The Commons is located in the southwest corner of Hermann Park at the corner of Fannin and Cambridge Streets. Click HERE for a Hermann Park map locating the Commons.
Background
Construction of the Commons began in April 2022 and opened to the public in April 2024.
The Commons is a revitalized 26-acre area in the southwest portion of Hermann Park, bordering the Houston Zoo to the east, Cambridge Street to the south, Fannin and Main Streets to the west, and Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden and McGovern Lake on the north / northwest side.
While this sizeable portion of the Park includes a natural point of entry into the Park, it was under-utilized and virtually ignored by the public, creating congestion and over-utilization in other parts of the Park. Architect Marlon Blackwell designed all of the structures and landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) helped transform this under-developed area into an inviting gateway and lively community asset.
The objective for the Commons, and our master plan, is simple: to ensure that the 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 Play Gardens and Play Areas
The centerpiece of the Commons is the expansive Play Gardens, a new two-acre central playground reimagines the “play for all” legacy and accessibility of the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children. The Commons play areas were designed for a wide variety of experiences:
- The Swing Hill offers an old-school playground experience with state-of-the-art swings and is situated near one of the rentable picnic pavilions.
- The Cypress Grove play area, populated by colorful equipment shaped like snakes and alligators in a whimsical celebration of Houston’s native flora and fauna.
- The H-E-B Gorilla Forest offers a warm nod to our neighboring Houston Zoo and features play equipment in the form of a friendly, larger-than-life gorilla.
- The Splash Cove, a water play area with slim towers projecting cyclones of water in the air, creating a vibrant zone of cooling relief for the whole family.
- The Bayou provides an interactive first-hand look at the inner workings of Houston’s natural water features and offers activities where children can experience water dynamics.
- The Space Adventure area with a 45-foot-tall Rocket Ship slide and a space capsule for climbing and imaginary play.
- The Thicket, a wooded enclave with features for children up to age 5 with areas like The Burrow, Toad Hollow and the Snake Den designed for safe play options.
- The Lott Family Carousel is a classic with a fun twist featuring a variety of animal choices.
Each area also offers shaded seating areas for parents so children will never be out of sight and the whole family can enjoy the outdoor space.
A Place for Everyone
The Commons is a place where people can come together in a warm and gracious environment that engages all guests. Special features include:
- The Central Lawn is an expansive area at the center of the Commons where visitors can relax and enjoy informal sports activities.
- Tsuru Family Terrace is a decked area designed around the Park’s iconic oaks where visitors can enjoy shade, fresh air, gathering tables and lounge furniture for families and groups to meet and share a meal or snack while enjoying the outdoors.
- New grilling and picnic areas.
- The Wortham Pavilion, formerly known as the Fannin Pavilion, is as a central feature with major refurbishments including more natural light, a cafe, a food truck court, and custom wooden tables and benches.
Natural Spaces
The restoration and conservation of the natural lands bordering McGovern Lake are central to the master plan, providing opportunities to connect with nature through:
- Nature habitats and activity areas
- Wetland Garden
- Keating Cove
- Extensive new native plantings