Located near Raintree Village, Rick Rice Park stands as a symbol of thoughtful community design and legacy. Named in April 2006 in honor of Rick Rice—an Eagle Scout, civic leader, and advocate for green space—this park was born from his vision of making Katy’s suburban landscape more walkable, accessible, and community-focused.

What You’ll Find at Rick Rice Park

Set on approximately 13 acres at 700 Westgreen Blvd, Rick Rice Park welcomes visitors daily from 7 AM to 8 PM. The park includes:

• A paved half-mile walking loop that encircles a serene pond and fountain, with educational plant labels, art installations, and seating zones for reflection and rest

• Features such as a gazebo, ornamental pond, and benches strategically placed around the loop encourage peaceful pauses and neighborhood meetups

• In late 2022, fun additions like hopscotch outlines, leapfrog prints, and a tree yoga pose guide were installed along sections of the trail—particularly near the CanCare Overlook—to encourage playful movement and engagement

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Walk the Loop: Art, Trails & Nature

The trail offers a seamless walking experience: flat, wheelchair-friendly, and encircled by native grasses, wildflowers, and live oaks that invite local wildlife spotting—birds, turtles, and occasional reptiles included. It also connects to the larger Mason Creek Hike & Bike Trail, thanks to thoughtfully built underpasses under Kingsland and Westgreen—ensuring safe, car-free access for students, dog-walkers, and commuters alike.

Community Perks & What's Next

Rick Rice Park is more than a pretty walk—it’s a community hub. It features Francesca’s Garden, the CanCare Pavilion, and Veterans Memorial Plaza, and averages around 4,200 to 5,000 monthly visitors. Plus, thanks to recent plans, the park is poised for growth: 4.2 new acres, known as The Commons, are slated to include open meadows, scenic terraces, a pond-side deck, and upgraded trails—planned to mirror elements of Central Park or European-style open green space.

Tips for Your Visit Best times to go: Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter ambiance and cooler temps. Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and maybe binoculars or a sketchbook. Do: Explore the educational plant signs, try one of the playful trail markings, or just sit and enjoy the view.

By Johnny Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded—Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.