Residing in the northeast segment of Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, McGovern Centennial Gardens has transformed what was a forgotten section of the park to better fulfill the original vision for the space. Featuring a pavilion, numerous individual gardens and a stunning view of the landscape, it showcases what it can mean to transform a space in a way that enables connection on multiple levels.
A Transformation that Connects to an Original Vision
Hermann Park was designed to be a public green space for Houston but has defined that vision in a way that has cultivated an identity for the entire city, becoming one of the most notable attractions in the region. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the park, Hermann Park Conservancy worked to transform the Houston Garden Center site into the McGovern Centennial Gardens. Opened in 2014, the Gardens have enabled a totally new way for audiences to engage with the space via attractions that have cultivated attention and direct revenue for stakeholders.
A variety of themed garden rooms are situated along the central Centennial Green, all of which are designed to be a “series of themed horticulture rooms.” The Centennial Green itself is a 350-foot-long greensward, which is segmented by two paths and surrounded by dense plantings, gravel walkways, and pergolas. The Family Garden, the Wooden Garden and the Rose Garden are just a few of the points of interest along Centennial Green.
The Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion is a modern marvel that serves as a venue for weddings and other special events. Designed by Peter Bohlin, pricing for the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion and Celebration Garden varies by season and day of the week.
Busts of numerous historical figures define the Hawkins Sculpture Walk, while full statues of Confucius, Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. reside nearby. These landmarks are in addition to the incredible view that is available to audiences from The Mount which looks down and across Centennial Green and the rest of Hermann Park.
These experiences with and across the space have allowed it to become an essential feature of Hermann Park and all of Houston, compelling attention and activity that attracts tour groups, volunteer efforts, donations and more.
Transforming a Legacy
While McGovern Centennial Gardens represents the fulfillment of a vision that ties back to the very founding of Hermann Park, it has also taken that vision to a whole new level by totally transforming the space, defining a legacy that resonates in the hearts and minds of audiences from all over the region.
