Discovery Green At 1500 McKinney St.

[LTAWACS]

Anyone know if the administaff balloon will be back next winter?

[lockmat]

We went to DG tonight and out if the 100+ people there, 99% of the people there were non-whites and half were speaking another language.

Just curious, where are all the American whites? (Besides the suburbs)? Interesting

[crunchtastic]

I go to DG fairly often while out biking, at least every couple of weeks now that I'm unemployed. But middle aged women tend toward the invisible.  I  know what you  mean though. The people who come to the park are very diverse.  My experience is, unless there is a  programmed event like a concert, or it's a designated children's outing, or they are exercising, adult  white people in Houston don't tend to do public spaces.

Also, it's really hot. 

[lockmat]

I go to DG fairly often while out biking, at least every couple of weeks now that I'm unemployed. But middle aged women tend toward the invisible. I know what you mean though. The people who come to the park are very diverse. My experience is, unless there is a programmed event like a concert, or it's a designated children's outing, or they are exercising, adult white people in Houston don't tend to do public spaces.

Also, it's really hot.

The programmed events etc reason is exactly what I was thinking, too. That's what I have experienced before, too, but I'm going to keep aware on future visits.

[musicman]

I go to DG fairly often while out biking, at least every couple of weeks now that I'm unemployed. But middle aged women tend toward the invisible.  I  know what you  mean though. The people who come to the park are very diverse.  My experience is, unless there is a  programmed event like a concert, or it's a designated children's outing, or they are exercising, adult  white people in Houston don't tend to do public spaces.

Also, it's really hot. 

ahh so no paula deen sightings.

[musicman]

We went to DG tonight and out if the 100+ people there, 99% of the people there were non-whites and half were speaking another language.

Just curious, where are all the American whites? (Besides the suburbs)? Interesting

they must have been at the pride parade.

EDIT: i'm a day late.

Edited July 1, 2013 by musicman

[UtterlyUrban]

I have been searching for answers to this for a bit and it shows my goggling skills stink! Help?

When I left Houston 20 years ago (returning only about a month ago), I recall a small park in the location of Discovery Green. My guess is that the park I remember is the section of Discovery Green that has the Large Oak tree line promenade.

Question: How did discovery green form? What was there before? Were parking lots purchased, combined, and turned into a park? Buildings demolished?

Also, One Park Place..... What was on that lot before it was built?

Any pictures would be terrific!

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Nate99]

OPP was formerly a one block park. Privately owned IIRC, but there was not much to it (some landscaping and a sculpture). It smelled of urine most of the time. 

 

DG was parking lots and some grassed over lots with minimal features. I don't know who owned them prior to the park being built. 

 

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/4811-discovery-green/?p=118895

[brian0123]

http://www.historicaerials.com/aerials.php?scale=8E-06&lat=29.7530172583808&lon=-95.3598124970701&year=2004

[IronTiger]

It looks like on Google Earth, the pre-DG park had parking lots, some sidewalks, and bisected by Crawford (before it became a promenade).

My 2007 Key Maps book says they are referred to as the "Houston Center Gardens".

[H-Town Man]

Mayor Bill White spearheaded the creation of Discovery Green around 2005 or so, with help of a private group led by Nancy Kinder, IIRC. Original cost was $82 million, most of which was for the underground garage.

 

[IronTiger]

There's a parking garage under Discovery Green? Gee, I don't even see where the entrance is. Now can I see why, at least, a lot of the existing park was ripped up instead of added to.

At least they saved most of the trees.

[Nate99]

There's a parking garage under Discovery Green? Gee, I don't even see where the entrance is. Now can I see why, at least, a lot of the existing park was ripped up instead of added to.

At least they saved most of the trees.

 

 

[LarryDierker]

These boxes are entrances to the garage.

 

Edited April 3, 2014 by LarryDierker

[UtterlyUrban]

Looks like I got my questions from this morning answered! Thanks folks! Great folks here. The pictures from the linked thread are terrific!

[cloud713]

didnt they talk once about building something in the northeast corner of the park since that space was underutilized? does anyone know if that is still the plan? its kind of small, but would be an awesome location for a tall/thin "Ritz on the Park" or something.

[lockmat]

The grass at Discovery Green is pathetic. I went twice last year and once the entire big yard was blocked off because they were protecting it while it was growing back and another time I just happen to be there the day they opened it back up after being closed off.

 

Is it because they have too many big events or is it just the type of grass they chose?

