Founded in 1992 as Friends of Hermann Park, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park – today and for generations to come.
Through a public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Hermann Park Conservancy raises millions of dollars each year to enhance and maintain the Park. The Conservancy also manages the design of projects, and then shares construction costs with the City of Houston. Thanks to the generous financial support of foundations, corporations, and individuals, the Conservancy has raised more than $122 million for improvement projects in Hermann Park.
The Conservancy also oversees programs focused on visitor services, conservation and stewardship, tree care, and operations and maintenance of the McGovern Centennial Gardens.
To view employment opportunities at Hermann Park Conservancy, click here.
HISTORY OF HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY
The Conservancy was established in 1992 as Friends of Hermann Park by community members to address growing concerns about the Park's deterioration due to high attendance and insufficient funding. The organization decided early on that a comprehensive plan was needed to guide the restoration of this incredible resource.
In 1993, Friends of Hermann Park commissioned a master plan for Hermann Park from Hanna/Olin Partnership of Philadelphia, an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm. The master plan was adopted by Houston City Council in 1995, and has served as a guide for renovations and enhancements ever since. Many projects detailed in the master plan are part of the Conservancy's Centennial Campaign, aimed for completion by close of 2014.
In 2002, the Conservancy commissioned a study to determine the Park's maintenance needs. The study identified an annual 20,000 hour gap in what the Parks and Recreation Department is able to provide and what the Park needs to be properly preserved. In response, the Conservancy developed a volunteer department, which coordinates the volunteer hours needed each year to maintain Hermann Park.
The organization was renamed Hermann Park Conservancy in 2004 to reflect an institutional and permanent commitment to stewardship of Hermann Park's natural resources and physical infrastructure. Today, the Conservancy oversees multi-million-dollar renovation projects as well as a comprehensive reforestation plan and maintenance initiatives.
In 2014, Hermann Park celebrated its centennial. In this year, the Conservancy celebrated the Park's 100-year milestone with the creation of new community events, Kite Festival and the Park to Port Bike Ride, both of which continue today. This year also brought the opening of the McGovern Centennial Gardens, a culminating project of the Centennial Campaign for Hermann Park as outlined by the 1995 Olin master plan.
In 2015, the Conservancy engaged award-winning landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MVVA), to create an updated master plan to guide the next 20 years of Park improvement projects.
To learn more about the history of Hermann Park and the Conservancy's role, click on the links below:
AWARDS
Hermann Park Conservancy has received numerous awards and gained national recognition for its efforts to improve, restore, and maintain Hermann Park. With the ongoing support of our generous donors, the Conservancy will continue to generate award winning programs and projects that improve the quality of life for all Houstonians and make the Conservancy an exemplary model for its peers.
Proud Partner Award
Keep Houston Beautiful’s Mayor's Proud Partners Awards (2017) for the Japanese Garden 25th Anniversary Restoration
Special Recognition
Houston-Galveston Area Council, (2017) for the Japanese Garden 25th Anniversary Restoration
Development of Distinction
Urban Land Institute Houston, (2017) for the McGovern Centennial Gardens
Citation of Honor
American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter, (2016) for Hermann Park Conservancy
Merit Award
Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, (2016) for McGovern Centennial Gardens
Honor Award
Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, (2016) for Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion
Honor Award
Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, (2016) for McGovern Centennial Gardens
Landmark Award
Keep Houston Beautiful's Mayor's Proud Partners Awards (2015) McGovern Centennial Gardens
APA Great Public Spaces
Designated by the American Planning Association (2015)
Good Brick Award
Community Pillar Award, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (2014) to honor the Park's 100th anniversary
Honorable Mention Award
Houston-Galveston Area Council, (2013) for McGovern Centennial Gardens Planning Process
Landmark Award
Keep Houston Beautiful's Mayor's Proud Partners Awards (2012) for the Bill Coats Bridge
Certificate of Recognition Award
Keep Houston Beautiful's Mayor's Proud Partners Awards, (2011) for the Lake Picnic Area renovation
Parks and Natural Areas Award
Houston-Galveston Area Council, (2010) for Conservation Posse teen summer program
Parks and Natural Areas Certificate of Recognition
Houston-Galveston Area Council, (2010) for Project Blazing Star volunteer project
Honorable Mention Award
Keep Houston Beautiful's Mayor's Proud Partners Awards, (2010) for Conservation Posse teen summer program
Merit Award
Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, (2010) for Lake Plaza
Development of Distinction Award
Urban Land Institute, Houston, (2010) for Lake Plaza
Parks and Natural Areas Award
Houston-Galveston Area Council, (2009) for the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Greenway
Proud Partner Award
Keep Houston Beautiful's Mayor's Proud Partners Awards, (2009) for Lake Plaza and Hermann Park Railroad
Leadership in Action Award
Leadership Houston, (2009) for Lake Plaza and Hermann Park Railroad
Community Improvement Award
Museum District Business Alliance (2008)
Good Brick Award
Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (2006)
Stewardship Excellence Award
The Cultural Landscape Foundation (2005)
General Award of Excellence
American Society of Landscape Architects, 2005, for the Heart of the Park restoration