Greenbelt Park Trail Expansion to Begin March 2026, Improving Walkability Near Highland Knolls, Fry Road, and Westgreen
A new chapter of connectivity and community wellness is coming to Katy’s Greenbelt Park, with construction on a long-awaited Hike and Bike Trail project officially set to begin in mid-March 2026. The new trail system will span key sections of Highland Knolls Drive, South Fry Road, and Westgreen Boulevard, with completion projected for mid-September 2026, according to official permit filings.
The $1.5 million project is a collaborative effort between Harris County Precinct 4 and Nottingham Country Municipal Utility District (NCMUD) and is part of a broader push to improve pedestrian mobility and recreational access in West Harris County.
Trail Improvements That Prioritize Access and Safety
The scope of work for the Greenbelt Park Hike and Bike Trail project includes the removal of aging sidewalks and driveways, followed by the construction of over 58,000 square feet of new 5- and 8-foot-wide concrete trails, curbs, curb ramps, crosswalks, retaining walls, and concrete pavement. Street crossings will also receive fresh pavement markings to ensure visibility and pedestrian safety.
Notably, several mid-block crossings and ADA-compliant ramps are included to provide safe routes for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike — including school children commuting to Hazel S. Pattison Elementary, Jeanette Hayes Elementary, Memorial Parkway Junior High, and Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
A Legacy of Investment in Green Space
The expansion builds on decades of investment in Nottingham Country’s Greenbelt Park, a 44-acre public greenspace developed by NCMUD beginning in 1998. At the time, the area was simply an open field destined for commercial development. Instead, it became one of Katy’s most beloved natural spaces — now home to more than 900 trees (across 17 species), 2 miles of trails, a reflection garden, picnic areas, drinking fountains, benches, lighting, and workout stations.
In 2016, NCMUD added Norwalk Park and a trail connection to Greenbelt Park. More recently, in 2023, the district received $780,000 in grant funding through Harris County Precinct 4’s Places 4 People: 2023 Call for Projects program to help fund the Greenbelt Park Hike and Bike Trail project. The $780,000 is part of a cost-sharing agreement between NCMUD and Precinct 4 to cover the total estimated construction cost of approximately $1.5 million, according to Harris County Commissioners Court records. This funding supports the addition of new trail segments and 14 mid-block crossings aimed at improving pedestrian mobility and access throughout the district, which serves over 2,100 homes, several schools, and commercial areas.
Community Connectivity at the Heart
Precinct 4’s agreement with engineering firm Gauge Engineering, LLC — awarded $306,331 for design and study work — supports ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian access and transportation safety in the area. The work aligns with Harris County’s Vision Zero principles, aiming to eliminate pedestrian fatalities and increase access to safe, well-lit, and enjoyable infrastructure.
According to the trail map, the new trails will link neighborhoods including Scenic Hollow, Orchard Brook, and Park Timbers, with additional trail access behind Walgreens, along the South Bank Trail, and new pedestrian signage and ramps throughout the route.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Looking Ahead
As the March 2026 groundbreaking approaches, Katy residents can expect a transformed outdoor experience that not only supports health and recreation but also weaves together neighborhoods and schools through safe, practical paths.
For families who live in or near the Nottingham Country area, the project is a welcome update that reflects years of visioning and planning. Greenbelt Park has always been more than just open space — it’s a vital community connector, and this trail expansion is set to elevate that role for decades to come.
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.