Katy’s Rick Rice Park Announces Expansion, More Amenities

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 7, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy’s Rick Rice Park has purchased 4.2 acres of land to expand the park across from CrossPoint Church. The new land will be The Commons at Rick Rice Park and hopes to bring more amenities to Katy residents.

Rick Rice Park in Katy.

A Katy Park Unveiled Exciting New Plans

Katy’s Rick Rice Park has unveiled a conceptual master plan for the existing park (700 Westgreen Blvd.) and their newly purchased 4.2 acres.

“We are pleased to announce our new plans for the park,” says Barry J. Kaplan, president of Interstate MUD’s board of directors. “Our goal is to create a distinctive park for people to enjoy, and we look forward to offering new amenities as we expand the park.”

The space will provide a multi-use area similar to European parks and Central Park in New York City. The park will be an open meadow surrounded by grass perfect for Katy families to enjoy a picnic, fly kits, and couples can relax.

The space can also be used for sporting events or gatherings.

New Land By CrossPoint Community Church

The new land, known as The Commons at Rick Rice Park, is just behind the CrossPoint Community Church and next to the main entrance of the original park.

Rick Rice Park is now composed of 13 acres. Upgrades are planned to the original park including terraced concrete steps by the current lake, upgraded walking trails, and a new deck that will overlook a second pond with a fountain.

LJA Engineering’s Land Development Division is working on a drainage study before construction can begin. Construction is scheduled for late 2022 and will start with new heads-in the parking on the east side of the park. It will take several years to complete the plan.

“It’s beautiful, serene and peaceful. I had a wonderful lunch there and can't wait to go back,” wrote Joshua Obas in a Google Review. “Also great for Pokemon Go, as there are several stops and gyms.”

“We have a variety of classes, including donation-based yoga and Zumba classes that raise money for non-profit groups in the city, like Citizens for Animal Protection and Hope Impacts,” says incoming 2022 President Rick Ellis.

The board also says that an average of 5,000 people visit the park each month.

The park is maintained and funded by Interstate Municipal Utility District (MUD.) It was founded in 1974. In 2003 and 2004 the Texas Legislature passed legislation that gave MUDs the ability to finance, construct, and maintain parks and recreation amenities.

“As soon as the legal authority was granted, the Interstate directors began the preliminary work,” says Kaplan, who is also an original board director.

Rick Rice Park is open to all to enjoy. Learn more at their website.