Harris County Precinct 4 and the Houston Parks Board are building new trail segments along Brays Bayou in the Meyerland area. This $6.6 million project creates a continuous 10-foot-wide path for walking, jogging, and biking from Braeburn Glen to South Rice Avenue. The trail will pass under seven bridges, connecting neighborhoods and providing safe recreation space. The project includes the Captain Gary L. Herod Memorial Plaza at North Braeswood and Mullins Drive. Captain Herod was a Texas National Guard pilot who died in 1961 when he steered his failing jet away from thousands of homes near Brays Bayou, saving many lives. The memorial features the Herod Hero Bench, made from wood of a tree that once stood at Meyerland Plaza. This greenway gives our community better access to outdoor exercise and connects to Houston's larger bayou trail system. Families can walk or bike safely away from busy streets. The trail supports our health and brings neighbors together. Construction starts in early 2025 and finishes by mid-2028. Contact Harris County Precinct 4 or the Houston Parks Board for project updates. Watch for community meetings about trail design and memorial plaza details.
Harris County Precinct 4, in partnership with the Houston Parks Board, will construct new, continuous, 10-foot-wide hike and bike trail segments along Brays Bayou in the Meyerland area. As part of this $6.6 million project, the trail will extend from Braeburn Glen to S. Rice and pass under seven bridges. Additionally, a memorial plaza will be built along the trail to honor the life and heroism of Captain Gary L. Herod. The community and his family have rallied for years to make this memorial a reality.
Captain Gary L. Herod, a Texas National Guard pilot, heroically sacrificed his life in March 1961, by staying with his failing jet to guide it into an open area along the banks of Brays Bayou and away from thousands of nearby homes, saving many lives. It landed along the Bayou near Atwell. Funds were raised by community members in partnership with the Houston Parks Board to create a memorial plaza in honor of Captain Herod along Brays Bayou at the intersection of N. Braeswood and Mullins Dr.
Within the Herod Memorial Plaza will be the Herod Hero Bench. The wood for the bench came from the Herod Hero Tree that once stood along Beechnut in front of Meyerland Plaza. The tree was cut down on July 17, 2018. The stone marker and plaque were relocated to the grounds of Herod Elementary School. (Bench constructed by: The Woodworkers Club of Houston)
Construction anticipated start date: Early 2025
Construction anticipated end date: Mid-2028
