Katy continues Leyendecker Landing, trails, parks development
14 May 2023
By: Asia Armour - Community Impact
At a May 8 meeting, Katy City Council approved the donation of 20 live oak trees to Leyendecker Landing—indicating forward progress on the passive, natural park that’s dedicated to David Leyendecker, former engineer for Katy, Fulshear and Waller, who died Dec. 30, 2020.
Leyendecker served the city of Katy for more than 45 years before he died, officials said.
In an email, Katy Parks Director Kevin Browne said a phased approach site plan has been created for the park, but has not yet been presented to council.
“We are planning to complete a trail feasibility study by mid-summer so that we can present the Leyendecker Landing master site plan and the trail feasibility study concurrently to provide council with the most up-to-date information and make recommendations for how and when to begin proceeding with both projects,” Browne said.
A major component of the five-year Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan—which was finalized in October—was the construction of 3-5 miles of trails to connect downtown Katy, previously said to be along First Street, to Leyendecker Landing.
Browne said the city’s engineering firm ARKK Engineers is preparing the feasibility study to determine the best placement of the trails.
The estimated cost for the first phase of Leyendecker Landing’s design is $888,840.
“That includes site prep, permitting, a stormwater pollution prevention plan, traffic control, grading, entry road with parking, and approximately 54,000 square feet of walking trails along the pond and Cane Island Creek,” Browne said.
Browne said he is confident the city will make “substantial progress” on both the trail system and Leyendecker Landing within the next three years, while continuing to address other components of the PTRMP—including improvements to the Off-Leash Dog Park located at 5414 Franz Road and upgrading amenities throughout the entire park system.
Council approved the installment of new equipment at the Katy Off-Leash Dog Park on May 8. (Courtesy City of Katy)
According to Browne and other items approved at the May 8 council meeting, more short-term parks projects include:
- Replacing the Arboretum playground
- Replacing the batting cages at Katy City Park
- Increasing program and event opportunities both at parks and the historic town square