 

Actually, just found this article blaming the drought from the year. To me, they just shouldn't have as many big events in the yard. You're not gonna find a grass that will hold up to that much foot traffic. The lawn care takers are in a fight they can't win.

 

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/04/discovery_green_not_as_green_a.php

[cloud713]

i noticed Klyde Warren had the same problem when i visited it.

[UtterlyUrban]

The grass at Discovery Green is pathetic. I went twice last year and once the entire big yard was blocked off because they were protecting it while it was growing back and another time I just happen to be there the day they opened it back up after being closed off.

Is it because they have too many big events or is it just the type of grass they chose?

Actually, just found this article blaming the drought from the year. To me, they just shouldn't have as many big events in the yard. You're not gonna find a grass that will hold up to that much foot traffic. The lawn care takers are in a fight they can't win.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/04/discovery_green_not_as_green_a.php

I have only been around DG for a month. I too noticed the grass. My take: the park is being loved to death with far too many big events and concerts. I do understand the need for some organized events but, did the park really need to host earthday, a concert with earthday, and a movie all on the same 10 hour block last Saturday?

I am also told that there will be a summer concert series too..... 8 consecutive Thursdays or something..... Add do that the organized activities on the weekend and the grass will not last.

Edited April 16, 2014 by UtterlyUrban

[lockmat]

The grass is mostly already gone, at least from what I could tell on Channel 2's newscast.

 

it's barely April. We've only had like a month or so to really enjoy the outdoors and it's already dead. It's a real shame.

 

When the convention renovation is done, I hope they move all the events to the street and let people actually play and enjoy the grass to play frisbee, kick the soccer ball or even just run around...ya know, things a park is designed for.

[Sparrow]

The grass at Discovery Green is pathetic. I went twice last year and once the entire big yard was blocked off because they were protecting it while it was growing back and another time I just happen to be there the day they opened it back up after being closed off.

 

Is it because they have too many big events or is it just the type of grass they chose?

 

Actually, just found this article blaming the drought from the year. To me, they just shouldn't have as many big events in the yard. You're not gonna find a grass that will hold up to that much foot traffic. The lawn care takers are in a fight they can't win.

 

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/04/discovery_green_not_as_green_a.php

 

I wonder if they could somehow use the roof of the GRB as a location to grow a new lawn to be replanted at DG? I mean if the plan is to use the lawn so heavily, it would be beneficial to replant sod every so often to maintain park standards. Having the transplant grass nearby seems like it would make for easy maintenance. Even if not something as radical as on the roof, what's from keeping the city from growing a replacement lawn for up keep?

[Luminare]

Its amazing looking through this entire thread and the growth of this park from idea to reality and ultimately what has become the defining feature of downtown. Pretty cool stuff Also fun just reading what people though would work or not or if this would even be successful! Like looking back in time lol

[lockmat]

More changes are coming to DG. According to the video below, where this rendering comes from, they're looking to make the northwest corner more open to people entering the park from that direction.

 

Also, for those who haven't been in a while (like myself), they added a raised deck with small metal tables and chairs along the southern edge of the great lawn. Apparently that area was heavily used and the grass couldn't sustain the traffic. Guess that means they're getting rid of the rest of the great lawn (sarcasm)

 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2016 by lockmat

[UtterlyUrban]

Wonderfully informative video.  Thank you for posting!

[lockmat]

3 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

Wonderfully informative video.  Thank you for posting!

 

Of course! That's only one video out of a series of about 20! They're all really good, too.

[monarch]

^^^ props lockmat... well done!

[cloud713]

Hmm.. Kind of surprised they aren't doing anything with the random "sculpture" hill at the northeast corner that's never utilized.

[UtterlyUrban]

5 hours ago, cloud713 said:

Hmm.. Kind of surprised they aren't doing anything with the random "sculpture" hill at the northeast corner that's never utilized.

When ever I am over at the park, it seems to me that there are always kids running up and down it, rolling down it, etc.. There are almost always folks taking pictures on it (with skyline behind).  I always found that little hill to be well used by people.

 

 

[quietstorm]

I wrote to DG regarding the condition of the Great Lawn (dead grass).  Got this reply....

 

Quote

We are very honored to be among the top 10 parks in the United States.  We wouldn’t be on the list without the support of our visitors, like yourself.  Thank you!

