On Wednesday, the American Planning Association listed Buffalo Bayou as one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2012. The organization says it singled out the nine-mile stretch between Shepherd Drive and Turning Basin Overlook Park for several reasons including its distinctive design and ecological restoration and protection efforts.
"After 176 years, it's great that not just Houstonians are re-acquainting themselves with Buffalo Bayou but we are getting national attention as well," said Mayor Annise Parker.
The city says Buffalo Bayou remains a work in progress with a multi-million dollar renovation project that is expected to be completed in 2015.
The nine other APA 2012 Great Public Spaces are: Bienville Square, Mobile, AL; Cesar Chavez Park and Plaza, Sacramento, CA; Washington Park, Denver, CO; Chicago Botanic Garden, IL; Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL; Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA; Village Green, Bar Harbor, ME; Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, OR; and Ritter Park, Huntington, WV.
