John Paul Landing Park in Cypress, TX: What to See and Enjoy
John Paul Landing Park
Open prairie lands and rice fields in this part of Texas are rapidly turning into subdivisions and commercial enterprises. Because of the flat topography, water drainage is a prime concern. The more concrete poured, the less land there is to absorb rain. Therefore, similar to the nearby Paul D. Rushing Park, the 176-acre lake stores excess water runoff while entertaining fishers and providing a habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
Cooperation between private businesses and the public worked beautifully and cut costs in the development of this park. Most of the lake excavation was at no cost to the county because contractors who needed the fill dirt for construction projects dug it at their expense.
Several years intervened between my first photos and our next visit when the environmental education building was completed and opened for business. Much of the park was still under construction during our first visit.
The park precinct has also changed. Most Harris County Precinct 3 parks are now in Precinct 4, and vice-versa.
A duck in the water at John Paul Landing Park
Addresses and Amenities
The official address of John Paul Landing Park (named after Pope John Paul II) is 24202 West Road, Cypress, Texas 77433. There are several large parking lots off West Road. That portion of the 865-acre park has playgrounds, a covered outdoor exercise area, 6.9 miles of paved walking trails, pavilions, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and fishing piers in the 176-acre lake. There are plans to enlarge the lake further.
There is another playground, restrooms, picnic facilities, and the environmental education center in the north part of the park. That address is 9950 Katy Hockley Road. West Road intersects Katy Hockley Road. My husband and I recently visited this part of the park and were impressed!
The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The environmental education center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 281-353-8100 to make reservations for the pavilions.
Fishing in John Paul Landing Park
Many of our local human-made lakes contain fish. The primary ones caught in this park are bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Stocking of Florida largemouth bass and channel catfish has taken place. However, since lake construction is still taking place and until vegetation along the shoreline is well-established, the young fish often have no place to hide from predators.
Eventually, this lake will cover about 450 acres. Those who enjoy fishing will enjoy their sport even more in the future in this particular park.
In addition to the new fishing piers, what intrigued me most was the fabulous fish cleaning station. I have not personally seen one like this in any other Harris County parks. It is a beauty!
Playground on the North Side of John Paul Landing Park
Playground
This playground and the others on the south side of the park will become better populated as more people start settling into all of the new subdivisions under construction in this area. On the day of our visit, when I took these photos, only a father and daughter were taking advantage of these facilities.
John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center
The environmental education center had some difficulties and delays in offering amenities to the public. First, hurricane Harvey delayed its construction as other priorities came first in helping to recover from that storm. Then, right after opening, along came Covid. The center had to close its doors.
Now, at long last, this stellar building has numerous items on display, and the park employees offer different events to the public. One example is the weekly bird walk each Thursday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Leaving the education center with a guide, participants can learn about the birds frequenting this area while on a 2-mile walking route.
I took many photos showing what a person can stop to read, learn, and even play to become better informed about the environment and the birds and animals that cohabitate with us in this part of Texas. My photos are only a tiny sample of what visitors can learn while spending some time here.
Environmental Education Center Hallway
All areas of the environmental education center provide visitors with information, including the hallway. On one side, it describes the construction of earthen dams in far west Houston in response to flooding issues downtown. It also portrays the communities most affected, plus other information.
On the opposing wall are portrayals of wingspans of an assortment of birds. My bottom photo shows the outline of a barred owl, an American crow, and a bald eagle in flight. I was fascinated to learn that the wingspan of a bald eagle is much larger than my outstretched arms!
Two Side Rooms of the Environmental Education Center
Off the hallway is a room designed for kids and curious adults. If you have never felt raccoon, muskrat, or swamp rabbit fur, you can do so here. A sign instructs you to do so using only two fingers.
Perhaps you already know that male white-tailed deer antlers grow back bigger each year. That was news to me. One is never too old to learn new things! Displays, books, and exhibits are in that room for further education.
Across the central room on the opposite side is the lecture classroom. It can house a sizable crowd. Attendance is sure to increase as more people learn about these offerings.
Impressions
The changes made in John Paul Landing Park over time are impressive. In helping to mitigate flooding, this large park will be fun to watch as the lake, and perhaps the trails, are expanded. The planted trees will grow and offer more shade.
When talking to the park employee in the education center, she stated that the children's programs are currently well-attended. The adult programs are sporadic in attendance, but she expects that to improve as more people learn about this park.
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Sources
- Harris County Precinct 4: John Paul Landing Park
- Texas Parks & Wildlife: John Paul Landing Fisheries Management
- iNaturalist Organization: Species found in John Paul Landing Park
- Katy Magazine: John Paul Landing Park
- Houston Chronicle Cy-Fair News: Regarding the Building and Expansion of John Paul Landing Park
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Peggy Woods
