Do you know what you’re doing today? If the mind isn’t made up yet, I think I have THE spot: Levy Park Houston!

If you haven’t heard of it, don’t beat yourself up because although the 5.2 acres grounds for Levy Park were originally deeded to the City of Houston back in 1952 from the estate of Leon Levy. Levy, quite the philanthropist, established the Jerome Levy Foundation to pay homage to his well-loved father, giving grants to human rights and land preservation organizations. At the time of offering the deed to Levy Park, it was quite the hustling area for Houstonians, but as time passed it’s cul-de-sac surroundings caused for a growing lack of visibilty as the city began to grow, leaving the park to experience degradation.

Beginning in the early 2000’s a new vision for the park emerged and Phase 1 of the development for this vision began. And, now, here we are thirteen years later and the Grand Opening, set for February 25, 2017, is upon us! What will this park now offer the busy, yet health-conscious citizens of Houston?

Performance Pavilion.

With seating for 3000, there is a performance pavilion that offers a 2,000 square foot performance stage … roughly 42,000 square foot of lawn for events … a donor recognition wall, and water features!

Illustration courtesy of LevyParkHouston.org

Promenade.

If taking a stroll for quaint conversation … need a little bio-break … or want to make your way to the Farmer’s Market Row, the Promenade will gladly receive you!

Activity Lawn.

Chase the kiddos around, or find a tree to nestle under for a few hours with your favorite book. Or, do what I sometimes do and just sit to people watch 🙂 Regardless, the Activity lawn has much flexible seating and table areas … a newsstand … and Outdoor Reading Room … believe it or not, an Outdoor Table Tennis section … and Putting Greens!

Playground.

Stay true to the inner child and play a little! At Levy Park you can definitely let the kids loose … and when you do, enjoy watching them from the Observation Deck! You’ll also find in this part of the Playground an Interactive Garden … Performance Amphitheater … a Climbing Wall … and Interactive Water (perfect for that HOT Houston heat, huh!)

Dog Park.

I haven’t convinced my husband yet to get a dog … so I somehow get my fix from being around other’s dogs. But, if you have a furry one in the family, there isn’t any reason they can’t come with you to Levy Park. The Dog Park section has play areas for both the small and large dogs, which includes double gate safety features. They also get to enjoy their own Dog Water Features … and, Play Berms!

Community Gardens.

I’m pretty excited about what Levy Park offers, but I think I’m most giddy about the gardens. This has over 1200 square feet of Therapy Garden Fruit Orchards … Individual ADA Accessible Beds … Teaching and Demonstration Arbors … a Composting Facility and Tool Storage! I wish they’d let me just plant a tiny house in this park – I’d live there for sure 🙂