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Brays Bayou Greenway and Herod Memorial Plaza

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.

About Captain Herod

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)

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Project Timeline

Construction anticipated start date: Early 2025

Construction anticipated end date: Mid-2028

Purpose of the Project

This project will increase the transportation access to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with a safe path for commuting, and inexpensive spaces for outdoor recreation as well as improve the appearance from Chimney Rock to Hillcroft Street.