no prob, nopo

New North Post Oak pedestrian bridge providing safe passage to Memorial Park and more now open

The North Post Oak Road Pedestrian Bridge creates safe passage for runners, cyclists, and pederstrians in the area.

Photo courtesy of METRO

Houston city officials and top METRO brass cut the ceremonial large blue ribbon to officially open the new North Post Oak Road Pedestrian Bridge on Tuesday, October 17, marking the completion of a project that started in February 2022.

But the opening of the new bridge, which is 600 feet long, 14 feet wide, and crosses over 17 lanes of the Katy Freeway traffic, also marks a new day for Inner Loop and Post Oak-area residents. "Before this bridge, there simply wasn't a safe and convenient option for pedestrians or cyclists to cross I-10 via Post Oak," METRO spokesperson Doug Delony tells CultureMap. "Driving was often the only choice."

That's putting it lightly, as residents are all to aware. Typically, walkers, runners, and cyclists traversing N. Post Oak and Post Oak Roads en route to Memorial Park or surrounding points had to negotiate limited sidewalk access and constant car traffic. But now, "this bridge completely separates you from Post Oak Road," adds Delony.

Specifically, METRO's new bridge runs parallel to Post Oak Road as it crosses over I-10 (aka the Katy Freeway) and sits just east of Silber Road and west of the 610 West Loop. "Essentially, this is Post Oak Road going over I-10," Delony summarizes.

North Post Oak Road Pedestrian Bridge map The bridge starts at METRO's Northwest Transit Center and crosses over 17 I-10 lanes.Map courtesy of METRO

Those who utilize the METRO Northwest Transit Center will find travel and use much easier; the bridge also creates a crucial link to N. Post Oak Road and surrounding neighborhoods, restaurants, and retail, as well as an easy artery to Memorial Park for walkers and bikers.

METRO announced plans for the North Post Oak Road Pedestrian Bridge in February 2020. Along the way, the agency solicited and received project input from residents, local businesses, and neighborhood stakeholders, all of whom METRO board chair Sanjay Ramabhadran credits for playing "integral roles" in its development.

For those who champion good urban planning, the new bridge is a strong step to a more walkable city. For others, it's a big win for access to Houston's crown jewel. "Oh yes," says Delony, "people are always looking to connect to Memorial Park."

to the batcave

Houston park takes flight with bat viewings, chats, and movie night

Photo by Ann Froschauer/USFWS/Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/8006844645/]

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The Buffalo Bayou Partnership announced bat-themed summer programming for the 160-acre park near downtown. Houstonians with an interest in the flying mammals will have plenty of ways to appreciate them.

Every Friday evening at sunset through the end of August, Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host two events centered around Houston's most famous bat colony, the 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats that nest under the Waugh Street Bridge. Visitors get to watch the massive swarm emerge as the sun goes down and the bats hunt insects in the area.

On land, the free Bat Chat event is hosted by the Houston Area Bat Team, including Dr. Cullen Geiselman Muse. She studies the local bat populations and advocates for them based on their helpfulness to Houston.

"Here in Houston, there are insect-eating bats that can consume nearly their body weight in crop pests each night," she said in a statement. "The effects of the bats’ nightly forays add up across space and time. They impact processes ranging from how rainforest regenerate after they are clearcut to how much insecticides farmers use on crops."

People who want a view from the water may take one of the Bat Cruises. These 90-minute trips up and down the bayou cost $30, but do offer one of the most incredible ways to see the emergence. Plus, visitors get to see the area around Buffalo Bayou light up at night. The cruise launches from 1019 Commerce Street, and reservations are required in advance.

Batman Returns

No, one of Houston's most famous urban legends hasn't reemerged. However, BBP is hosting the next best thing: a free screening of the 1992 superhero classic film Batman Returns. Directed by Tim Burton, this Christmas-themed adventure follows Batman (Michael Keaton) as he battles Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the Penguin (Danny Devito) as the latter tries to become mayor of Gotham. Houston is deeply tied to Batman Returns as Six Flags AstroWorld once housed the official tie-in rollercoaster, which included a replica of the Batcave, Penguin's duckmobile, and other memorabilia.

The outdoor screening takes place on Saturday, July 25 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (105B Sabine Street). Attendees are encouraged to dress up in costumes from the Batman mythos, and the Houston Area Bat Team will give a talk before the movie begins. It starts at 6 pm, and prior registration is required.

Finally, the The Buffalo Bayou Boutique at The Water Works has added bat plushies, stickers, and bandanas (batdanas) to their store. A full list is available on the boutique website.