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Memorial Park masterminds reveal new timeline for game-changing master plan

Nancy and Rich Kinder at MD Anderson Legends dinner

Prolific and philanthropic couple Nancy and Rich Kinder gifted $70 million to Memorial Park.

Photo by Michelle Watson Catchlight Group

Memorial Park Conservancy has until 2028 to deliver on its master plan redevelopment project, but if MPC president and CEO Shellye Arnold has anything to say about it, the plan will be completed way ahead of that.

The project is a collaborative effort between MPC, Uptown Houston TIRZ, and Houston Parks and Recreation Department to redevelop the 1,500-acre park. In 2011, a major drought decimated the park and areas saw losses of 50 to even 90 percent of the canopy of trees.

"As tragic as it was, it made people take action," says Arnold.

Following the drought, these organizations looked to the people to see what was needed and wanted by the 3 million visitors and residents of the 170 ZIP codes that frequent the park annually.

"There was a huge outcry to do something," Arnold says. "That something became an effort to define the future of the park in a way that would be powerful, bold, thoughtful, innovative, and very resilient. It would consider Houstonians of the future and Houstonians today. It would consider soils, storm water treatment, the wildlife, and what people want."

When putting the plans in place, MPC and its partners called on 25 of the best ecologists, as well as 50 more park and other types of consultants specializing in everything from insects and wildlife to prairies and trees.

The overall funding plan is a total of $205 million — MPC itself has a capital campaign goal of $50 million — with $32 million to go. A $70 million donation from the Kinder Foundation is the most significant contribution within the fundraising efforts. The foundation approached MPC asking to help contribute to the most transformative project in the master plan, Arnold says, and so they suggested the Eastern Glades, a park within a park and the first project within the master plan to deliver.

MPC expects the Eastern Glades to open next summer — and much of the construction has already been completed. The area will be a 100-acre park within a park with wetlands, a man-made pond, nine acres of picnic space, and three picnic pavilions.

Eastern Glades
"The full 100-acre Eastern Glades project will provide an amenity that we do not have right now," says Arnold in a release, "a place to put down a blanket and read a book, relax on a park bench, or go for a leisurely walk and just enjoy being outdoors."

In addition to the Eastern Glades, the park will also reopen some relocated ballparks next year.

After next year, the MPC and its master plan partners will deliver a slew of other projects on a rolling basis.

Here are some other exciting ones you can expect in the next few years:

Running Complex
Running is such an important part of Memorial Park, Arnold says, citing the Seymour Lieberman's millions of annual visitors. The $19-million running complex is expected to deliver in 2022.

Memorial Groves
There's a section of Memorial Park that has more history than the rest of the land. The master plan includes a 100-acre, $21.5-million memorial center for the fallen soldiers from Camp Logan that's expected to deliver in 2022.

"There were a handful of WWI training camps — this was one of the sites that was chosen," Arnold says. "We have archeological features in the park."

The memorial will feature native pine trees that will be planted in a formation that looks as if they are standing in attention.

The Land Bridge
Possibly the most striking of all the plans is the Land Bridge. The project will connect each of the prairie wetlands on either side of Memorial Drive with a 30-foot-high arch of land. The space will be large enough that you don't even realize you're standing over a busy street, Arnold says. The Land Bridge is planned to deliver in 2022.

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Continue reading this story on InnovationMap.

Memorial Park Conservancy's updates include an Eastern Glades in Memorial Park.

Memorial Park renovations Eastern Glades

Courtesy photo

Memorial Park Conservancy's updates include an Eastern Glades in Memorial Park.

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weekend event planner

Things to do in Houston this weekend: Duran Duran, Porsche paradise, a hysterical 'Housewife,' and more

Photo courtesy of Duran Duran

Pop icons Duran Duran play the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday.

This weekend promises to get steamy, but those who venture out can check out a new live music series in the new East River area — just as temps cool — as well as an outdoor market in Memorial City.

Indoor fun promises plenty of great theater (check out all the offerings here), as well as dance and a performance by Houston's legendary DJ Sun.

As part of Sunday Funday, hysterical LA comic Becky Robinson brings her act town — entitled housewives, beware (read on).

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, June 8

Wine & Food Week

The week-long Wine & Food Week celebrates the creativity and passion found in the heart of the wine and food industry, featuring hundreds of wines, scores of celebrity guests, and a list of fresh culinary faces. Paying homage to the theme Wine + Food = Art, guests can expect to indulge all their senses with experiential art installations, a meet & greet with emerging artists, more. This will also support charitable organizations such as The Woodlands Arts Council, and New Danville, among others. 6 pm (11:30 Friday; 7 pm Saturday).

The Catastrophic Theatre presents A Maroon’s Guide to Time and Space

The latest work by local interdisciplinary artist Candice D’Meza is a genre-blending exploration of quantum mechanics that uses imagination to liberate oneself from the confines of linear time. A thematic continuation of D’Meza’s surreal, Afrofuturist film series 30 Ways to Get Free, this uses film, technology, performance, and audience imagination to create the perfect environment to escape into space - where a new and better world is waiting for us. Through Saturday, June 17. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday & Saturday; 2:30 pm Sunday)

Houston Ballet presents Swan Lake

Houston Ballet’s 2022-23 season is capped off by one of ballet's greatest love stories. In this opulent production, the everlasting love between Prince Siegfried and maiden-turned-white-swan Odette is tested by evil knight Rothbart and his black-swan enchantress, Odile. Stanton Welch's production features lavish sets and costumes by Kristian Fredrikson and utilizes Tchaikovsky's full score to aplomb for this three-act production. Through Sunday, June 18. 7:30 pm (1:30 & 7;30 pm Saturday; 2 & 7:30 pm Sunday).

