EXPLORATION OF GREEN DETENTION
Houston
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc.
OWNER Clear Lake City Water Authority
DESIGN MANAGER/PROJECT MANAGER Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam
GENERAL CONTRACTORS Serco Construction Group; Triple B Services; LECON Inc.; Paskey Inc.
This transformative flood control and community recreation project transformed a former golf course into a multi-functional nature park and stormwater detention facility. The project includes five detention ponds with a combined storage capacity of 500 million gallons, capable of holding a 100-year storm.
Exploration Green serves as a model for urban flood control and community development, showing how engineering can combine flood protection with recreational and environmental benefits.
This design was proven effective during Hurricane Harvey, protecting over 150 homes while only 80% were completed. Beyond flood mitigation, the Exploration Green offers recreational amenities, including 6.1 miles of ADA-compliant hiking and biking trails, two sports fields, and recreation areas. The project also created 153 acres of natural habitat.
Photo courtesy of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc
Crews managed site drainage and groundwater during excavation by installing culverts and relocating wet soils, ensuring continued progress despite adverse conditions. Located in a residential area with streets leading to several schools, the project also required detailed traffic control plans to ensure safety and minimize disruption. The project was completed under budget at $46.71 million against an estimated $53.65 million.
Unlike traditional detention facilities, these ponds hold water year-round, simulating natural lakes and enhancing aesthetic and recreational value. The design of the ponds includes multiple shelves for different areas of vegetation, integrating wetlands that naturally treat stormwater and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways. This approach to sustainability extends to the irrigation system, which uses reclaimed water to maintain pond ecosystems.
The project’s success has led the Clear Lake City Water Authority to open-source its design on the project’s website, with the hope that others will use the project as an example. Flood-prone communities in the Houston region are already on the brink, as are other communities in Texas and around the country, including Michigan, Virginia and Florida.
