Terry Hershey Park — Attraction in Houston

What I love about Terry Hershey Park is that it's not as popular as Memorial Park, Hermann Park, or even Eleanor Tinsley Park as they are all inside the loop. This is a good thing because there's less traffic (both foot and bike) so it means bikers have more room to bike to share the path with runners/joggers/walkers. The park itself is about 6 miles follow along the western part of Buffalo Bayou. A bit of history on who Terry Hershey is, she was a conservationist who fought against the city on making sure banks of Buffalo Bayou does not turn into just concrete pavement.

There are many entrances to this park and it stretches all the way from Beltway 8 to Highway 6. The beauty of this is that you can start anywhere or go any direction for your own desire of exploration. Along the park path there are pull-up bars, monkey bars, and for you to do dips, etc. There's plenty of benches for you to rest and small up and down 'hills' so you won't feel like you're just going on a flat path. Another thing is that there's also splits for you to go different routes as well.

Now I lived on the west side of Houston pretty much all my life, including during the hurricane Harvey in 2017. The reason I brought this up is that just like any park that follows along Buffalo Bayou, when heavy rain weather strikes Houston, Terry Hershey Park will simply be underwater. Even when the water receded, the grimes and dirts will be covered along the paved path and sometimes the foul smell will linger. Again, this is the downs for a park right next to a water way that's for draining addicks so the water can go into the Gulf of Mexico but the ups is that it's a great place of nature right in my backyard.

What I love about Terry Hershey Park is that I do feel like I'm in the nature, for me to reset myself. You can hear various birds sound and insect noise. Sometimes, you may even see peacocks from the nearby neighborhood that would come to this park every now and then. I have biked and run here a lot and I will keep coming here. City of Houston have been slowly constantly updating this park as well and I can't wait to see what else they will put in here. I am hoping they would use one of the big lands and turn it into a fenced in dog park but that's a...

I bike a lot. Sometimes up to 20 miles if the mood hits me. I used to go to Terry Hershey for years. I went last week for the first time in a while and when I biked up to my car after a long and amazing ride. My car was broken into FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!! Both times it happened at the Briar Forest entrance off of the feeder of Beltway 8 underneath the freeway. When this happened to me years ago, I thought it was my fault for not being careful enough. Went biking... window broken...Stuff gone. Thought I got smarter or safer..let it go. Then they got an empty cop car there for security for a few years but not last Tuesday. I thought the fact I put my purse under the spare of my car would protect me since so many people were there when I was parking and there is a new apartment complex across the street would stop something so loud and public to happen but NOPE!!! These pathetic losers watched me go bike and then waited to break the window of my car with the quickest access to my purse. I got the same feeling of dread when i biked up to the parking lot and saw the other two people (who I remember were parking at the same time I was) sitting in disbelief that their windows were bashed in too. I don't know what to say. I know that the police have more important things to do than to worry about this. But the fact that the city can spend millions of dollars on a beautiful and breathtaking park like this one (it really is exceptional...) but can't find a way to make it so it is safe for the residents of Houston to enjoy without fear of being targeted by professional thieves (probably the same ones!) is ridiculous. Something could be done...Cameras? I don't know. But I know I will never bike there again when I really love that park....

Terry Hershey Park is undeniably one of the most breathtaking parks in Houston, consistently delivering an abundance of joy and tranquility every time I visit with my fur babies. The extensive bike trail allows for leisurely walks with the added bonus of people-watching, creating a delightful atmosphere where my dogs can interact and have a blast.

The trail spans a generous three miles, providing ample opportunities for exercise and healthy workouts. Surrounded by a plethora of trees, the park remains shaded, making it a pleasant escape from the summer heat. The artistic allure of the old trees with intricate roots adds to the overall charm, creating an atmosphere that feels like a serene paradise, especially with the gentle sound of the nearby river.

Spring and summertime adorn the park with a vibrant display of flowers, creating a picturesque setting for various activities. Photographers often capture the beauty of the expansive, empty areas, offering a stunning backdrop for memories. The overall scenery is diverse, and people engage in a variety of activities, from peaceful walks to courteous biking.

Speaking of bicyclers, their polite demeanor adds to the park's welcoming ambiance. The atmosphere is not just suitable for workouts but also for relaxation, hanging out with friends, or enjoying a leisurely stroll. The park caters to all, including kids and dogs, with dedicated areas such as water fountains, making it a truly remarkable destination in Houston. Terry Hershey Park is an absolute gem, offering a perfect blend of nature, beauty, and recreational opportunities. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an amazing...