In January 2016, the City of Sugar Land (COSL) annexed the 754-acre Cullinan Park under an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and COSL, along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between COSL and the Cullinan Park Conservancy (Conservancy). In accordance with the MOU, COSL agreed to take over the operation and maintenance of the park, and the Conservancy is responsible for raising funds for capital improvements to the park.
From May 2016 to November 2018, the City accepted check donations from Cullinan Park Conservancy, totaling $1,209,381.56, which funded the phase I design and construction of the restroom, trailhead, boardwalk, signage and White Lake East Trails. Phase I was completed in Fall 2019.
From December 2020 to June 2023, the City accepted three more donations from Cullinan Park Conservancy, totaling $1,540,500.00, which funded the phase II design and construction of additional parking, trailheads, art monument and 1.2 miles of trails. Phase II was completed in Spring 2024.
From April 2023 to November 2024, the Conservancy selected Kimley-Horn and Associates as the consultant, and completed the Phase III conceptual design. The Conservancy Board and COSL Parks Department reviewed and approved the Phase III concept design, which envisions a multimillion-dollar nature play area where families and children can Learn, Explore, and Play (L.E.A.P) in nature. The design includes interactive play elements, a tree house, trails, a boardwalk, a pavilion, a wetland area, signage, and more. On December 17, 2024, the Conservancy donated $390,000 in cash to the City of Sugar Land for Phase III further design services.
After reviewing Kimley-Horn’s proposal with the Conservancy Planning Committee, staff recommends that the City Council approve awarding a contract to Kimley-Horn in the amount of $364,945.00. The contract will cover the completion of design development, construction documentation, contract bidding assistance, as well as construction administration services.