Houston Zoo At 6200 Hermann Park Dr.

[samagon]

Wow, we now have another rail line with a connecting station!!

you may want to state 'light' rail, as it could be confusing

[LTAWACS]

Wow, is all i can say! It is a MAJOR pain in the butt to get to it during the weekends! Not just traffic/construction but the lot fills up and they close it. In the past 4 years i have been turned away atleast 6 times. I know they say take the rail but everytime i do the lot is managable and open!

This is a conspiracy. The truth is out there... somewhere.

[LTAWACS]

Most people aren't going to know that... if they take the light rail they are going to go to the "Houston Zoo" station since it says... "Houston Zoo"! They need to add "Houston Zoo weekday / alternative" to the name of the Hermann Park light rail station.

:sigh: It looks like central planning missed this one too. Ugh.

[citykid09]

Most people aren't going to know that... if they take the light rail they are going to go to the "Houston Zoo" station since it says... "Houston Zoo"! They need to add "Houston Zoo weekday / alternative" to the name of the Hermann Park light rail station.

This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station?

[JLWM8609]

This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station?

There's a light rail station in the med center between Cambridge (formerly N. MacGregor) and Ross Sterling, a nice short walk. You went to the museum district station? Isn't that further away than the Hermann Park station?

Edited November 19, 2009 by JLWM8609

[musicman]

This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station?

that's why they want to make money on the "new" hermann park train because metro's doesn't because of the inconvenience. good friend works there and 94% or so enters from the other gate.

Edited November 19, 2009 by musicman

[JLWM8609]

that's why they want to make money on the "new" hermann park train because metro's doesn't because of the inconvenience. good friend works there and 94% or so enters from the other gate.

I was riding the kiddie train the other day with my 3 year old niece and noticed folks were boarding from near the light rail station. The folks just got on the train and didn't appear to pay but I'm sure they had to pay at the main station or something. I then heard murmurs from riders saying "I could've boarded here for free?"

[citykid09]

I was riding the kiddie train the other day with my 3 year old niece and noticed folks were boarding from near the light rail station. The folks just got on the train and didn't appear to pay but I'm sure they had to pay at the main station or something. I then heard murmurs from riders saying "I could've boarded here for free?"

To be honest, how many people do you really think pay to ride the train? Its only scary every once in awhile when one of those METRO cops is on there asking to see tickets. Thats the bad think about the way METRO built its system you can easily get no for free. In other cities I have been to they make sure you pay because you have to go through the turnstyles.

But let me get back to the Houston Zoo Station. Why did they name it that when it really doesn't take you to the Zoo. They should have buses waiting for people wanting to go to the zoo. I also walked to an entrance that was not open during that day of the week (the one with the big elephant metal statue) and had to walk a long way to get in.

[musicman]

But let me get back to the Houston Zoo Station. Why did they name it that when it really doesn't take you to the Zoo. They should have buses waiting for people wanting to go to the zoo. I also walked to an entrance that was not open during that day of the week (the one with the big elephant metal statue) and had to walk a long way to get in.

that's why they supposedly added the entrance in the back but it's just not utilized.

[JLWM8609]

To be honest, how many people do you really think pay to ride the train?

I was talking about the kiddie train, not the light rail.

[citykid09]

that's why they supposedly added the entrance in the back but it's just not utilized.

Well they need better signs or something.

Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising!

[AtticaFlinch]

Well they need better signs or something.

Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising!

Once in the zoo, you're going to walk a good two or three miles anyhow, if not more. I don't understand why anyone is complaining about the quarter mile extra they'll have to walk to the entrance from one train stop vs another. Hell, you'll be lucky to park as close as either train stop on a busy day anyhow. Plus, if that extra little bit of time added to your jaunt is more than you can physically handle, then perhaps you don't need to go to a zoo in the first place, an air conditioned gym next door to a Jenny Craig outlet and a Hoveround store perhaps, but not the zoo. Your earlier recommendation about putting in bus service to connect the rail stop to the zoo entrance is just ridiculous. I really hope that suggestion was made in jest.

[LTAWACS]

Well they need better signs or something.

Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising!

They can't. They are incompetent.

[Highway6]

Attica.. seriously. You can't possibly expect them to walk the 1/4 mile to the zoo entrance without an urban tunnel can you ??

[AtticaFlinch]

Attica.. seriously. You can't possibly expect them to walk the 1/4 mile to the zoo entrance without an urban tunnel can you ??

