorporating local history and cultural identity into the park’s redesign
- How often you plan to use the park and your household’s age demographics
Residents are also encouraged to share personal memories or stories tied to the park, reinforcing its role as a gathering place for generations of Katy families.
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Community-Driven Design for the Next Generation
The redevelopment of Thomas Park supports the “Recreation and Amenities” goals of Katy’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes community engagement, preservation of cultural assets, and accessible recreational spaces for all age groups. It also reflects a larger effort by the City to weave together a connected, inclusive, and resilient park system that meets the needs of Katy’s growing and diverse population.
“Constructive and meaningful public input” has been a guiding principle in the city’s long-term planning efforts, and Thomas Park is a prime example of how history and modern needs can come together to serve future generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to Katy, your voice matters in shaping the future of this iconic park. Residents from ZIP codes 77449, 77450, 77493, and 77494 are especially encouraged to participate.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