 

Due to the popularity, and success of Discovery Green, it has become very challenging to keep the green in Discovery Green.  The condition of the lawns is always on my mind.  The number and frequency of large events and festivals, along with the time of year they take place, impact the lawns tremendously.  In some instances we automatically plan on replacing the sod, like in the case of the temporary art exhibit, Los Trompos.  We are constantly looking ahead at our calendar to minimize the impact on the lawns.  The Great Lawn will be a little bare in some areas this summer because we are planning on overseeding the lawn with winter rye in November.  We want the lawns in the best shape possible for the Super Bowl. 

 

You can’t imagine the discussions that take place in the office between the programming team and the operations team.  One wanting to host as many events as possible, and the other not wanting to destroy the lawns.  It’s a fine balance. 

 

Thank you for your concern. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Clark Curry

Operations Director

Discovery Green

1500 McKinney

 

[monarch]

^^^ much obliged as per your efforts quietstorm.... excellent!

[UtterlyUrban]

"Balance"? There is no balance.  Every year for at least the last several large areas of the lawns turn to dirt due to the stress of over-programming in the park. For the record, two years ago I sent an email to park management suggesting that the condition of the lawns were a direct result of over-programming.  They sent me a similar response to the above.  In two years the "balance" they have struck continues to result in fields of dust.....  Great balance for a place called Discovery GREEN.

[quietstorm]

17 hours ago, UtterlyUrban said:

"Balance"? There is no balance.  Every year for at least the last several large areas of the lawns turn to dirt due to the stress of over-programming in the park. For the record, two years ago I sent an email to park management suggesting that the condition of the lawns were a direct result of over-programming.  They sent me a similar response to the above.  In two years the "balance" they have struck continues to result in fields of dust.....  Great balance for a place called Discovery GREEN.

I would agree. The grass on the Miller Outdoor Theater hill seems to be "stronger". Seems as if there could be a different type of grass used that could better withstand the wear. The green areas around Chicago's Millennium Park and Central Park in NYC seem to do much better. We can do better as well.

[lockmat]

2 minutes ago, quietstorm said:

I would agree. The grass on the Miller Outdoor Theater hill seems to be "stronger". Seems as if there could be a different type of grass used that could better withstand the wear. The green areas around Chicago's Millennium Park and Central Park in NYC seem to do much better. We can do better as well.

 

Good observation. I'm not sure Miller has the same amount of traffic as DG but I still agree with you. Is Miller's grass st. augustine? I'm not a grass expert but the grass in DG is better for looking at and not so much traffic. It's too fine and soft. Its not as pretty but I think they'll eventually have to go to St. augustine. 

[quietstorm]

1 hour ago, lockmat said:

 

Good observation. I'm not sure Miller has the same amount of traffic as DG but I still agree with you. Is Miller's grass st. augustine? I'm not a grass expert but the grass in DG is better for looking at and not so much traffic. It's too fine and soft. Its not as pretty but I think they'll eventually have to go to St. augustine. 

I agree - St. Augustine is the way to go.  

[Moore713]

Oddly enough there are whole section of DT that could be converted to massive urban park..

[BeerNut]

16 hours ago, lockmat said:

 

Good observation. I'm not sure Miller has the same amount of traffic as DG but I still agree with you. Is Miller's grass st. augustine? I'm not a grass expert but the grass in DG is better for looking at and not so much traffic. It's too fine and soft. Its not as pretty but I think they'll eventually have to go to St. augustine. 

 

It's definitely not St. Augustine on the hill at Miller.

[HOUCAJUN]

Who would I need to talk to to get the " WE LOVE HOUSTON" sign moved to Discovery Green. People   would love to take a picture with it and it would become an iconic symbol   for Houston . Let's   get the ball rolling  on  this  

 

[Houston19514]

5 minutes ago, HOUCAJUN said:

Who would I need to talk to to get the " WE LOVE HOUSTON" sign moved to Discovery Green. People   would love to take a picture with it and it would become an iconic symbol   for Houston . Let's   get the ball rolling  on  this  

 

Not a bad idea.  It would be nice to have that sculpture in a more accessible spot.

 

Discovery Green Conservancy seems like a good place to start, or maybe one or more of the Conservancy's board members or officers. 

 

Wouldn't hurt to contact the Mayor too.

Edited May 16, 2016 by Houston19514

[lockmat]

44 minutes ago, Houston19514 said:

Not a bad idea.  It would be nice to have that sculpture in a more accessible spot.

 

Discovery Green Conservancy seems like a good place to start, or maybe one or more of the Conservancy's board members or officers. 

 

Wouldn't hurt to contact the Mayor too.

