Posted on: September 20, 2023, Original Post
Sugar Land, TX – Sugar Land City Council recently approved a donation of more than 125 acres of land from the George Foundation to expand Brazos River Park.
The undeveloped land is valued at $310,000 and is located between the Brazos River, the Brazos Landing subdivision, University Boulevard and the Riverstone subdivision. The acreage is adjacent to city parkland properties. The future development of the 125 acres is expected to connect to existing trails and facilities at Memorial Park and will add to 1,200 acres of current city parkland along the Brazos River. The 125 acres is identified in the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan and complements future plans along the Brazos River to address pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, environmental protection, flood mitigation and tourism.
The donated property is a rich wetlands ecosystem with an existing oxbow lake. Possible recreation opportunities include walking trails, mountain bike trails, fishing, picnic, birding and more. As part of the agreement with the George Foundation, the property must be used only for public access and enjoyment of green space, outdoor recreation and natural areas.
“We are extremely grateful to the George Foundation for their generous donation,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Chesser. “This land builds on our efforts to deliver on what our community told us is important. It is a reflection of past community priorities and reaffirms that our residents believe green spaces and parks projects are important to Sugar Land’s quality of life and attract visitors who contribute to our economic prosperity.”
The mission of the George Foundation is to partner with the community to leverage the Foundation’s resources to positively impact Fort Bend County and its residents. The Foundation addresses critical community needs, enhances the quality of life and provides opportunities for Fort Bend County residents.
The George Foundation’s Board of Trustees has awarded nearly $270 million in grants to Fort Bend County nonprofit organizations and scholarship recipients.
“I cannot think of another non-profit organization that’s had a bigger impact on the city or the county,” said City Manager Michael W. Goodrum. “As an example, Cullinan Park would not be in our city without the George Foundation. They made the financial commitment that allowed that deal to happen. That’s 750-plus acres that have been improved. There’s just not another non-profit that’s done more to improve the quality of life for our residents through philanthropic efforts such as expanding access to greenspaces and parklands that our citizens have told us make their lives better.”
