The Herman Park Conservancy in Houston, Texas recently opened a new park area named, The Commons. The $121M renovation of the Historic Pavilion began in 2022 on and is now filled with more beautiful open spaces, unique playgrounds, picnic areas, ponds, and even a carousal. Herman Park’s website states their MISSION in restoring this area was to “expand the spectrum of play, invigorate the presence of nature, and improving access and vital connections.” It is clear to see how they’ve accomplished establishing the presence of nature amidst its habitat restoration adding over 2,000 new trees and 200,000 new plants along the 26-acre trails surrounding The Commons. Their innovative approach to the design of this new park has made this a haven for outdoor activities. It is all a part of 20- year master plan created by the Herman Park Conservancy to both preserve and continually expand one of the city’s most frequently visited parks.
Before renovations began, Herman Park was already a beloved area where Houstonians and tourists would visit for fun, relaxation, and photoshoots along the park’s infamous line of Oak trees. Its 445 acres spread across Houston’s Museum District, medical center, Third Ward neighborhood and Rice University, purposely connecting areas of people who might not normally directly interact with one another. It is home to the Herman Park Golf Course, Houston Zoo, Museum District, and the Miller Outdoor Theater. Having those major attractions nearby helped keep the park active. However, the Herman Park Conservancy saw a chance to improve the way people experience their expansive areas of play and leisure.
Each area of The Commons has its own theme. Space Adventure is a large play area for children. There is a huge 45-foot rocket at the entrance that has stairs, slides and climbing areas for kids to feel as if they’re playing inside of a real rocket. This is the first playground you see after walking through the trails into the renovated area. You can see across the expansive greenery from here into other play areas. Space Adventure is full of slopes, slides and climbing activities that will keep any kid’s attention. The rock climbing simulations near oversized slides looked to be a fun challenge most little ones seemed to enjoy attempting. The ground is made of a soft material that slightly sinks in with every step. It is honestly a bit uneasy to walk on at first but easy to adapt to. It is a crucial safety consideration placed by the parks to help ensure no one gets seriously injured if they just so happen to fall from one of the many high points this playground has. Every slide was initially side-eyed by most families as they are all large, metal slides that are completely closed in like a tube. At first glance, one may assume the designers of this playground weren’t aware of how unforgiving Texas heat can be in the summer. Who would put a metal slide in the middle of a southern city? But fear not parents, the slides do not retain heat. During our visit, it was a clammy eighty five degrees outside, one of the slides were in direct sunlight but was merely warm to the touch.
Swing Hill is described as being the “old school” area. Unlike the Space Adventure that has modern designs, this one is much more classic. The swings are split into two sides, hoisted on huge wooden pillars. There are two baby swings with guards on them to help the smallest of children be able to swing safely. The Picnic pavilion is a shaded seating area near the front of The Commons. There is plenty of seating space under oversized fans with BBQ pits nearby in case you want to throw something on the grill. Gorilla Forest was another favorite of most guests. This playground has a huge replica of a gorilla similar to Donkey Kong that stands about ten feet tall. The connected slide is in the shape of a bananas. You can tell that local visitors really love their grocery store because majority of people entering this section seemed to light up when they noticed the HEB sticker on the banana slide. Splash Cove is an interactive water-based play area for children of all ages that playfully resembles the bayou system. There are various flows of water for everyone to enjoy. A water lab and wet sand play is there for sensory engagement. This will likely will be most popular spot as we approach the hottest months of the year. There are age recommendations for very area so that the smaller kids are trampled by older kids during playtime but honestly everyone is free to roam where they want. Plus the dynamics of each area create a natural filter that draws in age appropriate activities. The Thicket is an island area where infants and toddlers can safely play and discover new things.
The carousel is open to all ages. There is a height restriction, but anyone under the required height can ride for free as long as the accompanying party buys a ticket.
The Commons is set to be a go-to spot for families, groups and individuals from all walks of life. Near McGowan Lake there is rumored to soon be food stations and food trucks for visitors to grab some good food on the go while visiting the newly renovated area. Herman Park is larger than NY STAT. With that in mind, be sure to dress comfortably and stay hydrated when planning to visit. There is a ton of open space for flying kites or playing soccer. The trails are lined with beautiful greenery and occasional ducks, hares and other small, nonharmful animals that might cross your path.
The Herman Park Conservancy publicly shares their mission online as a place for Houston’s ever growing population to find an inclusive community. “Our objective for the Commons, and our master plan, is simple; to ensure that he Park becomes an even more valuable place for all the citizens of Houston in the years ahead, contributing to the quality of life and serving as a place that unifies our community for all the years to come.”
The Commons is at 6001 Fannin St. Houston, Tx 77030
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 6am-11pm
Parking is somewhat scarce, it is highly recommended to use the Metro Train, exit Memorial Herman. The Memorial Park Professional Building offers parking on the weekends which can be booked ahead of time for a flat fee. The carousel is $5 per ride, all other attractions are completely free to the public.
