Kemah has officially opened the first phases of a long-awaited 57-acre nature park, a project city leaders hope will boost eco-tourism while giving residents a much-needed escape into nature. City Council member Isaac Saldaña said the ribbon-cutting marks nearly 20 years of planning and effort finally taking shape.
A Project Years in the Making
The newly opened sections are just the beginning of a nine-phase plan for the park. The first two phases, which broke ground in September 2023, cost about $1 million to complete. They include a pavilion, open green space, entry monuments, and features that highlight local plants, insects, and wildlife.
Saldaña called these first phases the “first impression” for visitors. “We spent a lot of time on the wildlife, the plants, the insects,” he said. “It was a very detailed, involved process.”
A Natural Escape in a Growing Corridor
Located at 1860 Park Oaks St., the park sits at the busy Hwy. 96 and Hwy. 146 corridor—one of the fastest-growing areas in the region.
Saldaña, who lives nearby, said the park is meant to give residents and surrounding communities a chance to connect with nature, even in the middle of rapid development.
“That corridor is booming,” he explained. “Being able to provide a peaceful space surrounded by nature within all that growth is invaluable.”
How the Idea Began
Saldaña’s interest in the property began back in 2009 when he asked city officials about its future. Soon after, he joined the Kemah Community Development Corporation board and made the park a personal priority. Over the years, as new city leaders came and went, the idea persisted. Finally, in 2024, construction officially began.
What’s Next for the Park
The master plan includes nine phases in total, with seven more still to come. The city plans to complete one phase each year, with a yearly budget of $500,000.
Future phases may include:
A scenic boardwalk stretching over wetlands
Native grasses and no-mow wildflower areas
Wildlife and educational features for learning opportunities
A possible $750,000 grant could help speed up construction, though future city leaders could also make changes to the original plan.
A Vision for Galveston County’s Top Nature Park
Saldaña believes the park will eventually become a regional treasure. “I think it will be the No. 1 nature park in Galveston County,” he said.
For now, Kemah residents and visitors can enjoy the park’s first glimpse of what’s to come—an oasis of green in a city that continues to grow.
Kemah’s new nature park represents both vision and persistence, nearly two decades in the making. With its focus on eco-tourism, wildlife, and natural beauty, it’s not just a local park but a community investment in quality of life.
As new phases roll out, the project promises to become a unique attraction for Galveston County, offering a rare blend of recreation, education, and conservation.