I know. It was stupid of me to ask so much. Perhaps we should air condition the zoo and install those moving walkways like they have at the airport too. Better yet, instead of moving walkways, perhaps they can come equipped with seats. Lord knows I don't like lookin' at a hippopotamus' blubbery butt unless I'm sittin' on my own.

[samagon]

Once in the zoo, you're going to walk a good two or three miles anyhow, if not more. I don't understand why anyone is complaining about the quarter mile extra they'll have to walk to the entrance from one train stop vs another. Hell, you'll be lucky to park as close as either train stop on a busy day anyhow. Plus, if that extra little bit of time added to your jaunt is more than you can physically handle, then perhaps you don't need to go to a zoo in the first place, an air conditioned gym next door to a Jenny Craig outlet and a Hoveround store perhaps, but not the zoo. Your earlier recommendation about putting in bus service to connect the rail stop to the zoo entrance is just ridiculous. I really hope that suggestion was made in jest.

you only have to walk as far as the place to rent the electric wheelchair/scooter thingy.

Edited November 19, 2009 by samagon

[NenaE]

I know. It was stupid of me to ask so much. Perhaps we should air condition the zoo and install those moving walkways like they have at the airport too. Better yet, instead of moving walkways, perhaps they can come equipped with seats. Lord knows I don't like lookin' at a hippopotamus' blubbery butt unless I'm sittin' on my own.

In the late 60's or early 70's, there was a train-tram type of thing that took you around the Houston zoo, like the one Astroworld used to have to drop you off at the front gates.

[AtticaFlinch]

Don't forget folks, free zoo day on Friday. Get there early before the good parking spots are taken (but not earlier than me - I'd hate to have to walk far).

[LTAWACS]

Don't forget folks, free zoo day on Friday. Get there early before the good parking spots are taken (but not earlier than me - I'd hate to have to walk far).

Just take the light rail. There is even a stop in front of the zoo.

[foxmulder]

When I read this I was pretty excited! Sounds good for Houston.

If you haven't gone...I suggest you go. I have a membership. I go 2-3 times a week (to exercise and see the animals)I went to the LA zoo and they had "BANK OF AMERICA" and numerous other sponsors around most displays(Yes, it's more expensive than ours.) Their are expenses...People think that they shouldn't pay for anything.

[Subdude]

If you haven't gone...I suggest you go. I have a membership. I go 2-3 times a week (to exercise and see the animals)I went to the LA zoo and they had "BANK OF AMERICA" and numerous other sponsors around most displays(Yes, it's more expensive than ours.) Their are expenses...People think that they shouldn't pay for anything.

I have never been to the Houston zoo. Zoos just seem depressing to me.

[gto250us]

I remember several years ago when Marvin Zindler found out that one of the snakes in the snake house was rubber.

[crunchtastic]

I have never been to the Houston zoo. Zoos just seem depressing to me.

Zoos sort of creep me out. The premise behind Planet of the Apes really messed with me as a child, and to this day, the idea of primates in captivity gives me the heeby jeebies.

[AtticaFlinch]

Zoos sort of creep me out. The premise behind Planet of the Apes really messed with me as a child, and to this day, the idea of primates in captivity gives me the heeby jeebies.

That was probably lice.

[NenaE]

The area for the savanna-type grounds looks like it will be huge. Much better idea than those small areas that the grazers are in, now. Wil be located at the back southeast side.

Will be nice for them to have a place to really run.

[gto250us]

Some years ago the Houston zoo had an interesting hippopotamus exhibit with a large pool and several regular size hippos, not the pygmy ones. Wonder why they got rid of it?

That Hippo exhibit was too old school. It was a concrete pool inside a building. The Houston Zoo has been gradually replacing all of the old school exhibits with more natural habitat enclosures. The old Rhino enclosure was more natural but still it was just a big mud hole with a couple of huts for them to go into.

I think that the new Savanna exhibit will be in the area where the old Children's section used to be.

[Marcus Allen]

Sorry everyone, I know I am going to sound like a dufus, but just came back from a day with my nephews at the zoo! I hadn't been in 20 years, being in LA all that time. (oh how much I missed! Sigh). Anyway, I am back to my hometown with a vengeance. And , wow! The HTown Zoo impressed the hell out of me! So different than I remember. but, I was wondering if Houston was missing an opportunity to create some sort of SD like Zoo on it's outskirts akin to a safari like experience? When it came to the small mammals, and reptiles, I think it was a beautiful representation of their habitats, but I went away feeling a bit sorry for the larger species. Am I being TOO California? Thoughts?

[democide]

Yes, you've been gone way too long.  It's a zoo, built for your amusement, not the animals.

