2014: The Centennial Year of Hermann Park. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and secure the Park’s future. Be a part of the Centennial Campaign for Hermann Park and help complete a treasure 100 years in the making.
Click on any of the menu topics to learn more about the history of the Centennial Campaign, exciting upcoming capital projects, and plans for the year-long celebration in 2014.
Download a copy of the Centennial Campaign booklet.
Contact development@hermannpark.org today to get involved and be a part of Houston history.
COMPLETING A TREASURE
Designed by renowned landscape architect George Kessler, the first plan for the Park in 1915 laid the groundwork for signature elements admired today: the main entrance at Montrose Boulevard and Main Street, reflection pool, grand basin (McGovern Lake), music pavilion (Miller Theatre), paths and carriage trails, and golf course. After Kessler’s death in 1923, the firm Hare & Hare expanded the plan, adding the Garden Center and Zoo.
Due to world events and the scarcity of resources over the following decades, aspects of the grand plans were never completed. Over time the Park's identity shifted from a recreational resource to the empty space between institutions. As more and more visitors poured into the Park to visit these institutions, the condition of its diminishing green space worsened.
Hermann Park Conservancy set out in 1992 to save the deteriorating Park and complete the vision imagined by early planners. Prestigious landscape architect Laurie Olin developed a master plan to revive the historic Park and guide all improvements. Adopted in 1995, the new plan aimed to increase accessibility, restore the Park’s historical elements, encourage community activity through new gathering spaces and increased services, and maintain the Park through thoughtful stewardship programs. The Conservancy is working to substantially complete the master plan in celebration of the Park's centennial this year.
OPPORTUNITIES
While many families already enjoy the completed Centennial Campaign improvements, there is still much to be done to finish the restoration. Consider getting involved in one of several sponsorship opportunities available.
Support is needed in the following areas. Click below to learn more:
The creation of the McGovern Centennial Gardens
Grand Gateway - fundraising complete!
Centennial Celebration events
Tree care and reforestation initiatives
Stewardship programs
Together we will complete the final flourish for Hermann Park. Not only would it make the Park’s original planners proud, but the success of the Centennial Campaign for Hermann Park will also ensure that this valuable public space continues to thrive for its next 100 years.