5 Halff Summer Spots to See in 2026

There are plenty of ways to “Halff” fun this summer!

Immerse yourself in a handful of Halff’s recent projects that are improving lives and communities across Texas, Oklahoma and Florida.

Keep reading to learn more about five Halff summer spots you need to consider seeing for your next summer adventure in 2026.

1. Heritage Trail | Round Rock, TX

Walk through the story that gave Round Rock its name. Starting in Downtown Round Rock on the outskirts of Austin, Heritage Trail winds along Brushy Creek and through the city’s historic core. It connects visitors to the places that helped shape Central Texas.

Along the way, you’ll find traces of the area’s rich past, including the famous round rock: a genuine, ivory-colored stone landmark sitting in the middle of Brushy Creek.

In the mid-19th century, this prominent rock marked a safe, low-water crossing spot for cattle drives, horses and wagons on the Chisholm Trail.

Highlights include:

• • • Scenic creekside trail segments along Brushy Creek
    • Views of the iconic round rock landmark
    • Interpretive highlights of Chisholm Trail history

Whether you’re a history buff, trail enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic walk, Heritage Trail offers a unique blend of recreation and Texas heritage.

Halff planned and designed the trail, creating a one-mile downtown trail connection featuring historic interpretation, public amenities and an innovative spiral ramp linking the creek corridor to the city.

2. Riverfront Music Garden | Jacksonville, FL

At a bird’s eye view, the focal point is a treble clef note symbol with the walking trail weaving through other musical note elements.

Also called the Musical Heritage Park, don’t forget to turn up the tempo on your next stroll. Located along the waterfront of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville’s Musical Garden Park is an immersive celebration of the city’s rich musical legacy.

Visitors can experience:

• • • Interactive musical play elements
    • Sculptures and themed artwork celebrating Jacksonville’s music heritage
    • Stunning riverfront views along the Northbank of the St. Johns River

Railing that features a silhouette of piano keys keeps the tone of this park musical indeed.

From giant piano-inspired features to pathways shaped like musical notes, every step is designed to keep visitors moving to the rhythm of Jacksonville’s history. The park features a musical Walk of Fame inspired by local music history and culture. Honorees span southern rock, hip-hop and blues.

Halff provided professional services including hardscape, landscape, irrigation, lighting and audio/visual design, creating a destination that blends art, history and recreation into one memorable waterfront experience.

3. Deep Fork Creek Trail | Oklahoma City, OK

Adventure is just around the bend. Meandering through a heavily wooded corridor between the Deep Fork River and Interstate 44, Deep Fork Trail gives cyclists, runners and pedestrians a front-row seat to nature while connecting some of Oklahoma City’s most popular destinations.

The 4.5-mile trail closes one of the final gaps in Oklahoma City’s growing trail network and creates new connections to family-friendly attractions throughout the Adventure District.

Project highlights include:

• • • Connection between the Grand Boulevard Trail and Katy Trail
    • Nine pedestrian bridge crossings and three highway underpasses
    • Access to destinations including the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The 12-foot-wide concrete trail is designed to AASHTO standards.

Halff provided trail alignment design, retaining wall and bridge engineering, hydrology and hydraulics modeling, drainage improvements, ADA compliance services and project management to help bring this critical regional connection to life.

4. Old Celina Park | Celina, TX

The entire area is fully designed with “play” in mind. Image source: City of Celina

Big Texas skies meet small-town charm in this park with plenty of room to play and soak in the outdoors. Old Celina Park embraces the city’s agricultural roots with a one-of-a-kind playground inspired by the farms, ranches and rural character that define this fast-growing North Texas community.

Notable features include:

• • • Multi-purpose court and trail connections throughout the park
    • Interactive spray fountain plaza with jumping fountains and lights
    • A one-acre all-inclusive, all-abilities playground

All project partners and the City of Celina have created a space where every child (and adult) can participate and explore while enjoying Celina’s agricultural heritage.

Halff provided engineering and landscape architecture services, including a new concrete trail, service road, restroom facility and ADA-accessibility upgrades.

Trail connections throughout the park give plenty of space for fresh air and adventure. Image source: City of Celina

5. Hill at Sims | Houston, TX

Image source: David Lloyd, SWA Group

What was once a giant detention basin to catch stormwater has now become one of Houston’s most remarkable outdoor destinations. The Hill at Sims Park proves that critical infrastructure and community recreation can work hand in hand, transforming a functional flood-control basin into a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.

For the first time in more than 50 years, Houston’s Sunnyside community has a major new park to call its own.

Image source: David Lloyd, SWA Group

Visitors can enjoy:

• • • Nearly five miles of trails
    • Six large-scale artist murals
    • A hilltop pavilion overlooking the site
    • A fishing pier and water access opportunities

Halff served as the prime civil engineering consultant, helping transform the site into a nature-based destination that serves both people and infrastructure. The result is a 100-acre community asset that connects residents with nature while continuing to protect surrounding neighborhoods from flooding.

Behind the scenes, the basin still performs its essential role by helping reduce flood risk throughout the Sims Bayou watershed.

At Halff, we improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality. A piece of that magic is contained in every project, allowing you to tangibly experience Halff’s handiwork over the years.

Be sure to visit these must-see gems near you for an unforgettable summer adventure!