“There would be no happiness, but misfortune helped”. Whether it is possible to use this expression in relation to the place, which is well-known to the residents of Houston and Texas as Bear Creek Park, let’s try to figure it out together. Anyway, historical facts prove that the events that prompted tо create that place, which exists now, are absolutely not of a joyful nature. Therefore, we invite you to a picturesque place on War Memorial Drive and try to get to know about this picturesque place in Texas. Find out more at i-houston.
The 60-ies
Sources say that the official date of foundation of the park is 1965. However, not everything is so simple, as the story began a few decades earlier.
In the period from 1946 to 1948, a reservoir was built on this area by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which was supposed to prevent a recurrence of the flood, which at one time in 1935 came to Houston. Therefore, history takes us back decades. However, it was this event that prompted future generations to think about the consequences of inaction.
In the 19th century, Harris County leased almost 9 square kilometers of the reservoir territory, with a view to start the construction of the park. It happened exactly in 1965. Part of that area is occupied by a park on the territory of which German farmers lived in the 1840s.
Facts. Numbers. Development. Present
The founding date was revealed, so let’s move on to the name. Streams flow through the territory of the park. The name of one of them is similar, and it was the stream that became the hero of the park name. This stream essentially divides the territory into two parts. The aforementioned Germans, who called the stream as Behr, were involved in the history of the park name. Apart from that, English notes were soon added to the German name, because this language became widespread in the region.
Despite the brightness of the story, excluding the flood, yet this story also had sad pages with fragments of kindness.
At the very entrance to Eldridge Parkway, visitors observe a memorial that is erected in honor of Harris County in memory of those who died in the First World War and in events of a similar nature. This memorial was erected in 1985, which every day of memory gathers around itself hundreds of people who are going to remember their fallen compatriots. Every time on this day, the memorial service is held there exactly at 2 p.m.
Especially since the lease of the territory by Harris County, the area of the park has not changed. Until now the area reaches the same 9 square kilometers and you will agree that this is an impressive size.
The local population knows that on the territory of the park it will be easier to list what does not exist than what is there. There are lakes, football fields, lighted tennis courts and footpaths. It is difficult not to mention the highlight of this park in the form of a zoo, which impresses with its size and its inhabitants. Among them, there are birds of prey, pigs, buffalo, deer, sheep, donkeys and goats. This is just a short list of animals that can be seen here.
Every day from 7 p.m. to 22 p.m., there are numerous locations at the disposal of visitors. They are usually not empty, let alone numerous recreation areas with gazebos, grills and barbecue areas. Children are especially pleased with the presence of a bird that walks freely near the lake.
It should be noted that a small drawback for visitors can only be the lack of shops. However, it is possible to find something positive even in this case.
The local population sometimes refers to this area as Harris County Bear Creek Park. However, its essence does not change regardless of that.
No matter how hard one tries, no matter which words one chooses, seeing with one’s own eyes is always better than rereading black letters on a white background.
If life suddenly throws you to Houston, on occasion, do not forget