Memorial Park Tomorrow Nov.14

MAR APRMAY MAYJUN JUNJUL JULAUG SEP SEPOCT OCTNOV NOVDEC DECJAN FEB
2013 20142014 2015
Public Input
& Research Master Planning
MPC + Uptown
Houston + HPARD
Interview Process
Programming
& Public Input
DesignTeam
Selection
MasterPlan
Presentation
MAR APRJAN FEB MAY
We are here
AUG
GuidingPrinciples
Presentation
PublicMeeting
InitialDesignConcepts

PUBLIC INPUT
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
RESEARCH
Berg Oliver (Ecology)
John Jacob (Soils)
Hunt Design (Wayfinding)
Sherwood Design Engineers
(Civil Engineering)
Susan Turner Associates (History)
The Lighting Practice (Lighting)
ETM Associates (O & M)
Ecotech Panel
Memorial Park Conservancy
Uptown TIRZ
Houston Parks and Recreation
Department
CLIENT INPUT

Access
Accessibility is valued highly,
including: entry points to the
Park; connectivity with other
parks and parts of the city, via
foot, bike, car, and mass transit;
and improved parking. Ease of
facilities use.
Balance
Balance—between nature and
recreation, and among the
needs of all “users” (human
and animal).
Enhancement of
Existing Character,
Amenities & Usage
Preserve and enhance Memorial
Park’s role as an “urban
wilderness”. Upgrading existing
amenities and add restrooms
and drinking fountains.
Safety & Security
Better safety/security at night
and for families; safety for
the various types of users;
management of vehicle/bike/
pedestrian traffic.
Communication
Need for stronger
communication, including:
ample and clear signage
and messaging about Park
offerings, ongoing public input/
involvement.
Long-term Sustainability
Preservation and protection
of flora and fauna; a resilient
ecology; employment of
sustainable practices; and
“green” facilities.
Individual & Community
Enrichment
Easy to connect to other
Houstonians as well as to the
story of Houston, including:
education programs; ways to
experience the Park’s location;
ways to socialize with others
and feel sense of community.
Houstonians Speak Up to Renew Memorial Park
In 2013, the Memorial Park Conservancy and its planning partners, Houston Parks and
Recreation Department, and Uptown TIRZ, launched a citywide public input process to
connect with current and future Memorial Park users. Multiple formats were used to offer
all Houstonians opportunities to contribute their viewpoints, including large public open
houses, small workshops, and 24/7 engagement through a Memorial Park Tomorrow
website and social media presence. The input from all of these, have enabled the team to
understand ways that people use the park now and would like to in the future.
The following broad public priorities are the result:
WELCOME !WELCOME !
Museum stories in
a movie theatre
Museum stories on TV and
radio, and in newspapers
and magazines
Traveling exhibitions
at local museums
WEWE
WELCOME !WELCOME !
at local museums
xhibitions
useums
WELCOME !WELCOME !
Museum stories in
a movie theatre
Museum stories on TV and
radio, and in newspapers
and magazines
at local museums
WELCOME !WELCOME !
Made possible with generous support from the Baxter Trust

Guiding Principles:
TEND
Memorial Park needs our care. Let’s be good stewards.
MAGNIFY
Memorial Park has a lot going for it. Let’s make those things more visible.
OPTIMIZE
Memorial Park’s parts are out of balance with each other. Let’s arrange them so the
park can function optimally.
RECONNECT
Memorial Park is divided in many ways. Let’s make it whole and plug it into life in
Houston.
REVEAL
Memorial Park holds stories relevant to all Houstonians. Let’s tell them to the world.

6
SCALE: 1”=2000’
source: 1915 USFS Topographic map, altered for concept demonstration
Pre-1900: Undivided Land
• West of Houston’s developed extents, yet to be touched
by infrastructure or the thought of a park.
• 1834: Reinerman Tract claimed (image right)
Legend
1925 Park boundary
(Hare Hare)
1834 Reinerman Tract

14
SCALE: 1”=2000’
Image: 2010 Aerial Photograph; Data: aerial photograph, Berg Oliver Associates, Susan Turner Associates
2010: 25 Parts
• The Living Bridge is constructed.
• Picnic loop is connected to Memorial Drive at a second
point further east, creating another fragment.
Site rails roads
New roads
Adjacent roads
Buffalo Bayou
3
Legend
1 Bridle Trails
2 Golf Course
3 Arboretum Nature Ctr.
4 Ravine Woods
5 Median
6 Artillery/Infantry Woods
7 Green
8 Baseball
9 Playgrounds
10 Median
11 Median
12 Median
13 Picnic Loop
14 Rugby, green, trails
15 Weiss Park
16 Green
17 Median
18 Median
19 Median
20 Median
21 Median
22 Green / Median
23 Reynolds Woods
17
19
18
20
21
22
15
16
1 2
4
6
7 8
9
10
7
5
13
11
12
14
23
25

SCALE: 1”=2000’
Source: 2014 Lee Lupher aerial photograph
VISION: RECONNECTED PARK
• Stitch fragments together with contiguous spaces that
feel like a cohesive park
• Limit visual and pedestrian boundaries within the park
• Maintain existing programmatic elements of the park
Site rails roads
Adjacent roads
Buffalo Bayou
Legend

VISION: LIMIT AREAS OF FUTURE IMPACT
• Areas in red indicate places that have been heavily impacted by previous development
excluding areas that are culturally or historically sensitive
• Goal: limit future development to areas that have already been altered by past development
SCALE: 1:24,000
Legend
Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph; Data: HRA Gray Pape “In-
tensive Archaeological Survey of a 1.3-mile segment of Buffalo Bayou
in Harris County, Texas” with Roger Moore Archaeological Consulting;
Susan Turner Associates; and Berg Oliver
Historical Cultural
Resources
Areas for future
impact
Land impacted by
foot traffic only

