Fort Bend Green was approached by the Cullinan Park Conservancy in June 2013 to help with the development and maintenance of the park. After our initial meeting, it was agreed hold a meeting with interested parties to discuss future park development.
Fort Bend Green facilitated a meeting with members of the Cullinan Park Conservancy, the City of Houston, the Houston Parks Board, Fort Bend County, the City of Sugar Land, and several interested parties to discuss potential partnerships to develop and maintain the park. It was determined from this meeting, that since the park was in the City of Houston’s ETJ, the City of Sugar Land could not participate in future park development.
Fort Bend Green, the Cullinan Park Conservancy, and the City of Houston facilitated several more meetings between interested parties to discuss the obstacles to park development. One of the biggest challenges is the park is owned in part by the City of Houston and the Houston Parks Board, and is in the City of Houston’s ETJ. Both the City of Sugar Land and the City of Houston Mayors were supportive of the park being developed and the City of Sugar Land being involved.
In 2014 both the City of Sugar Land and the City of Houston agreed to work together to find a solution to allow Cullinan Park to be developed with both parties involved. The City of Houston stated it would retain ownership, but allow the property to be annexed into the City of Sugar Land and consent to the City of Sugar Land to maintain the Park.
Ultimately the City of Houston and the Houston Parks Board continue to own the park, but entered into a long-term Interlocal Agreement with the City of Sugar Land. The City of Sugar Land manages, operates, controls, and supervises Cullinan Park and has the responsibility for all operations, maintenance, security, and capital improvements. The City of Sugar Land coordinated with the Cullinan Park Conservancy for capital contributions to implement the Cullinan Park Master Plan, with notice given to the city of Houston of planned improvements. The deed restrictions on the property for it to remain a passive recreation park will be recognized and agreed to by all parties. The last and most important agreement was finalized when the City of Houston released the Cullinan Park from its ETJ, and the City of Sugar Land annexed the property.
The Cullinan Park Conservancy has raised funds to allow for the first phases of the development of the park. The City of Sugar Land has installed cameras in the park and Sugar Land Police Officers have regular patrols to help make the park safe. Development Plans are underway.