Class XLIV’s Project
The Columbia Tap Trail Enhancement
Class XLIV’s Vision:
“A trail for Houston, a path for the world.”
About The Columbia Tap Trail
The Columbia Tap Trail, a historic 4-mile hike and bike trail that runs through southeast Houston, was once part of a more than 50-mile rail line built by enslaved Black men to transport sugar and cotton from Brazoria County plantations to Houston's port. After Emancipation, it was used to transport Black convict lease laborers to those same plantations. Today, the community is seeking to gain funding and support to improve the trail, to provide a safe, space for walking, biking, and gathering.
Additionally, it is also a key passageway that visitors will be encouraged to use during the 2025 FIFA World Cup hosted in Houston, making it essential that the trail is accessible, welcoming, and reflective of our city’s pride.
Why This Project Matters
Beautification and restoration will:
Improve safety and accessibility for trail users and international visitors
Create a more welcoming environment for families, residents, and tourists
Honor the trail’s historic significance while enhancing its future use
Strengthen community pride and quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods
How You Can Help
We are seeking financial contributions and in-kind donations (such as landscaping materials, benches, lighting, or volunteer services) to make this vision a reality. Your support will directly improve the lives of those who use and live near the Columbia Tap Trail, while preserving a piece of Houston’s history for generations to come.
