Houston Downtown Park Conservancy - Houston, TX

Recreation

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 Houston's 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 is the theme of the playground, with individual species represented in the play sets, and accompanying signage to educate visitors.

Children's Stage and Veranda


The Simmons Family Stage and Stedman West Veranda is a covered outdoor area for parties with a children's stage near the playground.
 
 

Gateway Fountain


This fountain offers a visual gateway to the park for visitors approaching from McKinney Street and is an extension of the playground area. Two systems of jets create a myriad of water activity atop a gently sloping granite surface, with 14-foot high arcing jets serving as landmarks and smaller jets cycling on and off to invite park visitors for a closer look or some fun in the spray. Please note that the fountain is off on Mondays for maintenance.
 
 
 
 

Model Boat Basin


The shallow basin of Kinder Lake adjacent to The Lake House was designed for model boats. On Saturday from 10am - 6pm & Sunday 10am - 6pm you can rent a remote controlled sailboat for $5.00 for 1/2 an hour. You are also more than welcome to bring your own battery operated remote controlled boats during park hours.

Enjoy outdoor ice skating at The Ice at Discovery Green, Holiday Skating on the Lake, presented by the Houston Chronicle. The outdoor ice rink opens Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008 and runs through Martin Luther King Day, January 19, 2009. Visit www.theiceatdiscoverygreen.com.
 
 

Anheuser- Busch Stage and Fondren Foundation Performance Space


 
This amphitheater, which can seat 1,000, hosts a variety of performances, including music, theater, film and dance, and is oriented toward a sloped lawn for audience seating. When the platform is not in use, it is open to all park goers, either as space to work, lounge or dine near The Lake House café.

The Gita and Ali Saberioon Plaza is located adjacent to the stage on the south side and provides additional performance and public space.
 

Alkek Building


Overlooking the Gateway Fountain and John P. McGovern Children's Playground, this building houses the park's staff, information center and public restrooms. Shade and seating are available off the Flores Terrace for park visitors enjoying the Gateway Fountain.
 

Dog Runs


The Kinder Large Dog Run and Harriet and Joe Foster Dog Runs offer a place at the park for the four-legged family member. The areas feature crushed gravel, fountains and seating.
 
 
 

Jogging Trail


The one-half mile McNair Foundation jogging trail is located on the north boundary beside the lake.
 

Reading Rooms


Adjacent to The Lake House are the park's reading rooms including the City of Houston's innovative library initiative, HPL Express. The new library branch provides wireless service for all to enjoy throughout the park.

The Morgan Reading Room and Powell Foundation Reading Rooms are located on this end of the park.
 

Recreational Games


Park visitors can enjoy many games and activities on the south side of the park, including bocce, a putting green, shuffleboard, horseshoes and chess. Games are FREE & available from one of the park's Art Carts on Saturdays & Sundays between 9am - 6pm (Valid I.D. or Drivers License are required to use equipment).

  • Carruth Foundation Bocce Courts
  • The Hagstette Family Putting Green
  • Trini's Shuffleboard Court
 



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