Pictures of Bear Creek Park in Harris Co, Texas ~ Houston Playground

Bear Creek Pioneers Park

Commonly just called Bear Creek Park, this huge and marvelous multi-use park is actually carved out of a portion of what is called the Addicks Reservoir and is federally owned land.

Prior to the 1940's when the Army Corps of Engineers created the earthen dam creating Addicks Reservoir, areas towards downtown Houston often flooded during torrential rainstorms. So while most areas of Bear Creek Park can be enjoyed on a year round basis, occasionally the park or parts of the park are temporarily closed as flood waters overtake the grounds. The reservoir operates as intended!

Found within the park are all kinds of sports facilities including fields for baseball and softball; numerous soccer fields; lighted tennis courts and even horseshoe playing.

There is a wildlife habitat and aviary; numerous golfing facilities; an equestrian trail as well as walking trail; playgrounds and hundreds of picnic areas with restrooms and water fountains scattered throughout the park.

A community center; agricultural extension agency and even a farm and ranch club with rodeo arena is also located here along with a very touching Harris County War Memorial area.

Take a look at the pictures to gain an even better perspective of one of the large county parks in the western portions of Houston, Texas.

Golfing in Bear Creek Park

To golf enthusiast's delight or even those just wishing to learn how to play this outdoor sport, there are three 18-hole golf courses as well as 2 practice putting greens and a driving range at Bear Creek Golf World.

Lessons in the fine art of golf can be acquired by professional instructors.

There is a club house, the usual concession stands and a tournament pavilion. Charitable events are held at this location and all of the land is leased from Harris County.

The three 18 hole courses vary from greens that are wide open and easy to a bit more challenging. Thus every type of golfer from a beginner to those who are more seasoned can find something to their liking at Bear Creek Golf World inside of Bear Creek Park.

Undeveloped areas within Bear Creek Park

Bordered by State Highway 6, Clay Road, North Eldridge Parkway and Patterson Road, with all of the other amenities provided within the 2,154 acre ( 8.72 km) Bear Creek Park, it is nice to be able to see some natural areas as well.

Shafts of sunlight illuminate fluttering leaves and portions of bark and occasionally penetrate to spots on the ground in less heavily wooded areas.

Bear Creek (the park's namesake) meanders throughout the park mostly within its normal confines but during flood stages it and other waters inundate the park making it unusable for a time.

Aviary Area within Bear Creek Park

All of the birds are here only because they could not survive on the outside for one reason or another.

Visitors are warned not to feed them as they are all on specialized diets. It is obvious to anyone walking by these cages that the birds of prey feast upon mice as most often their carcasses are seen on the ground within their cages.

Duck and Goose Pond

Adjacent to the Aviary where the birds are caged within Bear Creek Park is an area where one can sit at picnic tables and even share some bits of bread with the ducks and geese that call this area home.

To give the ducks and geese some protection from overly "friendly" kids or adults, a portion of chain link fencing extends into the water behind which our feather friends can retreat if desired.

This sign posted to the right is by the road in Bear Creek Park by this duck and goose pond area. On more than one occasion I have had to stop my car to let a lone goose or a mother duck and her babies cross the road.

Fortunately the speed limit in this part of the park is 20 miles per hour thus helping protect the many human families as well as wildlife found here.

Harris County War Memorial Monument

This is actually a series of monuments originated in 1985 (with names being continually added) honoring residents of Harris County who lost their lives fighting for our country in wars starting from World War I and going forwards.

Names of servicemen and women who died in war zones now, at the time of this writing in the year 2011, number around 2,000 departed souls.

Monuments include those of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, 1st Persian Gulf War, and the ongoing Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Also appropriate is a U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Coast Guard monument for those who have lost their lives while in defense of our country.

For anyone wishing to add the name of a Harris County resident to this war memorial, all they need do is to contact the Precinct 3 park's office by calling this number: 281-531-1592.

Every Memorial Day ceremonies are conducted on this site at 2:00 P.M.

This area of the park makes one pause and reflect upon the sacrifices of our military (individuals and their families)...not only those who have shed their precious blood and lives for us and who are memorialized at this site...but all of those brave men and women (past and present) who risk everything in order for the rest of us to be able to enjoy the liberties that we hold dear.

Covered structure near the War Memorial

Between a monument on one side with the inscribed Pledge of Allegiance and the Harris County War Memorial on the other side is an open sided roofed structure providing shade and some protection from inclement weather like rain. With parents sitting on benches, it is a perfect spot for youngsters to learn how to roller skate or ride tricycles if it is not too crowded.

Wildlife Habitat within Bear Creek Park

To the delight of many people who live in the western part of Houston there is what might be considered a mini-zoo.

In addition to the Aviary and duck and goose pond, one can stroll along a chain link fence (some of it is a double fence) and view the 3 buffalo that call this place home. In addition to the buffalo are emus, common rheas, donkeys, sheep and goats, white tailed deer and an occasional wild turkey, buzzard and even a peacock.

