By DaChar Lane

For years, Sharpstown residents have navigated dangerous, high-traffic roads. Since 2020, there have been over 1,600 crashes within a quarter-mile radius of where the Sharpstown Trail now stands.

After calls from the Sharpstown community for greater pedestrian safety, Commissioner Lesley Briones and her team built a 1.8-mile long, 10-foot-wide concrete path to increase walkability and provide better access to public transportation.

This new trail offers residents a safer connection to three community centers, five libraries, 21 schools, 15 parks, 30 METRO bus stops, more than 100 places of worship, and nearly 400 healthcare facilities. It also includes clear signage and new pedestrian and bike crosswalks at key intersections.

“As a mom of three little girls, and as a former public school teacher, this fills my heart because none of our kids should be walking in dangerous conditions,” said Commissioner Briones.

Healthy communities are better communities

Sharpstown Trail is more than a trail; it’s a pathway to better health outcomes, stronger connections, and greater peace of mind.

Access to walkable infrastructure plays a big role in public health. Trails like this promote physical activity, help reduce chronic health conditions, and give families safe ways to enjoy the outdoors. For many, it’s a step toward better mental health too — reducing isolation and providing a calming space within the urban environment.

“We just think this trail is going to move the needle on everyone’s health,” said Lharissa Jacobs, executive director of Fit Houston, a nonprofit that promotes movement and active lifestyles in Houston communities.

“It empowers the community to meet one another and to be active,” added Mia Lucio, another Fit Houston member.

Better together

The Sharpstown Trail is one of more than 50 Places 4 People projects. This initiative, started by Commissioner Briones, is aimed at increasing public-private partnerships to deliver improved spaces, trails, and roadways throughout Precinct 4.

Since its launch in 2023, Precinct 4 and its partners have invested more than $220 million, including approximately $3 million for this trail, into projects focused on alleviating flooding, closing critical connectivity gaps, improving access to parks, and increasing public safety.

This trail was made possible by the years of work put in by the Sharpstown Civic Association, the partnership of TIRZ 20, and the management of the Houston Parks Board.

"To me, this trail represents everything that’s good and amazing about southwest Houston and Sharpstown,” said Pat Menville, a resident of Sharpstown and past president of the Sharpstown Civic Association.

Construction on the final phase of the Sharpstown Trail project is scheduled for this summer and will add nearly one more mile of trail, connecting Beechnut Street to the Brays Bayou Greenway.

For Commissioner Briones, the safety and well-being of Precinct 4 isn’t just a concern — it’s a responsibility.

“We will continue working relentlessly to make sure we make our community as safe and as connected as possible,” said Commissioner Briones.

The opening of the Sharpstown Trail is a visible step forward that reflects meaningful progress made when community voices are valued, needs are prioritized, and partnerships between residents, local leaders, and government come together.