 

Maybe somewhere in Buffalo Bayou would be better? DG is kind of packed already

[kbates2]

Throw it up on a downtown block with only one building and a large plaza such as Chase.

[BeerNut]

18 hours ago, HOUCAJUN said:

Who would I need to talk to to get the " WE LOVE HOUSTON" sign moved to Discovery Green. People   would love to take a picture with it and it would become an iconic symbol   for Houston . Let's   get the ball rolling  on  this  

 

This is actually a good idea.  I'm not a selfie, Instagram, snapchat person but people really get into these things.  I'll admit even I took a picture of my reflection in 'The Bean.'

[tigereye]

On May 16, 2016 at 4:47 PM, HOUCAJUN said:

Who would I need to talk to to get the " WE LOVE HOUSTON" sign moved to Discovery Green. People   would love to take a picture with it and it would become an iconic symbol   for Houston . Let's   get the ball rolling  on  this  

 

 

Great idea. In addition to Discovery Green Conservancy, I'd recommend DowntownHouston.org

 

While you're at it, I've always felt David Adickes' Fab Four belonged somewhere downtown. Sure the Beatles have no connection to the city but it's a cool sculpture and should be displayed in a prime spot. And IIRC, it's still without a home, currently in storage at his Nance St office. 

 

 

On May 16, 2016 at 5:36 PM, lockmat said:

 

Maybe somewhere in Buffalo Bayou would be better? DG is kind of packed already

 

Sculpture Hill. Bulldoze the hill for this? 

 

"We Love Houston" sign here could serve as a gateway for visitors being across the street from both Marriott Marquis & GRBCC. 

Edited May 18, 2016 by tigereye

[Moore713]

I have always felt that sam Houston statue was being wasted and it would look great Downtown. ..there a gap between the highway  along the buyou that would look great coming into downtown 

[bobruss]

Lets leave Sam back home in Huntsville. I think we have enough Addick's sculptures inside the loop.

[UtterlyUrban]

Large sections of Discovery Green near the kids fountains were fenced off and inaccessible the other day while crews installed new turf grass to replace the dust.  Nice job with that "balance" Discovery Green!  I mean, fencing off the kids section right at the start of summer is good "balance", right?

 

 

[BigFootsSocks]

So let me get this straight...you want them to perform routine maintenance while kids are playing without roping off the areas that are being replaced? I mean...you said it in your post...they're replacing turf; you think that's going to take all summer? What other option do they have? Leaving it as a brown pile of dust, or taking a few days to replace some turf? 

[UtterlyUrban]

11 hours ago, BigFootsSocks said:

So let me get this straight...you want them to perform routine maintenance while kids are playing without roping off the areas that are being replaced? I mean...you said it in your post...they're replacing turf; you think that's going to take all summer? What other option do they have? Leaving it as a brown pile of dust, or taking a few days to replace some turf? 

I want them to "balance" the activities in the park so that they don't kill all the grass in the first place through over scheduling of events.  That IS the option.  Don't kill the grass in the first place via over use of planned activities.

 

quite simple, actually.

 

 

[Texasota]

Except that a lot of people like the current amount of planned activities. How do you propose finding a balance between those people and your perspective?

[Avossos]

6 minutes ago, Texasota said:

Except that a lot of people like the current amount of planned activities. How do you propose finding a balance between those people and your perspective?

 

A new downtown park to share in the work load. When the sink 69/45 into the ground, they need to add a park without question.

[UtterlyUrban]

1 hour ago, Texasota said:

Except that a lot of people like the current amount of planned activities. How do you propose finding a balance between those people and your perspective?

I am quite certain that many people like the current amount of planned activities.  I am also certain that many, including myself, don't.  

 

The park needs to reassess its mission.  It was, from the start, envisioned to be an "active" space.  If it intends to continue to be as active (or even more active) as an event space, then it needs to repurpose itself and define itself as an event space first and a park second.  In doing so, it could have much less "green space" and much more "hardscape" space that would tolerate the events.   It could define itself more around catering to those who want to pay to use it for big events or corporate and less around a free public space for families.  That would be fine.

 

Alternatively, it could pull back from hosting as many events and could keep the park more focused on families and greenspace.  That would be fine too and it would inform different decisions on landscaping, people flow, usage, etc.

 

where the park sits right now is that each spring and summer for at least the last several, large portions of it is dust due to over use (by events).  The events have come and gone but the dust remains.  That is unsustainable. Hopefully park management is actively and deeply considering which way it wishes to go because, right now, the "balance" that they seek isn't working.