Houston’s Discovery Green: The Ultimate Urban Oasis for Art, Events, and Community. 

A partnership between the City of Houston and affluent philanthropies began planning Discovery Green in 2004 and officially opened it in 2008. In a nutshell, Discovery Green is a 12-acre park with noble ideals. But Discovery Green is so much more and brings Houstonians into a greater sense of community. Discovery Green’s Mission Statement:

“To provide an uncommonly beautiful, urban green space in the heart of Houston that serves as a village green for our city, a source of health and happiness for our citizens, and a window into the incredible diversity of arts and traditions that enrich life in Houston.”

Houston Transformed

Houston, with its philanthropic investors, transformed under-used downtown properties and adjacent parking lots into a vibrant green space that has reinvigorated its downtown realm. Discovery Green attracts millions of people every year. 

Visitors attend and visit art installations, free concerts, festivals, fitness classes, ice skating, movie nights, and festivals like the Dia de los Muertos and Houston Art Car Parade celebrations. This park represents a cultural rejuvenation in Houston.

Discovery Green boasts these attractions and more: 

• A multi-use amphitheater
• Approved caterers
• Canoeing and kayaking on its one-acre kinder lake 
• Separate large dog and small dog parks 
• Event hosting
• Event lawn
• Small and large event hosting 
• Field trips
• Gateway Fountain: A splash park for summer fun
• Group visits of 20 or more
• Ice skating rink
• Playgrounds
• Pixar putt
• Parking options with ADA
• Seasonal attractions like its spring Toddler Tuesdays and salsa dance lessons
• Two restaurants, The Grove and the Lake House 
• Vendors
• Wedding hosting

Discovery Green’s When and Where

Discovery Green is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1500 McKinney Street, Houston. Parking options include metered parking on the park’s perimeter and nearby streets, parking garages, and surface lots, plus free metered accessible and veteran’s parking if no time restrictions are in place.  

Discovery Green Park Rules

With Discovery Green’s overwhelming visitor attendance, park rules are in place. These numerous rules may also seem overwhelming. However, they are in place for the safety and enjoyment of park goers. With so many concurrent activities and events attended by diverse cultural groups, these rules are practical.

General Rules

Park Rules Prohibit: 

• Activities that disrupt the use of the Park by others 
• Alcohol outside of restaurants and permitted events 
• Bathing and skateboarding in water features 
• Camping or using a bench to store materials 
• Entering flower beds or picking flowers 
• Foisting a handbill without consent of a Park Patron 
• Glass bottles or containers 
• Indecent exposure and public lewdness 
• Injuring wildlife or feeding birds 
• Leaving minors  unsupervised 
• Littering 
• Obscene, abusive, insulting, or threatening language
• Outdoor cooking or fires 
• Possession of weapons or firearms 
• Posting bills or verbal commercial solicitations 
• Reckless behavior and excessive noise 
• Smoking 
• Using a bench so as to interfere with its use by others 
• Using areas posted as reserved or closed 

A Permit from the Park Is Required for the Following Activities:

• Functions involving groups of 20 or more.  Use of amplified/electronic sound devices
• Selling or promoting food, drinks, merchandise, or services.  
• Exhibiting or performing to derive revenue
• Conducting commercial photography or video, including drones, and    the consent of a child’s parent is required. 
• Using any park area for a special use
• Operating a motor vehicle or riding a horse

 Photography and Video Guidelines

• Photographs and videos at the park for personal use are welcome provided their activity does not restrict public use of an area of the park. 
• Photography/videography of children age 14 or younger without parental consent, this includes the fountain and playground areas.  
• Photography/videography of park patrons without their consent, this includes all fitness classes.  

Pets

• Dog owners must remain with dog 
• Time limit is 45 minutes for each dog 
• Dogs must exhibit current license and vaccination tags 
• Children must be with an adult 
• No reckless play or fighting 
• No spiked collars 
• No dogs in heat 
• Dogs taller than 15 inches must use the large dog run 
• Dogs shorter than 15 inches must use the small dog run
• Pets must be on a leash outside of the dog runs 
• You must carry doggie poop bags and use them

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