From Water Hazards to Flood Control (Source: Engineering, Inc.)

By Tom Klemens

A Houston golf course built more than 50 years ago is being transformed into Exploration Green, a new 200-acre community green space that also serves as a solution for flooding and drainage issues for the Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA). When recent storms demonstrated the effectiveness of the Exploration Green plan developed by CLCWA’s engineering consultant, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., the project timeline was shortened from 15 years to five.

Currently surrounded by multiple residential subdivisions, the golf course was developed in the 1960s as part of a residential community on former ranch land. For years it was a popular community amenity, but use of the course dwindled over time. Local developers expressed interest in turning the golf course into a commercial property, but the community already was experiencing drainage issues due to increased runoff from the existing development. Residents approached CLCWA, which is responsible for providing water, sewage and drainage services in the area, for assistance. CLCWA purchased the golf course in 2011 with the plan to convert it into a series of detention ponds to improve stormwater management.