Featured Local Park: Jones Creek Ranch Park in Richmond
Just a short drive from Katy in the northern Richmond area, the expansive 112-acre Jones Creek Ranch Park is a local gem that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for recreation in the great outdoors. Officially inaugurated by Fort Bend County Commissioners Court with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May 2017, this park is the perfect picnic facility for any special event or gathering.
The acquisition of the park, previously known as Gordon Ranch, was made possible through the generous contributions from The George Foundation, The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation, and Harrison Interests, Ltd. Since then, Fort Bend County has taken significant steps to upgrade existing facilities and utilities, including a new administration building conveniently located at the park's entrance to ensure easy access for locals seeking park information.
Located at 7714 FM359, Richmond, TX 77406, Jones Creek Ranch Park offers a plethora of entertainment options to suit everyone, from sports enthusiasts to leisure seekers. Park amenities include playgrounds, basketball courts, two softball fields, a disc golf park, volleyball courts, and even horse-shoe pits. For those interested in cooking while enjoying the outdoors, all four open-air pavilions are equipped with outdoor barbecue grills.
For anglers looking for fishing spots close to home, Jones Creek Ranch Park allows fishing throughout the year. In collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the lake in Jones Creek Ranch Park is routinely stocked with catfish, trout and bass. To bring fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels together, the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation Department hosts a senior adult and a junior fishing tournament at the park each year.
Apart from being an idyllic spot for personal enjoyment, Jones Creek Ranch Park offers its facilities for rent to host a myriad of events. From company picnics and corporate events to school outings, weddings, retreats, or reunions, the park is designed to accommodate anywhere between 25 to 4,000 guests across eight different facilities. These facilities include a lodge, four pavilions, two bunkhouses, and Jones Hall.
The park is meticulously maintained by the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation Department. This department oversees nearly 2,777 acres of parkland, of which more than 2,200 acres are wetlands. Additionally, they handle the development and upkeep of the Fort Bend County Fair Grounds, 10 active parks, three leased parks, and four community centers.
For more information about Jones Creek Ranch Park, visit their website or contact them directly at 832-471-2775, or via email at jonescreekranchpark@fortbendcountytx.gov.