Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eleanor Tinsley Park is located southwest of downtown Houston, within the Sabine-to-Taft Greenway.
The trailhead is located off the northeast corner of the parking lot. The park is the site of major fest-
ivals and events, including the city's Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza.
Start at the sidewalk with a short out-and-back down to the bayou. Follow the trail as it slopes down
and doubles back on itself, then straightens out and leads to the edge of the water. There is a landing
from which canoes may be launched. Interesting retaining walls, made from stone, follow the slope.
There is a children's playground in the green space.
Backtrack and follow the sidewalk west, to the sign at the trailhead marked bike route. This is a
multiuse trail, so stay to the right and be alert to cyclists. Buffalo Bayou is down a slope to the right;
Allen Parkway is on the left. Trees line Allen Parkway, including some large live oaks, but the traffic
noise can be distracting.
The interior of the park consists of green space, mostly mowed grass, and many trees, including oak,
sycamore, and magnolia. The bayou meanders through the center. Benches are placed along the trail.
This is one of a few hikes with fire hydrants along the trail. Now that's different!
The trail passes through open and shaded tree canopy. The bayou is to the right and generally about
40 feet away, down a slope. In some sections it's possible to get to the edge of the bayou. When back-
tracking, great views of downtown Houston are available.
Pass a large sculpture on the left, Large Spindle Piece, a 12-foot-tall abstract bronze by Henry
Moore (1898-1986).
Originally located in London's Hyde Park, the sculpture was purchased by the Knox Foundation and
given to the city in 1979.
Pass an imposing brown structure on the left, across Allen Parkway. This is the Houston branch of
the Federal Reserve Bank. The 9-acre complex consists of seven buildings.
The Police Officers Memorial can be seen to the right, across Memorial Drive. The pyramid-shaped
concrete monument is Mayan inspired, and a pool of bubbling water flows down from the top.
The park is named in honor of city councilwoman Eleanor Tinsley, who served from 1980 to 1990.
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