It’s been quite a year for the Hermann Park Conservancy. Some might even say transformational. And it’s with this perspective of grace and recognition that this year’s Evening in the Park gala on Friday, April 26, became a must for those who appreciate what those 445 acres mean to Houston.

Take a deep breath, folks. It’s the sweet smell of getting things done.

Gala-goers descended to Lindsey Plaza in tasteful spring attire, where the Hermann Park Railroad awaited to offer a genteel tide to the party grounds. As they glided past McGovern Lake, it was the new Alyson Shotz installation, titled "Scattering Surface," that became the focal point. This gleaming addition to the conservancy's Art in the Park initiative mesmerized with its play of light and reflection.

Event chairs Jay Jones and Terry Wayne Jones and Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan honored Play Your Park campaign co-chairs Cece Fowler and Stephanie Tsuru. Their leadership is what made this year’s significant improvements a reality, particularly the McWilliams Dog Park that opened in October followed by The Commons in April. Of course these major capital investments don’t happen without the involvement of the corporate community, and it was fitting that Houston-favorite H-E-B was honored as a business partner for its ongoing support.

Board chair Kristy Bradshaw addressed the 500 guests, sharing that she finds inspiration in witnessing project schematics and renderings transform from the page to the al fresco setting. Seeing the park blossom fuels her passion for being an agent of change in Houston, particularly in the creation of more public spaces where locals and visitors can gather and forge lasting memories.

With conservancy president Doreen Stoller retiring from her influential post after 21 years of leadership, her heartfelt message, akin to a dream come true, resonated with applause. The $55 million Play Your Park campaign, the most ambitious for Hermann Park, was far from a miracle even though it may appear to be one. Credit was given to the collective effort of board members, the campaign committee, and volunteers, who contributed more than 5,000 hours of service. Alongside the tireless staff, they nurtured these changes from the ground up, cultivating a vision with ample elbow grease and, of course, love. H-E-B senior director of public affairs Lisa Helfman echoed Stoller’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the park to the city and to all Houstonians.

City Kitchens delights included a rich dessert buffet, inviting guests to turn this garden soirée into a $700,000 dance party by the Pioneer Obelisk enlivened with tunes spun by DJ Mav.

Among the supporters were Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Carey Kirkpatrick, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Houston Parks and Recreation director Kenneth Allen, Susan and Sanford Criner, Isabel and Danny David, Kristen and John Berger, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Kristin and Ashley DeWalt, Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron, Laura and Brad McWilliams, Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell, Consul General of Japan in Houston Zentaro Naganuma, Ann Kennedy and Geoffrey Walker, Morgan and Chris Hollins, Hallie Vanderhider, Alexandra and Jeffrey Butt, Nicole and Joey Romano, Miller Outdoor Theatre managing director Claudia de Vasco, Cynthia Wolff, Michelle Bramblett, Nick Espinosa, Chinhui and Eddie Allen, and Milton Townsend.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees.