Part of the scope for Josey Lake Park was an Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permit to implement enhanced floodwater storage and natural wetland enhancements in a suburban setting. Creative site grading produced very generous slopes which provided ample real estate to accommodate recreational activities both below and above the 100-year flood elevation. Approximately 80% of Josey Lake Park is located below the 100-year flood elevation. In traditional detention systems, these areas are typically void of development. Considering the five, ten and 25-year rainfall event elevations, program elements were strategically placed throughout the site to utilize all available land from the high bank down to the static water elevation.

Through an integrated planting design that respects the various flood level elevations, multiple ecosystems were created ranging from wetlands and grasslands to reforestation. These ecosystems provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and small wildlife, as well as nonpoint pollution filtering. The design created 13 acres of emergent and submergent wetlands along the shorelines and islands to offer a habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, water quality polishing and aesthetic enhancement, while also creating a natural setting for public enjoyment. The wetland shelves were planted with noninvasive, native wetland plants which will sustain a habitat for fish, amphibians, aquatic and migratory birds of the Central Flyway. Thirty acres of prairie landscape was recreated using 22 species of native grasses and wildflowers. In time, the native grasses and wildflowers installed in these areas will become a substantive landscape providing food and shelter for prairie wildlife.

Reforestation is the final component to the Josey Lake Park ecosystem. Significant acreage was dedicated to reforestation and close to 2,000 trees were planted outside of the reforestation areas within the park. The tree and reforestation palette include pine, hardwoods, and various understory materials to ensure the mature reforested areas will provide habitat for animals typically found in the Houston region where the piney woods and post oak savannah merge.

The park was also designed to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Upon establishment of the prairie and reforestation plantings, these areas will become regenerative and not require the typical maintenance associated with manicured landscapes. Also, irrigation in these areas can be greatly decreased further reducing regularly irrigated acreage of the park by over 50%.

Given that much of the project is prone to stormwater inundation, there was an inherent need to use resilient materials. Concrete boardwalks, in lieu of traditional wooden boardwalks, traverse wetland shelves and present several overlook opportunities. Accoya wood (a Forest Stewardship Council certified acetylated wood) is used for decking, cladding, soffit, and railing applications and carries a 50-year guarantee. Limestone quarried from west Texas is used throughout the site in a range of applications from building cladding to retaining walls.