New man-made rivers open in Houston suburbs

Two lazy rivers have opened in the Houston area, at Sunterra in Katy and Sierra Vista south of Pearland, where developer Starwood Land is unveiling more community features.

Florida-based Starwood Land opened the water attractions over Memorial Day weekend, alongside swimming pools and other outdoor spaces such as tennis courts, splash pads, soccer fields and playgrounds . These are the second and third lazy rivers in Starwood’s regional developments, joining Marvida in Cypress, which debuted in September. KGA Deforest and Project Luong designed the new amenity areas.

The Retreat at Sunterra will add a clubhouse, fitness center, meeting rooms and event spaces to the Katy community this June. It also has an event lawn, outdoor fitness lawn and play areas.

A long-planned Crystal Lagoon in Sunterra, a community northwest of the Grand Parkway and Katy Freeway, is expected to open in 2025. Two dozen builders offer a range of homes starting in the $300,000s.

“Our planned amenities for Sunterra – which also includes the Sol Club with Crystal Lagoons amenities – have largely taken into account Sunterra being the best-selling community in Texas,” said John Brian, regional president of Starwood Land, in a statement. “The combination of luxury amenities, top-rated Katy and Royal ISDs, and a wide selection of homes from some of the area’s best builders provides undeniable appeal for home buyers.”

In Sierra Vista, located along the Texas 288 corridor beyond County Road 56 south of Pearland, nine builders are selling homes ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. The development is within Alvin ISD.

In addition to the heated lazy river and pool at Sierra Vistas’ The Island resort, there is a pavilion and sports courts for basketball, bocce ball, and pickleball. A clubhouse with fitness center is expected to open later this year.