 

 

 

Just kidding.  Seriously though, sure it would be nice if they have more space, but what you're suggesting cost money.  If private funds can be gathered to buy lot's of acreage so the animals are free to roam, and if private funds will maintain the land & facilities, that's fine.  But I for one will not approve of any public funds going into such a project.  So that's where it ends.  So to recap, don't give the city any ideas like this, it's a bad idea, they'll run up the cost like crazy and use this as an excuse to raise taxes.  Leave it up to individuals to fund and own.

[Naviguessor]

Democide. Really now. It's a conversation started about zoos. Not about your tea party.

Marcus...welcome back to town. I'm always flooed my mixed emotions at zoos. Some Animals will always seem uncomfortable in captivity. Especially in a city where space is an issue and economics are at play. Having a zoo in the periphery of the city could be a feasible & interesting idea for African habitats. But, I wonder if these animals were removed from Hermann Park, would that zoo survive. Then, if the whole zoo were up near the Woodlands, or out near Katy, would it be accessible enough, and have enough visitors to serve the whole population and/or be financially viable.

Maybe Cathexis could turn the KBR site into a velt. Lol.

[trymahjong]

Everyone makes good sense I guess

 

still maybe this is where our rail line can be incorporated-- you start at the main campus and then the rail line would whisk you south--south enough to arrive at a large  satellite campus that a different enclosed zoo tram could take you through to see animals in their natural habitat. People arriving in their cars at the satellite campus would be able to do it in reverse?  Hmmmmmmm I like this idea but still sounds like a lot of money would be needed for transit and land -sigh 

Edited May 24, 2014 by trymahjong

[cloud713]

If they redeveloped all the surface parking into a garage, then there would be a lot of room for a safari like expansion.

[Dakota79]

If they redeveloped all the surface parking into a garage, then there would be a lot of room for a safari like expansion.

I think that's a great idea. And they should charge a little for the parking to encourage other transportation.

[Marcus Allen]

Thanks everyone. Good thoughts to digest. I guess I have always been conflicted regarding zoos in general. I love animals and I love nature ( flora) even more, and have always struggled between human domination of our world and the other living creature's right to also exist as naturally as they can. That's what prompted this discussion. I would like others to be aware of other living creatures that we share the planet with,but I also understand that not everyone feels this way, so to make public tax payers fork over their hard earned money for this just because I like it, well, isn't fair, regardless of whatever party one belongs to. A private endeavor is more appropriate, IMO. I suppose another reason is that I would really, really, like a venue in Houston that is world recognized. If we are having trouble creating a theme pArk or an amazing botanical garden, or an Xtreme Park, I was coming at it from the zoo angle!

[Slick Vik]

Our zoo is terrible

[cloud713]

They really need to figure out a way to expand it. Either by consolidating the parking lots into a garage, or by spreading across the Zoo Deliveries Road on the west side, bumping the zoo up against Fannin.

[IronTiger]

They could move to a new location. How about Almeda and Feldman? If they expand Kirby past Holmes and connect it to Almeda, that area would become a lot more accessible as a zoo, more parking, trees, relatively accessible.

 

Yeah, it would be a lot of infrastructure to leave behind, but they could recycle that somehow--like incorporating that into a new aquarium, or something. 

[htownproud]

I agree with creating a parking garage. Moving the zoo is not reasonable (and no one would go to it if it was an hour away from Houston). Frankly, I think the zoo and Herman park have improved dramatically over the past 20 years.

[IronTiger]

They could build a temporary parking lot at Cambridge and Lamar Fleming with shuttle service while they complete a parking garage, as that would end up closing some parking.

However, I also tend to agree with others that a parking garage would ruin the aesthetic at Hermann Park (different thread). I disagree that somehow moving the zoo ~5 miles south would somehow add an hour to commute time.

Edited June 1, 2014 by IronTiger

[cloud713]

They could build a temporary parking lot at Cambridge and Lamar Fleming with shuttle service while they complete a parking garage, as that would end up closing some parking.

However, I also tend to agree with others that a parking garage would ruin the aesthetic at Hermann Park (different thread). I disagree that somehow moving the zoo ~5 miles south would somehow add an hour to commute time.

good idea..

yeah, i was one of those opposing a garage in Hermann Park in the original garage discussion, but quite frankly, i dont see why they couldnt build a 3-4 story garage (that would still be low enough to hide behind trees), with an additional floor underground. that would make up for the 4-5 parking lots at the zoo. here is a great example of how to hide garages with foliage. or do like the parking garages at the Memorial Hermann hospital in Memorial City with lattice work and vines growing up the side. painting the concrete green would also help. there are a number of ways to hide a garage, and i think the benefits of a garage in that location outweigh the visibility blight garages can cause.

the Dallas Zoo is twice the size of ours. we need to figure out a way to expand the zoo.

