Cross Creek Ranch to open new boardwalk, nature overlook

A new boardwalk and nature overlook is scheduled to open in Cross Creek Ranch where residents of the west Houston master-planned community can observe wetland plants, identify birds and wildlife, hone their photography skills and access nature trails.

Scheduled to open in June, the new boardwalk and viewing platforms will provide an overlook of the community's Polishing Pond, a 50-acre natural habitat and lush oasis which has become a permanent home for fish and turtles as well as a migratory stop for countless birds and wildlife. The new venue was made possible by a grant from the Cross Creek Ranch Community Foundation.

"Families are amazed at how we have created a master-planned community with new homes while fostering a healthy, natural habitat for wildlife," said Cross Creek Ranch General Manager Rob Bamford. "This new boardwalk and overlook will provide a spot for both casual observers and nature enthusiasts to observe spectacular, 360-degree views of the open water."

Roughly the size of 48 football fields, the Cross Creek Ranch Polishing Pond also functions as an engineered water quality basin where water is filtered for reuse throughout the development for irrigation.

Along with its Polishing Pond, the community is home to the restored Flewellen Creek, a project considered to be the most ambitious ecological restoration effort in west Houston. Winding approximately 150 acres through Cross Creek Ranch, the creek's restored sections now cover 83 acres with more than 4,500 newly planted trees to replace many lost to Hurricane Ike and which now provide roosting places for birds and wildlife. Native grasses and new trails also have been added along side the creek.

In addition to its nature-inspired amenities, Cross Creek Ranch offers the Adventure Island Water Park, a second resort-style pool, Flewellen Creek Park, miles of hike-and-bike trails along with winding creeks and lakes, a fitness center and sports complex with tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts and playgrounds for all ages. The community also is home to the Flewellen Creek disc golf course and a one-acre Canine Commons Dog Park.

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