Working in tandem with the local media and community sponsors, the Conservancy sought the help of the public by creating a contest to name the park. The response was overwhelming: more than 6,200 entries were submitted, and a theme soon emerged. Houstonians wanted a name that was distinctive and unusual, including elements that mirrored Houston itself.
At the end of the review process there were no other submissions that better captured the magic and promise of the park. Houstonian Kim Borja was the author of the name. A father of two sons, Borja at the moments of discovery enjoyed during his family's frequent vivits to neighborhood parks. These memories helped inspire the name Discovery Green. Discovery Green reflected on the Conservancy's vision of the space as green, active, and vibrant while also capturing Houston's role as a center for discoveries in the fields of energy, space and medicine.
About the Park
The 11.78 acre park site offers dramatic views of downtown, across from the George R. Brown Convention Center along Avenida de las Americas, and across from the Hilton Americas Hotel. LaBranch and McKinney streets form the other two boundaries for the park.
Toyota Center, Houston Center and Minute Maid Park are only one to three blocks away. In addition, three new commercial projects are underway near the park. One Park Place, developed by the Finger Companies, is a 37-story high-rise luxury apartment residence facing the park and opening in early 2009. Houston Pavillions will span out three city blocks, offering nearly 700,000 square feet of retail and residential loft office space including Houston's first House of Blues and Lucky Strike Lanes and is set to open in October 2008. Finally, Trammell Crow has recently begun construction on Discovery Tower, a class A office building across from Discovery Green.
The WiFi-connected park was designed as a very green environment that can also accomodate high levels of activity. Major natural features include:
- A two-acre exoanse of grass providing dramatic views of the skyline
- A shaded walk lined with 100-year-old live oak trees.
- More than an acre of flowering trees, plants, fountains and art.
- A one-acre body of water lined with native and wetland plants.
- Wetland and upland areas extending the length of the park.
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The park is also a civic focal point offering recreational opportunities for all ages:
- A unique playground design based on the "central flyway" of migrating birds.
- An outdoor party veranda and children's stage near the playground.
- A water basin near the playground designed for model boats.
- A central promenade that can accomodate outdoor markets.
- An open-air stage for lunch-time and evening musical performances.
- A sloped lawn that can accomodate 1,000 people or be used for recreation.
- A bandstand in the urban garden to enrich its sensory offerings.
- Seperate fenced areas for large and small dogs.
- A one-half mile jogging trail surrounds the park.
- Lawn areas and paved surfaces offer an array of recreation options.
The park experience is extended and enriched by several major works of architecture that will be certified by the LEED green building program. The buildings are a warm combination of brick and wood with many glass walls to maximize views of the park:
- A dining destination with outdoor terraces and second floor deck.
- A casual cafe with counter service and terrace seating on the pond.
- A park office in a central location for park management, security and restrooms.
The park's design is enhanced by three major works of art that are integrated into its design:
- Mist Tree - Doug Hollis' water sculpture on the Great Lawn near the playground.
- Listening Vessels - Two carved limestone sculptures that focus sound from distance.
- Synchronicity of Color - Tapestries of color that transform two garage stair structures
into works of art.
