Houston, TX

Sam Houston Park
in 1900, Mayor Sam Brashier bought the Kellem-Noble land and house on the edge of town to create Sam Houston Park; today it is a striking contrast against the modern city skyline and yet its so accessible to downotwn workers; the park represents a clear appreciation of Houston's past, as represented by the many restored historic houses that were also moved here; two of the houses pre-date the founding of Houston; the Jack Yates House is located here as well

DAYS & HOURS: daily, dawn to late

ADDRESS: 1100 Bagby  MAP

PHONE: 713-845-1000

WEBSITE: http://www.heritagesociety.org/park.html

Tranquility Park
A shing definition of how to do a small urban park right, Tranquility shines with several tall golden fountains that have held up well since the park was dedicated in 1979; it was dedicated to the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon, where astronaut Neil Armstrong, said the first words on 20 July 1969, “Houston, Tranquility base here. The eagle has landed”; the park is home to many events, including the Children's Festival and the Houston International Festival

DAYS & HOURS: daily, dawn to late

ADDRESS: between Smith, Bagby, Rusk and Walker  MAP

PHONE: 713-780-2515

WEBSITE: none

Sesquicentennial Park
Completed in 1998, this 10.4 acre terraced park that meanders along the Buffalo Bayou on t northern edge of downtown ; the highlight of the park is seven 70 foot tall towers designed by artist Mel Chin from the inspiration of 1050 Texas school children born in 1986, the year of Houston’s sesquicentennial (from 1836); dramatically lit at night, the park makes good use of its location adjacent to the Theatre District, and has a small amphiteatre used for outdoor concerts

DAYS & HOURS: daily, dawn to late

ADDRESS: between Wortham Center and Bagby Street  MAP

PHONE: 713-250-3666

WEBSITE: Link

Discovery Green
Completed in 2008, this 12 acre urban delight covers a large parking garage, but has captured the "Genie in Bottle" as one of the rare instantly classic meeting places for nature, humanity and man's creations; theres something to engage everyone -- a one-acre lake, landscaped tree groves, a children's playground, dramatic interactive water features, an amphitheater, dog runs for large and small breeds, distinguished public art works, a childrens recreation area, a small, library, performance space, spacious green lawns, nice restaurants such as The Grove and The Lake House; in a city not known for public planning, the park represents a milestone in exquisite urban landscape design and location that orients visitors to Brown Convention Center, Hilton Americas (convention center hotel), Minute Maid Park (baseball) and Toyota Center (basketball) to one eco-friendly setting - a marvel indeed

DAYS & HOURS: daily 6a-11p

ADDRESS: 1500 McKinney  MAP

PHONE: 713-400-7336

WEBSITE: http://www.discoverygreen.com

Emancipation Park
This park this park became one of the most enduring gifts to Houstonians by Rev. Jack Yates and other former slaves; his church, Antioch Baptist, and Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church formed the Colored People’s Festival and Emancipation Park Association; in 1872, they pooled $1,000 to this land as home for their Juneteenth celebration; they named it Emancipation Park and the park contunies annual Juneteenth celebrations; the park boasts tennis courts, a basketball court, a large combined softball/football field, a picnic area, exercise equipment, a playground, a huge swimming pool, and a community center

DAYS & HOURS: daily, dawn to dusk

ADDRESS: 3108 Dowling Street  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/emancipation.html

Hermann Park
Though dedicated as a park in 1914 by George Hermann, this 445 acre park has lovingly evolved to become home to the Miller Outdoor Theatre, a Japanese Garden, Houston Zoo, Museum of Natural Science, Burke Baker Planetarium, Houston Garden Center, Hermann Park Railroad for children and Hermann Park Golf Course; working from a Master Plan since since 1993, the park alwasy seems to have beautification and tree planting improvements underway; has 17 grills scattered throughout the Park available on a first come, first served basis; joggers and bikers love the many trails too

DAYS & HOURS: daily, 6a-11p

ADDRESS: 601 Fannin Street  MAP

PHONE: 713-524-5876

WEBSITE: http://www.hermannpark.org

Memorial Park
4 million Houstonians visit this 1466-acre well-tended serene park each year; it was originally a training camp for the soldiers of World War I; conveyed from private ownership to the city in 1925, the park has been upgraded with 30 miles of trails, a lengthy landscaped bicycle trail, a major golf course, large expanses of picnic area, a large collection of tennis courts, 4 sand-volleyball courts, 3 softball fields, 2 baseball diamonds, 2 soccer pitches, one croquet court and a fantastic nature center; the 3-mile jogging trail from I-610 freeway to the edge of downtown is used by 10,000 runners daily; events held here are so numerous, you must check their website calendar

DAYS & HOURS: daily 6a-11p

ADDRESS: Memorial Drive  MAP

PHONE: 713-863-8403

WEBSITE: http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org