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 Hermann Park's 445 acres. The Conservancy is moving forward with the first major phase of the MVVA master plan, the Play Your Park campaign. Launched in 2019, the Conservancy's Play Your Park campaign focused on the next priority project including a new Fund for Public Art to bring innovative and immersive art exhibitions to Hermann Park, the McWilliams Dog Park and the signature project, the Commons. The Commons is a multi-use, 26-acre area located between Cambridge Street, Fannin Street, the Houston Zoo edge, and McGovern Lake. The development includes a large play garden, shaded outdoor seating areas, food service, seven acres of revitalized habitat, public art zones, and an expansive free-play lawn space. There is truly something for everyone in this project! Construction began on the Commons in April 2022 with completion planned for April 2024.The McWilliams Dog Park fulfills the community's most-requested feature to be added to Hermann Park. The dog park site is located on an elevated portion of land along Brays Bayou. This thoughtfully designed dog park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, areas to rest for both dogs and their owners, an interactive water feature, plenty of natural shade as well as dedicated surface parking. Landscape architects at Lauren Griffith Associates developed the design of the dog park, creating a space as beautiful as it is fun. The Conservancy has started working with MVVA on the design of two additional projects identified in the master plan, namely improvements to Bayou Parkland and improvements to the pedestrian and bicycle trails network through Hermann Park.

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 and pedal boats, and coordinates activities with the Conservancy Gift Shop, cafes 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, 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.

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 greenspace, water features, and hardscapes; planting and watering trees, weeding, and enhancing the park grounds and amenities. The Conservancy solely manages the maintenance program for the 15-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens. Conservancy maintenance and horticulture staff keep the Gardens in top condition, ensuring that it is 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 Conservancy staff throughout the Park and creates a connection between the Park and the community. Volunteers are involved with Park maintenance, horticulture activities as well as HPC's urban land management program, which includes forestry, restoration and conservation efforts. The forestry program allows the Conservancy to protect the current tree canopy and also strategically plan for the future canopy to benefit the next generation of Houstonians.The Conservancy offers free educational programs throughout the year such as the Garden and Nature Series in the Family Garden as well as community special events including Run in the Park, Park to Port Bike Ride and the Kite Festival.