In the case of the deer the best times for viewing are probably early morning or evening as they generally retreat into the forested area behind the fenced area during the heat of the day.

Shaded areas are provided for most of the animals and camera ports are carved out in various spots along the fencing so that people who wish can get unobstructed views of some of these birds and animals.

At times when the reservoir becomes flooded, the animals are all moved to higher and safer surroundings until the waters recede.

Baseball and Softball fields within Bear Creek Park

Obviously the little league members as well as their cheering families and friends enjoy playing their baseball and softball games in Bear Creek Park. The fenced areas help protect fans of the players from being hit by a straying ball. Bleachers are provided for the parents and others to sit while viewing the games. Some just bring comfortable lawn chairs from home and set them up under the shade of a tree. It is a great family gathering place...one of many within the park.

Picnic and play areas in Bear Creek Park

These are in abundance! If one wishes to find a quiet spot and string a hammock between two trees and have a quiet picnic or even do some daydreaming, this is possible.

Conversely if a group of parents wish to gather and let their children frolic using the many play areas provided, this is also possible.

Bear Creek Park is free to the public and open from 7 AM to 10 PM each and every day of the year (other than those occasions when the park is closed due to being flooded).

The hundreds of picnic tables and grills accommodate many people.

One bit of caution which is well posted: No alcoholic beverages are allowed within the park.

No overnight camping is allowed with the exception of the Houston Rodeo Trail Riders who converge there for an overnight stay prior to completing their trail ride into town for the annual rodeo events.

Covered Pavilions

The covered pavilions within the park which can be reserved by calling in advance make party planning nice in case of the unexpected pop-up rain shower. No need to dampen party spirits when one has the ability to duck under one of these sheltering structures in Bear Creek Park.

Needless-to-say, these are well utilized throughout the year!

Walking / Jogging Trail

There is a well lighted walking, jogging and biking trail that circles around a portion of Bear Creek Park.

The trail is well utilized by health conscious people who wish to work in a little daily exercise and get some fresh air at the same time. It is 2.1 miles and encircles some of the soccer fields.

Pets are welcomed as long as they are on leashes and there are garbage containers provided for any refuse that might occur.

Depending upon which day and what time of day one wishes to utilize this trail, it can be a quiet activity perfect for contemplation when exercising. At other times it is filled with sights and sounds of families cheering on their kids running and kicking the soccer balls on the fields. Or perhaps while walking or jogging one views balloons strung in the trees wafting in the breezes surrounding a picnic area where a family is celebrating someone's birthday or other big event.

Equestrian Trail

Even horse riders are accommodated within a certain area of Bear Creek Park where there is a mulched path that riders can follow and which goes for 1.5 or 3.5 miles.

Once when I was attending a photography class the instructor chose this spot up against the natural backdrop of trees and foliage for our volunteer model to do her posing.

No horses or riders seemed to be utilizing the trails that day and had they been, they would soon have been out of sight in any case.

The parking lot in this area provides enough room for not only cars and trucks but also the horse trailers for those transporting their equine friends to this location.

Bear Creek Community Center

This Bear Creek Community Center in Bear Creek Park offers so many wonderful things that are totally free to the public and they are funded by taxpayer dollars.

An example of some of the classes in which I have participated are in learning two different types of calligraphy; origami lessons; portrait photography, pastel portrait painting, and this is where I first learned how to create a linoleum cut art print. Some of these I mastered better than others! Ha!

People gather at the center to exercise, play cards, take classes, listen to lectures on various subjects and even take bus trips to locales all within a days drive (back and forth) of the community center. In the past I have also taken advantage of some of those trips and learned about interesting places in Texas.

The free classes are for both children and adults and all one needs to do is to sign up ahead of time before the class (or bus) is filled to capacity. A list of needed supplies is provided (if necessary) for each class.

This community center and others in different parts of town provide so much value to the areas in which they are located. Many older people who might be otherwise lonely can engage in activities that keep them challenged, entertained and active. Broadening one's knowledge in areas of interest at zero cost is also beneficial for young and old alike.

Harris Co. AgriLife Extension Service

Located within Bear Creek Park adjacent to the Community Center is this building where one can take Master Gardener lessons. One can also find out how to better landscape, fight insect problems and be better stewards of the land among many other things.

Houston Farm and Ranch Club

Taking up 450 acres within Bear Creek Park, this facility that has a number of Texas Longhorns grazing in the fields fronting Highway 6 was dedicated in 1981. It hosts many different types of gatherings like wild game cook-offs; a county fair and even has a large rodeo arena which is utilized for occasions throughout the year.

Scholarship funds are routinely raised to help 4-H kids and those involved in FFA. It is located in the southwest corner of Bear Creek Park near the Community Center and AgriLife Extension Service.

Hope you enjoyed these pictures and descriptions of amenities within Bear Creek Park located in Houston, Texas. It truly provides great fun when the park is dry!