[IronTiger]

painting the concrete green would also help.

Has that ever been very convincing and didn't come off as a bit tacky at best?

[cloud713]

Has that ever been very convincing and didn't come off as a bit tacky at best?

Well I mean green concrete combined with vines or some other form of foliage/shrubbery on the sides, and tall trees surrounding it, so it blends in better/you don't see grey concrete patches peaking out. A green garage in the middle of nowhere looks tacky, agreed. Though I don't mind the paint on the roof of the Exxon garages, or the pine trees painted on the side of the garages somewhere near Memorial City I think(?) on the south side of i10 west. It's better looking than an uncovered/un painted grey concrete garage.

Edited June 2, 2014 by cloud713

[Houston19514]

the Dallas Zoo is twice the size of ours. we need to figure out a way to expand the zoo.

 

 

Despite what you may have heard, size isn't everything.

[cloud713]

Despite what you may have heard, size isn't everything.

Agreed, but if we had that extra room to work with, we could have a large African Safari section and/or more room for the animals.

[cloud713]

Here are a few ideas on how to expand/improve the zoo. The surface lot expansion zone is the least controversial of the two potential expansion locations, and would be replaced by a parking garage on the old surface lot across Hermann Park Dr. Since the zoo would kind of cut off access to the Lake from the new garage, I propose an additional, smaller garage off Concert Dr/the road to the back of Miller Amphitheater, to provide parking for visitors of the lake, amphitheater, and park in general.

The alternate expansion area is a current playground and community pool it appears, so there could be some protest about removing that. But the land seems pretty underutilized for such few amenities, and they could be relocated just west of McGovern Lake/north of the Alt Expansion site.

Each expansion site is approx 18-20 acres, so just one expansion would increase the zoo by 33%.

Our zoo is 55 acres

Ft Worths Zoo is 64 acres

Dallas' Zoo is 106 acres

San Diego's world famous zoo is 100 acres

Our zoo is a decent size, but if we want to bring more of the world class attractions to the zoo we need more room.

I know a lot of us agreed in another thread that parking garages didn't seem appropriate for the ambiance of Hermann Park, but does 10+ acres of surface parking lots portray the image we want to visitors of one of our cities finest parks?

Edited June 3, 2014 by cloud713

[cloud713]

Another idea I had that was more to do with improvements/new attractions and less to do with significantly expanding the area of the zoo was to expand the zoo up/into the south side of McGovern Lake, for a mini sea world type vibe with animal enclosures jutting out into the lake, separated from the main body of water by netting, a glass wall or something along those lines. If it's netting or some other barrier besides a completely sealed off glass/metal/concrete wall, either get animals that can survive in freshwater, or artificially salt the lake to make it habitable for salt water creatures..

The water based exhibits could be to the Houston Zoo what the African Safari experience was to the Dallas Zoo (supposably the first of it's kind in the world)

I also had a similar idea for animal enclosures jutting out into Buffalo Bayou next to the aquarium, in order to expand it since it's smaller than most.

Edited June 3, 2014 by cloud713

[livincinco]

Our zoo is terrible

Good to know that we can add the zoo to the long list of things that you hate about Houston.

[JLWM8609]

Instead of expanding surface lots, how about an offsite garage with shuttle service? The garage would be offsite, but near the park so there would not be a garage in the middle of the park grounds. The shuttle would be served by low floor buses to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. The garage would be ideally somewhere along Almeda south of MacGregor, maybe Almeda at Holcombe on that sliver of park land at the corner. I heard a rumor that Grocer's Supply wants to relocate, so maybe the garage could be located somewhere along Dixie or Holcombe. There would be stops at the zoo entrance on Cambridge, at the Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Golf Course on a circular route running from 6am-11pm daily. Of course, there would be the question of funding and utilization since the park is not at capacity everyday and there would surely be days where the buses wouldn't be running at capacity or where the lot wouldn't be full. Maybe that could be offset by sharing the garage as a place for Medical Center parking or Rodeo parking.

