Commons People

Hermann Park unveils game-changing renovations with playgrounds, picnic areas, and more

After two years of work, The Commons in Hermann Park is finally ready to welcome visitors looking for a high quality park experience.

Located in the southwest corner of the park, The Commons is a 26-acre section of the larger park that's bordered by the Houston Zoo to the east and the Japanese Gardens and McGovern Lake to the north. Though it was always open to visitors, there was little to do there besides walk around and enjoy the sunshine, which contributed to congestion in other areas of the park with more amenities.

That’s all been corrected under the direction of architect Marlon Blackwell and the landscape architects at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA). The space closed in April 2022 to let them work their magic. Now, they’ve transformed the section into numerous areas that fit a wide variety of activities.

The good news for kids is that the Commons has one of the best free playgrounds in the city. The Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children has been designed with accessibility first in mind, setting the stage for a more diverse range of play for people of all mobility levels.

It includes swings, various playground groves with animal themes to match the nearby zoo, a water play area, a rocket ship with an enormous 45-foot slide, and a carousel. In addition, kids will be able to explore a bayou-themed learning area that teaches them about the flora and fauna of Houston’s famous waterways.

Hermann Park Commons gorilla forest Gorilla Forest is one the animal-themed play areas.Photo by Johnny Than Photography

If you prefer hiking through more natural areas, The Commons has been extensively renovated with that in mind, too. A picturesque stone cove offers plenty of places to cool off by the water, and visitors can also trek through a wetland garden. The park’s distinctive oak trees have new paths and seating decks, so it’s possible to sit in the shade and appreciate nature — something that should be appreciated by the patients, staff, and visitors of Memorial Hermann Hospital looking for respite.

Hermann Park Commons pavilion New picnic areas will be serviced by food stations and food trucks.Photo Courtesy of Johnny Than Photography

Lastly, the Historic Fannin Pavilion has been renovated. The project has added a food truck court and all new seating areas to go with it, making it the perfect place for an outdoor lunch or impromptu picnic. The pavilion has been updated with more natural lighting, adding to the back-to-nature aspect of the overall project.

The Commons will open on Saturday, April 13 at a 9 am dedication ceremony. After that, visitors are welcome during normal park hours. Whether it’s just for a jog around the park or an addition to a trip to the zoo, The Commons helps make the already impressive Hermann Park into something even more extraordinary.

“Our 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,” said the Hermann Park Conservancy in a statement.

So far, it looks like mission accomplished.

Photo by Johnny Than Photography

The Space Adventure area has a 45-foot slide.

hermann-park parks

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo