Running Complex

What is the Memorial Park Running Complex?
The Running Complex is a major programmatic hub and access point on the south side of Memorial Park, nestled into the southwestern arm of the Kinder Land Bridge & Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie. With amenities including the 400-meter Roy H. Cullen Timing Track, viewing decks, an Event Plaza and Terrace, gathering spaces, trails, and more, the Running Complex is designed to be a central gathering spot for all types of park users, while serving as a new gateway to enjoy the Bayou Wilds trails of Memorial Park.

The Running Complex is the next major project of the Memorial Park Master Plan to be delivered and is among the set of accelerated projects made possible by the Ten-Year Plan.

Coming in 2024, park visitors will be able to enjoy a fast-casual café complete with an outdoor patio that is sure to be a destination dining experience as part of the Running Complex.

When is the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track open?
Timing track hours are from 5:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. daily. The track is for pedestrian use only. Dogs are not allowed on the track, and metal spikes are not permitted.

What are the features of the timing track?
The timing track is a 400-meter track nestled among nature on the south side of Memorial Park. It features five lanes for runners and walkers. The track’s surface is an impermeable polyurethane and synthetic rubber composite. To maintain the quality of the track, metal spikes are not permitted.

Can the Cullen Timing Track be rented for private events or activities?
The track prioritizes free public access; however, reservations may be available during off-peak hours. Please contact reservations@memorialparkconservancy.org for more information.

What is the Event Plaza? How can I reserve it for my event?
The Event Plaza and Terrace is a new jewel box event space located behind the Cullen Running Trails Center. Beautiful, salted concrete features an etching of Buffalo Bayou, which forms Memorial Park’s south border. Seat walls and whispering shade trees form a venue perfect for weddings, corporate events, or luncheons. The Memorial Park Conservancy will also host programs here.

Rental information and pricing will be available starting in 2024. To reserve the plaza for your special event, email reservations@memorialparkconservancy.org.

How is Memorial Park’s Running Complex ecologically conscious?
The Roy H. Cullen Timing Track is designed with Memorial Park’s urban wilderness at heart. Native plants and trees soften the view-lines and provide an immersive nature experience for seasoned runners and casual walkers alike. A series of stretching decks along the eastern stretch of the track are an inviting spot to roll out a yoga mat, enjoy a book or bite to eat, or take a seat and enjoy the sun-dappled shade trees. The Running Complex exhibits a variety of native planting types – from open savanna patches to shrubby reforested areas to pocket meadows – seeking to provide cover and forage for a variety of creatures while also making beautiful spaces to not only exercise but, also, for animals to dwell.

Lighting is ‘Dark Sky compliant,’ giving zero upplight from the fixture. In addition, all lighting emanates a warm white color to minimize the effect of lighting on the circadian rhythm of all living things.

And when it rains, all of the stormwater collected within the track is filtered through woodlands and native plantings before making its way to the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie. This allows water to be held onsite which supports the Prairie plants and animals and helps Memorial Park serve as a better steward of stormwater to benefit the city of Houston.

When will the Running Complex Café open? Who will manage it? What type of food will be served?

We will open the Running Complex Café in the first half of 2024. Guests will enjoy an assortment of healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The operator of the Café has not yet been announced.