In the summer of 2003, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership opened the $2.8 million city-funded North Side Trail in downtown Houston. The Hike and Bike trail connects the Theater District and Sesquicentennial Park to the University of Houston Downtown and provides spectacular views of Houston’s skyline.

The trail is a part of the Greater Allen’s Landing Project, a redevelopment effort officials say is designed to unify more that $25 million existing and planned initiatives in north downtown.

The North Side Trail enhancements include grading and drainage improvements, new bulkheads and a new irrigation system. Grading and drainage modifications were made to avert high water along the path during heavy rains. To prevent ground erosion, jute mesh and mulch were placed along the waterway. In an effort to shade the walkway and enhance existing trees, groupings of native species of trees were planted along the banks of the bayou during a community tree planting initiative. Those wanting to picnic in downtown Houston will now enjoy benches and trash cans that can be found in seating areas along the path.

In February 2004, the Bayou Buddies teamed up with the Trees for Houston Red Buds for a tree planting and clean up of the area.
This project was sponsored by the City of Houston and the BBP through a grant from Houston Endowment, Inc.