George Bush Park Puts Big Recreation Inside Barker Reservoir

George Bush Park is a clear west Harris County double-use landscape. All 7,800 acres sit inside Barker Reservoir. Most days it is dry parkland. During big storms, it can hold floodwater by design.

On a normal day, it is a huge recreation hub: fishing, dog parks, nature areas, ball fields, picnic spots, scout camping, an equestrian trail, playgrounds, a model-plane field, and 11.36 miles of hike-and-bike trail over Buffalo Bayou.

For westside residents, it is both a giant park and a reminder of the reservoir system next door. After heavy rain, parts can flood because that is part of the job.