Discovery Green Conservancy

Narrow Green Bar

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:42:09 GMT

**PILATES CLASS ON 8/19 HAS BEEN CANCELLED**
Our Fall Programming Season begins September 1! Check our Event Calendar for the full schedule.
Visit Central City Co-op's Green Market: Every Thursday 4 - 7:30 p.m.
The Gateway Fountain is off on Mondays for maintenance

Planning a large group visit? Please contact us for details 713-800-4700

Experience

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:12:14 GMT

Dowload this weeks Activities at Discovery Green Recycling Saturdays Bring your recycling to the park every Saturday morning between 10am-2pm

Events

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:08:18 GMT

Introducing Discovery Green’s Fall Programming Season September 1 - November 26, 2008 All series programs are FREE and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change. Many events must be rescheduled or cancelled in the event of rain. For last minute weather updates, see information below or call 713-400-7336. DOWNLOAD A LIST OF THIS WEEKS EVENTS Click on each activity below for more information.

News

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:53:31 GMT

Outdoor Ice Skating Debuts at Discovery Green November 27 - January 19 Outdoor ice skating makes a welcome return to downtown Houston with The Ice at Discovery Green, Holiday Skating on the Lake, presented by the Houston Chronicle. Sure to be a favorite holiday destination, the ice rink opens Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008 and runs through Martin Luther King Day, January 19, 2009. The Ice at Discovery Green will span 7,200 square feet of the model boat basin on Kinder Lake, hold 6,000-gallons of water, and measure a cool 22 degrees. The skating experience will also include a toddler ice rink, skate shop, snack shop and gift shop, in addition to private skating instruction, special performances by regional figure skating stars; jazz music, film and DJ nights; and skating with Santa. More... Discovery Green Fall Programming Schedule September...

Staff

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:14:04 GMT

(L to R) Gary Hernandez; Guy Hagstette; Clark Curry; Tonye Hodge and Lori Ann San Miguel Guy Hagstette, AIA, President Guy is a native Houstonian who has lived downtown since 1995 and is excited to create a space in the heart of the city’s business district that is strictly for pleasure. He was a key player in the redevelopment of downtown, in his previous life at the Houston Downtown Management District. In his current role, he is managing the overall planning, design and construction of the park and upon construction completion, he will oversee management and operations, security, programming and customer service for the park. Maria Aguirre, Executive Assistant Maria joined Discovery Green in February 2008 after being in the media industry for 14 years. As Executive Assistant she supports the Staff and Management. Maria has called Houston home for over 30 years. Julie H. Bergen, Development Consultant Julie was brought on board as a development consultant...

Store

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:39:30 GMT

While youre visiting Discovery Green, stop by our store and check out all of the fun Discovery Green merchandise for purchase such as shirts, hats, umbrellas, water bottles, eco-friendly bags and more. The Discovery Green Store is located at the park office inside the Alkek Building or by calling (713) 400-7336. All proceeds from Discovery Green merchandise sales support park operations. Here is a sample of the merchandise you will find at our store: Bandanas - $3.00 each Baseball Caps (Adult & Youth) - $10.00 each Coffee Cups - $9.00 each First Aid Kits - $2.00 each Frisbees - $2.00 each Mist Fans - $5.00 each Red Romper - $13.00 each Travel Mugs - $5.00 each Water bottles - $3.00 each ...

General Info

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:30:03 GMT

Discovery Green opened on April 13, 2008. The downtown Houston park is located across Avenida de las Americas from the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas Hotel. Toyota Center, Houston Center and Minute Maid Park are only blocks away. Admission is FREE. Hours The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours for events may vary. Areas of the park may be closed occasionally for maintenance or private events. The Ice at Discovery Green opens Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008 and runs through Martin Luther King Day, January 19, 2009. For Hours of Operation, please visit The Ice at Discovery Green. Alkek Building Visit the park information center at the Alkek Building, located near the Gateway Fountain off the Andrea and Bill White Promenade. Staff is available to answer questions about the park, programming or rentals. Public restrooms are located in the Alkek Building. See a Park Map See the Event Calendar HPL Express HPL Express, a...

