Houston Parks Revitalization of Houston’s Neighbourhoods

Houston Parks Overview Park NameDate OpenedOperation Head BudgetChanges & Improvements Discovery Green2008Discovery Green Conservancy 125 million-Kinder Lake -John P. McGovern Playground -Anhueser-Busch Stage Hermann ParkOpened in 1914 Updated in 2014 Herman Park Conservancy 13 million Projected 123 million at completion -McGovern Centennial Gardens -Cherie Flores Garden Pavillion - Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater Memorial ParkOpened in 1924 Updates start 2015 Houston Parks and Recreation Projected 200 million at completion -Land bridge over Memorial Drive -Indoor pool, ruby field, trail space -Memorial Park Golf course, Tennis Centre, Fitness Centre -Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail Buffalo Bayou ParkOpened in1986 Updates started in 2012 Buffalo Bayou Partnership 58 million-The Water Works -Johnny Steele Dog Park -Dunlavy at Lost Lake Emancipation ParkFounded in 1870 Updates started in 2013 City of Houston33.6 million-Emancipation Park Community Center - pool, tennis courts, sports fields Bayou Greenways 2020 Proposed 2020Houston Bay ParksProjected 205 million at completion - Add 1500 acres parkland and connect 150 miles of trails that run along the bayous

Discovery Green  Discovery Green has been credited as the main reason for Downtown Houston becoming a livable neighborhood. The park was transformed from a parking lot into a green space near Minute Maid Park and Toyota Centre. The addition of a lake, playground, multiple gardens and a performance space has turned this concrete jungle into 625 million dollars worth of housing, commercial, restaurant and retail development. It brings in one million tourists and hosts over 600 events annually.

Hermann Park  This greenspace gem is nestled between the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Rice University. The park boasts the Herman Park Golf course, Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Zoo, Buddy Carruth Playground For All Children, Herman Park Mini-Train and more. The recent improvements have been credited for the development of a perimeter of high density housing around the park and Museum District. It is one of Houston’s first and finest parks.

Memorial Park  The new master plan for Memorial Park is a proposed 200 million effort that may take over two decades to complete. A majority of the funding will come from the Uptown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, private donations and the Memorial Park Conservancy. The major renovation is rerouting Memorial Drive and building a land bridge over the road. Goals of the new proposal include:  Restore habitat and a healthy, resilient ecosystem  Upgrade amenities  Address key infrastructure issues  Honor the history of the park—cultural and ecological The master plan is to be delivered to City Council this month (April).

Buffalo Bayou Park  In 2012, work started to revitalize the 160 acre, 2.3 mile park between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street. Currently, the amenities include natural landscaping, footpaths, bike trails, water features, pedestrian bridges and public art. The reconstruction has created a demand for new commercial development in the area.

Emancipation Park  In 1870, the original owners of Emancipation Park purchased it to commemorate the end of slavery in the US. Today, the park at 3018 Dowling, is home to the Emancipation Community Center with a gym, weight room and community meeting spaces. Outside it boasts a basketball pavilion, lighted sports fields, a swimming pool, playground and tennis courts. It stands as a monument to the pride and hope of the founding members of the Colored People’s Festival and Emancipation Park Association.

Bayou Greenways 2020  The completion of the Bayou Greenways will realize a 100 year old vision started by Arthur Comey in It will be a system that threads together Houston’s parks along its ten bayous and links major institutions, employment centers and neighborhoods. The goal is to attract citizens and new business to Houston’s core areas.