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Harris County Precinct 4 Awarded $468,724 Grant for Enhancements at John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center
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Source: Harris County Precinct 4

Harris County Precinct 4 Awarded $468,724 Grant for Enhancements at John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center

January 30 2025

Harris County Precinct 4 has been awarded a $468,724 Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to enhance the John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center in Cypress. The funding is part of a record-breaking $30.9 million in local park grants approved statewide to improve outdoor recreational opportunities across Texas.

The grant will be used to upgrade the interior of the education center with interactive exhibits, interpretive displays, and expanded educational components designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Officials from Precinct 4 emphasized the importance of these improvements in fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.

“This grant will enhance the John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center with world-class exhibits and educational features, creating an even more immersive experience for visitors. We’re proud to continue our commitment to improving our parks and the outdoor experience for everyone in our community,” said officials in the announcement.

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Expanding Educational Opportunities in Cypress

Located at 9950 Katy Hockley Rd in Cypress, Texas, John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center first opened in February 2020 and serves as a hub for wildlife observation, ecological education, and hands-on learning experiences. The center offers a variety of programs, including:

  • Discovery Room – A kid-friendly space for hands-on nature exploration
  • A Closer Look at Nature & Discovery Days – Educational programs for school-aged children
  • Backyard Naturalists & Weekly Bird Walks – Nature discussion groups and guided walks for older children and adults
  • Volunteer Projects – Opportunities for community members to contribute to conservation efforts

The 876-acre John Paul Landing Park is one of the largest green spaces in the Cypress area, featuring a 176-acre lakethat serves as a major flood detention facility and supports a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Popular amenities include 7.8 miles of scenic trails, a cricket field, exercise stations, licensed fishing by Texas Parks and Wildlife, pickleball courts, a playground, and four reservable pavilions with picnic areas.

Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Record-Breaking Investment in Outdoor Recreation

The Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant awarded to Harris County Precinct 4 is part of a broader effort by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to enhance public parks across the state. These grants, which operate on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis, ensure that parks remain publicly accessible, properly maintained, and preserved for future generations.

Funding for the Local Park Grant Program comes from state sales tax revenue on sporting goods, as well as offshore gas royalties through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The program supports a range of projects, including Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants for communities with populations over 500,000, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants for cities with fewer than 500,000 residents, and Small Community Recreation Grants for towns with fewer than 20,000 residents

This year, 50 community parks across Texas will receive funding for projects such as nature trails, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, and playgrounds.

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Bringing New Experiences to the Cypress Community

With this latest investment, John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center is set to become an even more valuable resource for local residents, schools, and nature enthusiasts. As Harris County continues to expand outdoor recreational opportunities, the park’s enhancements will provide a lasting impact on environmental education, wildlife conservation, and community engagement in the Cypress area.


By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
 
Tiffany Krenek, authorTiffany 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.
 


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