Friday, June 9

Duran Duran: The Future Past Tour

One of the most enduring bands in pop music hits Houston as part of the new Future Past. Duran Duran's show, as the name implies, will feature past hits like "Rio," "Save A Prayer," "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Come Undone," and their comeback smash "Ordinary World" — along with some future gems. Original members Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor have been bringing it at every stop, so expect a killer show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion from the New Romantic icons. Tickets are available via LiveNation. 7 pm.

East River 9 and Riverhouse present Live Music Summer Series

East River 9 and Riverhouse are thrilled to announce the launch of their new summer series. All ages are invited to experience free, live musical performances, while taking in unmatched views of Buffalo Bayou and the city skyline on Riverhouse’s expansive open-air terrace every Friday and Saturday night. from June through August. Hadlie Jo Duo will kick things off on Friday, while Adrian Michael Duo will perform on Saturday night. 7 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Jazz on Film

We’re back with the annual film series, guest-curated by Peter Lucas, which celebrates the intersections of jazz and cinema. This year’s program brings three weekends of screenings that include memorable jazz scores, rare classics, a new documentary, and other films that illuminate fascinating figures in the world of jazz. FIrst up, on Friday night, is the documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes. On Saturday night, Shirley Clarke’s independent drama The Cool World will be shown in 35mm. Through Saturday, June 24. 7 pm.

Alley Theatre presents The Servant of Two Masters

Identities are mistaken, engagements are broken, and lovers are reunited in a world premiere adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s commedia dell’arte masterpiece. Set in Venice, mayhem erupts when the wily - and chronically hungry - servant Truffaldino hatches a zany scheme to double his wages (and his meals) by serving two masters at once. Through Sunday, July 2. 8 pm (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday).

ISHIDA Dance Company presents having been breathed out

having been breathed out includes the world premiere of an original ISHIDA poetic narrative titled American Gothic which explores the internal and external dynamics of the nuclear family. The program also features works by two widely respected – but rarely seen in the United States – European choreographers: Horizons by Greek choreographer Adonis Foniadakis, and the critically acclaimed Mutual Comfort by Edward Clug from Romania. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, June 10

Children’s Museum Houston presents Spider-Verse Collision

Get tangled in a web of excitement as the Spider-Man multiverse collides during Children Museum Houston’s Power Up! Summer. Join Peter Parker, Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen and participate in the Spidey Web-Sling Showdown at 1 pm (admission is separate; relay is first come, first serve). Then, learn how to paint your face to look like your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. 10 am.

The Lawn at Memorial City presents Memorial Market

The Lawn at Memorial City presents bountiful, monthly artisanal markets that will feature up to 30 premium and award-winning vendors curated by Your Neighborhood Farmers Market. Farm stands offering ripe fruits and vegetables will showcase fresh produce not available at local grocery stores or the Memorial Villages Farmers Market. In June, for National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, there will be complimentary smoothies while supplies last. 10 am.

Dance Source Houston presents Barnstorm Dance Fest

Saturday will be the final day to catch this festival, which highlights the breadth and depth of dance in the Houston region and beyond, offering live performances, dance on film, public workshops, and artist talks.three unique programs, including 19 live performance works and nine dance films, which will highlight the emerging and established dancemakers working in a wide range of styles. In addition to the programs at MATCH, public classes and workshops led by festival choreographers will take place at studios across Houston. 5 and 7:30 pm.

Aperio, Music of the Americas presents Loveletter & Radio Rewrite

A grooving program of minimalist music and lo-fi jams, Loveletter & Radio Rewrite will feature a live orchestral performance of DJ Sun’s latest release, Loveletter. Maestro Marlon Chen conducts Aperio’s orchestra with guest soloists complemented by Steven Reich’s Radio Rewrite and Duet. Fat Tony, Tim Ruiz, Sam/Sin and Krystal Hardwick will be the guest performers on hand. 8:30 pm.

Sunday, June 11

The hilarious Becky Robinson comes to town in the She Gone Tour. Becky Robinson/Facebook

Kollectiv: Festival of Porsche

This year marks the second annual celebration that pays homage to Porsche. Kollectiv will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic automotive brand. More than 100 classic and contemporary beauties will be on display around City Place Plaza, courtesy of Coffee & Cars. While some streets will be closed for the festivities, complimentary garage parking will be available. Guests can get snacks and food from urban core restaurants. 10 am.

Children At Risk presents The Big Brunch: A Celebration of Texas Pediatric Advocates

Guests of Children At Risk The Big Brunch: A Celebration of Texas Pediatric Advocates will enjoy a brunch prepared by some of Houston’s best chefs, wine tastings, contests, and more. The event will highlight the great work being done by pediatrics across the state to support and advocate for the health and well-being of our most vulnerable children and families. The theme this year is “A Celebration of Texas Pediatric Advocates,” highlighting the great work being done by Dr. Hilda Loria, Dr. Karla Fredricks, and Dr. Anu Partap. 11 am.

Becky Robinson: She Gone Tour

Becky Robinson, a JFL Montreal New Face of Comedy (and Wild ‘N Out alumna), is an LGBTQ+ LA-based comedian, writer, actor, and voiceover star. Her explosively unique character antics and viral videos have racked up millions of views and fans. She is also known as “Entitled Housewife,” the outspoken, viral golf character Becky created to help spread laughter during the pandemic. 8 pm.

Photo courtesy of Duran Duran

Pop icons Duran Duran play the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday.

coming soon

Memorial Park masterminds reveal new timeline for game-changing master plan

Memorial Park Conservancy's updates include an Eastern Glades in Memorial Park.

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