[cloud713]

Instead of expanding surface lots, how about an offsite garage with shuttle service? The garage would be offsite, but near the park so there would not be a garage in the middle of the park grounds. The shuttle would be served by low floor buses to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. The garage would be ideally somewhere along Almeda south of MacGregor, maybe Almeda at Holcombe on that sliver of park land at the corner. I heard a rumor that Grocer's Supply wants to relocate, so maybe the garage could be located somewhere along Dixie or Holcombe. There would be stops at the zoo entrance on Cambridge, at the Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Golf Course on a circular route running from 6am-11pm daily. Of course, there would be the question of funding and utilization since the park is not at capacity everyday and there would surely be days where the buses wouldn't be running at capacity or where the lot wouldn't be full. Maybe that could be offset by sharing the garage as a place for Medical Center parking or Rodeo parking.

I didn't mean "expand the surface lots".. I meant "expand the footprint of the zoo over the current surface lots, consolidating those into one garage for the zoo (and maybe another at Miller for the amphitheater, McGovern Lake, and the gardens access).

Much of this sounds like they might as well start advertising to people to use the Fannin South Station/Transit Center for Zoo parking instead, and everyone rides the light rail up to the zoo.

I still think a garage can be disguised enough to make building one in the park not be an issue. They could build a garage elsewhere in the park along the little Hermann Park train at one of its stations, and have people ride in to the zoo on that?

Idk. I'm undecided. I agree a parking garage is not very representative of Hermann Park, but like I mentioned yesterday.. Does 10-20 acres of surface parking lots in the middle of the park represent Houston's crown jewel appropriately? I would be down for a small garage or two..

Edited June 4, 2014 by cloud713

[ArchFan]

Instead of expanding surface lots, how about an offsite garage with shuttle service? The garage would be offsite, but near the park so there would not be a garage in the middle of the park grounds. The shuttle would be served by low floor buses to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. The garage would be ideally somewhere along Almeda south of MacGregor, maybe Almeda at Holcombe on that sliver of park land at the corner. I heard a rumor that Grocer's Supply wants to relocate, so maybe the garage could be located somewhere along Dixie or Holcombe. There would be stops at the zoo entrance on Cambridge, at the Miller Outdoor Theater, and the Golf Course on a circular route running from 6am-11pm daily. Of course, there would be the question of funding and utilization since the park is not at capacity everyday and there would surely be days where the buses wouldn't be running at capacity or where the lot wouldn't be full. Maybe that could be offset by sharing the garage as a place for Medical Center parking or Rodeo parking.

 

This!  I really don't like the idea of using park land to build a garage.  But (if we could find land nearby at a reasonable cost) I do like the idea of an off-site garage with some kind of easy shuttle access to the zoo.

 

In my dreams, I wish we could have a people-mover system like the Getty Museum in LA.  (OK, I expect the usual suspects will take sides on this idea! ;-)  In any case, perhaps we could come up with an idea that would be practical and cost-effective. 

 

I just think Hermann Park is too small to dedicate land to parking.  A garage might allow us to reduce the footprint of surface parking, but even so, it is not the best use of park land, I think.

[cloud713]

This!  I really don't like the idea of using park land to build a garage.  But (if we could find land nearby at a reasonable cost) I do like the idea of an off-site garage with some kind of easy shuttle access to the zoo.

 

In my dreams, I wish we could have a people-mover system like the Getty Museum in LA.  (OK, I expect the usual suspects will take sides on this idea! ;-)  In any case, perhaps we could come up with an idea that would be practical and cost-effective. 

 

I just think Hermann Park is too small to dedicate land to parking.  A garage might allow us to reduce the footprint of surface parking, but even so, it is not the best use of park land, I think.

fair enough.. i can agree with this.

my only problem is i cant find any land close by that would be well suited for a Zoo Garage, without taking up costly TMC real estate or have a garage built over by the Centennial Gardens, which would still be a visual blight to the park. 

anything too far away and visiting the zoo becomes a hassle, but most of the land surrounding the park is prime real estate, so i still like my idea of building a garage or two and expanding the Zoo 20 acres or so over the current 4 parking lots on the west side of Hermann Park Dr and the land surrounding the lots, while building a garage for Zoo visitors on the lone parking lot east of Hermann Park Dr. if access to the lake and other amenities on the north west side of the park is crucial for people visiting by vehicle/cut off with the new zoo expansion, then an additional, smaller garage could be build somewhere on the road behind Miller Amphitheater for other visitors of the park.

we have that train that they could re-route/expand to come to a parking garage. or if the garage was close enough, build a trail system through some green-way, or go typical Houston and have an A/C skybridge with moving sidewalk.. heh.

another idea i had was to dig up the Miller Amphitheater hill and build a parking garage under the hill. there are a number of ways to disguise a garage aside from planting tall foliage around the perimeter of them.. have some combination/hybrid of the following ideas and i think we would have a decently disguised garage suitable for Hermann Park.