Natural

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:06:40 GMT

Visitors to Discovery Green can see the remarkable skyline of downtown Houston, but be transported into a natural setting filled with greenery and trees. Lauren Griffith Associates, a local landscape architecture firm, contributed intimate knowledge of native Texas plants and wildlife habitats to create a green space that will flourish in its natural surroundings as it enhances the aesthetic of Houstons substantial urban footprint. Jones Lawn The parks largest green space, providing ample area for major events or pick-up sports. Brown Foundation Promenade A shaded walkway featuring 100-year-old oak trees, the largest of which is the Nancy G. Kinder Oak near Avenida de las Americas, one of four large live oaks moved to the park. In honor of George R. Browns instrumental role in shaping downtown Houston as we know it today, a bronze statue of him stands under the allee of oaks on...

Directions & Parking

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:54:14 GMT

Discovery Green’s 11.78-acre site can be found in downtown Houston across Avenida de las Americas from the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas Hotel. Toyota Center, Houston Center and Minute Maid Park are only blocks away. How to Get to Discovery Green Discovery Green is centrally-located, just blocks away from Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, Main Street and The Shops at Houston Center. The Alkek Building, near the intersection of McKinney and Crawford on the north side of the park, is the location for information, maps and event schedules. Once the park opens in April 2008, park staff can answer questions during regular business hours. By Transit Take METRORail to the Main Street Square Station and walk five blocks east on McKinney or Lamar. For bus route information, go to www.ridemetro.org. By Bicycle Refer to the City of Houston Bikeway Map on its Web site for a safe route into...

Dining

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:48:27 GMT

The Grove Visitors to Discovery Green may choose from two contemporary restaurants or pack a picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy with family and friends. THE GROVE. Overlooking the parks live oaks, Schiller Del Grandes destination restaurant and rooftop bar offer patrons exceptional food, service and views of the park. Also visit The Tree House on the second floor of the restaurant 713-337-7321 www.thegrovehouston.com Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 11 am - 10 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 am - 11 pm THE LAKE HOUSE. Offers fast, casual, family-friendly food, featuring burgers, hot dogs, salads, shakes, sodas, wine and beer. 713-337-7320 Hours of Operation: Monday & Tuesday 11 am - 3 pm (beverage service until 7 pm) Wednesday 11 am - 6 pm Thursday - Sunday 11 am - 8 pm About the Design While much of the emphasis and beauty of Discovery Green is focused...

Features

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:44:40 GMT

Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, opened on April 13, 2008. With its proximity to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, Discovery Green is an ideal location for the citys newest attraction. View the Park Map Visitors to the park can enjoy many natural, recreational, art, dining and green features including: one-acre lake childrens playground interactive water features amphitheater stage and slope dog runs for large and small breeds public art works HPL Express spacious green lawns great restaurants, The Grove and The Lake House In addition to surface lot and park perimeter parking, the Convention District Garage, operated by the City of Houston, lies beneath the park. Designed by Hargreaves Associates, PageSoutherlandPage and Lauren Griffith Associates, along with a team of engineers and specialists, these carefully planned features...

Green Park

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:42:03 GMT

Driven by a passionate commitment to sustainable design and operation, the Conservancy retained PageSoutherlandPage to manage the LEED certification process for Discovery Green. LEED credits are earned based on site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources used in construction, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process. The parks location in a dense urban center and access to public transportation, as well as complete remediation of a brownfield site, provision of facilities for cyclists, and prevention of pollution during construction all earned LEED credits. Solar arrays donated by BP are visible on the verandas on The Lake House (foreground) and Alkek Buildings. The parks efficient irrigation system, recycling of groundwater from...

Help The Park

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:40:21 GMT

There are many ways you can contribute financially to the 501(c)(3) Discovery Green Conservancy: Building Campaign We have surpassed our $53 million buidling campaign! View a list of the Discovery Green Building Campaign Contributors. We have a few available naming opportunties ranging from $25,000 to $3 million. For a current list of available naming opportunities, email julie@discoverygreen.com. Paver Campaign Thank you to everyone who contributed to our paver campaign. Our current gross income is more than $465,000! We hope you will visit the park soon to find your paver, bench or plaque. View list of Paver Campaign donors Gala on the Green - 2008 Discovery Green sparkled at its inaugural Gala on the Green presented by Shell Oil Company on Saturday, February 23, 2008. Co-chairs Franci and Jim Crane, Nancy and Rich Kinder and Eileen and Kase Lawal hosted some 1,200 guests at the elegant black-tie evening on the park grounds. Guests strolled down a red carpet to...

