Hermann Park Conservancy

See Schedule OPlanning, Design and Construction: In 2015, after working with the prominent landscape architecture firm, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), the Conservancy finalized an updated master plan to guide park improvements for the next twenty years. This plan addresses and utilizes public feedback, as well as identifies several areas of the park that were underdeveloped. In all, the updated master plan will bring improvements to 233 of the Park's 445 acres. The Conservancy is moving forward with the first major project identified in the MVVA master plan, the Commons at Hermann Park. The Commons is a multi-use, 24-acre area located between Cambridge, Fannin, the Zoo edge and McGovern Lake. The development includes a large play garden, shaded outdoor seating areas, food service, and an expansive free-play lawn space. Curtis & Windham Architects, in collaboration with MVVA, completed the renovation of Lott Hall. Lott Hall was built in 1933 and served as the Clubhouse for Hermann Park's golf course until 1996. Lott Hall is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Hermann Park Dog Park is in final design stages, to be located on an elevated portion of land along Brays Bayou. This thoughtfully designed dog park will offer separate areas for small and large dogs, areas to rest for both dogs and their owners, an interactive water feature, plenty of natural shade, dedicated surface parking, and much more. Landscape architects at Lauren Griffith Associates are developing the design of the dog park, creating a space as beautiful as it is fun. Construction began in spring 2022.

See Schedule OPark Programs and Maintenance: The Conservancy's maintenance program assists the Houston Parks and Recreation Department with the ongoing upkeep of Hermann Park. Responsibilities include maintaining and cleaning the Park's grounds, water features and hardscapes; planting and watering trees, and weeding. The Conservancy solely manages the maintenance program for the 15-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens. Conservancy maintenance workers keep the Gardens in top condition, ensuring that the Gardens are well tended throughout each season. The Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion and Celebration Garden rental venues at McGovern Centennial Gardens are available to host private events in an elegant urban garden setting. The Conservancy recently renovated the historic clubhouse known as Lott Hall as an additional rental venue. The volunteer program supports the McGovern Centennial Gardens staff as well as lending a hand throughout the Park. Volunteers are involved with Park maintenance and horticulture and reforestation efforts, as well as serving to create a connection between the Park and the community.

See Schedule OVisitor Services: The Visitor Services department was developed in 2008 when Hermann Park Conservancy was awarded, by the City of Houston, the contract to manage the Hermann Park Railroad. Visitor Services oversees and operates the train, pedal boats, and Pinewood Cafe, as well as coordinates activities with the Conservancy Gift Shop and food vendors throughout the Park. The department hosts special programs at Lake Plaza, including a yearly birthday party for the Park's namesake, George Hermann, as well as the holiday train, a festive holiday party with arts and crafts and other activities, brunches at Pinewood Cafe celebrating holidays throughout the year, and Student Performances in the Park. Approximately 40 staff members are responsible for creating an exciting and memorable experience for Park visitors and keeping Lake Plaza operating efficiently and safely. The maintenance team is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of Lake Plaza, in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.