The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) requests approval of the third amendment to the Development Agreement between the City of Houston and the Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC). City Council approved the original Development Agreement on July 17, 1997, the first amendment on May 10, 2006 and the second amendment on September 11, 2013. Since the commencement of the original agreement, HPC has raised nearly $70 million which have been combined with City, State and Federal funding for improvements to Hermann Park. These include the renovation of the Jones Reflection Pool, expansion of McGovern Lake, construction of Kinder Station and the expanded and improved Hermann Park railroad, restoration of the Japanese Garden, expansion and renovation of Miller Outdoor Theatre, the realignment of North MacGregor, the Bill Coates Bridge, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens and Cheri Flores Pavilion.
This third amendment addresses the restoration, development, maintenance and operation of the Historic Clubhouse and surrounding grounds. This third amendment also addresses the maintenance and operation of the Japanese Garden Event Lawn, the Kinder Station and the Lake Plaza Facilities which include the gift shop, restrooms, café, service building, pedal boat desk and supporting train maintenance facility.
HPC has raised an endowment fund and will use facility rental revenue to operate and maintain the Clubhouse, Japanese Garden Event Lawn, the Kinder Station and the Lake Plaza Facilities. Subject to City Council approval of the annual budget, the City, through the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to be responsible for hazard tree and limb removals, pole lights, dumpster service and trash removal throughout the park. The City will also continue to be responsible for maintenance of park areas outside those included in the Development Agreement and approved amendments The City will also continue to pay for utilities and provide trades services for all park facilities including but not limited to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and graffiti removal subject to City Council approval of the annual budget.
Director's Signature
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Stephen Wright, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department