Dining & Accommodations

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:37:51 GMT

Dining Visitors to Discovery Green can chose from two contemporary restaurants or pack a picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy with family and friends. Discovery Green’s signature restaurant and rooftop bar - The Grove and The Treehouse -- is operated by the Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group and promises to appease the appetite for great beauty as well as great food. The Grove is located on the south side of the park near Lamar Street. The Lake House, also operated by Schiller Del Grande, overlooks the Jones Lawn, and offers fast casual dining. THE GROVE. 713-337-7321 www.thegrovehouston.com Hours of Operation: Monday - Wednesday & Sunday 11 am-10 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 am-11 pm THE LAKE HOUSE. 713-337-7320 Hours of Operation: Monday & Tuesday 11am - 3pm (beverages service until 7pm) Wednesday 11am - 6pm Thursday - Sunday 11 am - 8pm Visitors to Houston Houston is a world-class city with amenities to meet the needs of families, businesses and...

Sponsorships

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:33:32 GMT

Discovery Green has had the tremendous support of the Houston community not only during development, but through the months as the park opens to the public. If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities at Discovery Green, please contact Julie Bergen at julie@discoverygreen.com. Special thanks to our media partners

Construction

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:26:52 GMT

Contractors Miner Dederick worked for 20 months to implement the various aspects of Discovery Green. Construction was completed in April 2008 and the park opened to the public on Sunday April 13, 2008. Below are photos from the early days of construction through substantial completion. Click on each thumbnail for a larger view. Aerial Views September 11, 2006 October 11, 2006 November 13, 2006 December 18, 2006 January 9, 2007 February 6, 2007 March 1, 2007 April 12, 2007 May 15, 2007 June 15, 2007 July 24, 2007 ...

History

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:26:14 GMT

Discovery Green was the vision of Mayor Bill White and the Discovery Green Conservancy. To turn what was once concrete parking lots and minimal green space into a thriving amenity, this dedicated group began its research. The first step in the process of creating Houstons new park was to investigate a wide range of parks in other great cities, seeking to identify urban green spaces that were successful and vibrant centers of the cities lives. Parks in cities such as New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco were just a few of many that the team reviewed. Understanding that a park is for people, the Conservancy sought out urban parks that attracted people who were there to enjoy tranquility but also those that encouraged park-goers to be active, both individually and in groups. The research revealed that the spaces that were most popular -- destinations in their communities -- provided a place for interaction, recreation, retreat and fun. Every city is unique,...

Recreation

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:43:02 GMT

Emulating the model of great urban parks around the country, Discovery Green is designed as an engaging and active place with dedicated management and programming to serve all ages and backgrounds, as well as workers, residents and visitors alike. Discovery Green has a unique and entertaining menu of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy year-round. Andrea and Bill White Promenade This walkway forms the heart of the park, offers a 360-degree view of Houstons skyline and connects Minute Maid on the north and Toyota Center on the south. The length of one city block, this walkway will play host to markets and arts and crafts events in the springtime. John P. McGovern Playground The playground is carved into an existing, tree-shaded hill and shields youngsters from the surrounding streets. The major migratory bird flyway over Houston...

Park Map

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:12:32 GMT

Download a high res jpeg
Print a map of the park

Art

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:57:13 GMT

One of the most important goals of Discovery Green was to incorporate art throughout the park. Park organizers, through generous donors and partners like the Houston Arts Alliance, have secured the works of many renowned national and local artists to enhance Discovery Green. Great care was taken to ensure the installations would be visually prominent yet at home in the park’s environs. Recycled Gazebo Photo: Allen Wilkerson Recycled Gazebo is the first temporary art installation at Discovery Green. Created by Huntsville, Texas artist Dan Phillips, the 16 x 13 structure is made predominantly from recycled materials. Located on the Compass Bank Waterside Lawn, adjacent to Kinder Lake, the fascinating art installation will be on...