2014: EXISTING SITE ORGANIZATION
• The park is currently experienced as a series of smaller and discontiguous uses and typologies
Legend
Active recreation
Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph; Data: Houston
Parks and Recreation Department and aerial photo analysis
Urban Wilderness
(trail use)
Picnic Area
Historical Cultural
Resources
Arboretum and Nature
Center

GOAL: CONNECT ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS
• Relocate active recreation such as baseball, rugby, and soccer that require more infrastructure and amenities such as parking and
bathrooms
• Combine areas of similar program, use and ecological, cultural, and historical experience
• Share recreation amenities for minimal impact on park and ease of maintenance
SCALE: 1:24,000
Legend
Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph; Data: Houston Parks and
Recreation Department and aerial photo analysis
Active recreation
Urban Wilderness
(trail use)
Picnic Areas
Cultural Historical
Resources
Relocated active
recreation
Center

GOAL: LOCATE PICNIC AREAS THROUGHOUT PARK
• Picnic areas become moments to experience different parts of the park
• Accessible by car, bike, foot, or wheelchair
SCALE: 1:24,000
Legend
Cultural Historical
Resources
Dispersed picnic
areas
Active recreation
Urban Wilderness
(trail use)
Relocated active
recreation
Center
Picnic area

Dispersed picnic
areas
GOAL: CONNECT LAND MASSES
• Create trail areas that connect large swaths of the site, allowing for longer and more rich park experiences and greater ecological
connectivity
• Bridge currently divided parts of the park with green spaces trails that are appropriate to ecologically and historically sensitive
sites
SCALE: 1:24,000
Legend
Active recreation
Urban Wilderness
(trail use)
Cultural Historical
Resources
Relocated active
recreation
Connected wilderness
areas
Arboretum Nature
Center

VISION: COHESIVE PARK PROGRAMS EXPERIENCES
Envisioning a park that:
• Preserves and interprets Camp Logan’s richest and most productive archaeological areas
• Embraces the signature existing cultural and ecological resources
• Creates expansive, connected, and complimentary program areas that provide a cohesive experience of this 1500 acre park
SCALE: 1:24,000
Legend
Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph;
Active recreation
Relocated active
recreation
Urban Wilderness
(trail use)
Camp Logan
interpretive areas
Historical entrance
experience
Golf course
Arboretum Nature
Center
Dispersed picnic
areas

, 2014
Memorial Park
Houston, TX
Land Bridge - Perspective from Memorial Drive

Unaffected Areas
Affected Areas
Legend
Berg Oliver’s preliminary
assessment of areas negatively
impacted by recent drought and
hurricanes
VEGETATION: Preliminary Assessment
1000’0’ 2000’

Pine, Hardwoods Forest
Wet Prairie, Savanah
Upland Prairie, Savanah
Native Prairie
Savanah/Forest
Savanah
Savanah/Prairie
Unaffected Areas
Legend
By examining historical patterns
of vegetation, soils, hydrology,
and existing site conditions,
Berg Oliver developed these
preliminary recommendations
for the park’s restoration
strategy.
Initial Recommendations for Plant Community Restoration
1000’0’ 2000’

WOODLAND
100-150 trees/acre
25% shrubs
25% herbaceous
SAVANNAH
50 trees/acre
20% shrubs
70% herbaceous
PRAIRIE
5-10 trees/acre
20% shrubs
80% herbaceous
Plant Community Restoration Typologies

Riparian Forest
Pine-Hardwood Forest
Pine-Hardwood Savannah
Native Prairie
Naturalized Golf Course
Ponds and Stream Corridors
Wet Savannah and Pairie
Bog Areas
Legend
The design seeks to reconnect
what is now a patchwork of
ecological corridors. Continuous
flows of water, wildlife, and plant
communities will be restored
through restoration of four
restoration types:
1. Riparian forests along water
ways
2. Pine/Hardwood Forests
at park edges and in areas
physically appropriate to forest
restoration
3. Savannah landscapes in
much of the rest of the park
4. Discrete Native Prairie near
the center at the highest point
on the site.
RECONNECT, TEND OPTIMIZE: Ecological Corridors Program
1000’0’ 2000’

While road and rail networks
are integral parts of Memorial
Park and the park’s history
and current use, they interfere
with how the park functions as
an ecological whole and how
people and wildlife experience
these ecological zones.
Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Existing Corridor Roadblocks Scattered Program
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Starting on the west edge of
the site, Memorial Park Drive
is realigned to hug the west
boundary of the park.
New bridges allow for physical
connection between the North
and south for water, wildlife, and
people.
Reconnect Western Riparian Corridor
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
An access road and pedestrian
bridge over the railroad would
allow for further pedestrian
connection between the east
and west sides of the park.
Bridge Railroad for Pedestrians
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
The picnic loop is removed to
enable connection between the
eastern and western halves of
the south side of the park.
Picnicking would be distributed
throughout the park.
Reclaim Savannah South of Memorial Drive
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Memorial Drive is reconstructed
with a bridge over the main
ravine, or barranco, allowing
for a north-south connection for
pedestrians, wildlife, and water.
Reconnect Riparian Corridor Primary Barranco
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
East Memorial Loop drive is
reconfigured to consolidate
park fragments and create
larger, usable central areas for
program.
Reclaim Eastern Fragments
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
A land bridge across Memorial
Drive connects the northern and
southern halves of the park.
A unified park experience and
ecological corridors are created.
Bridge Northern Southern Halves
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
1. Rugby
2. Volleyball and Croquet
3. Soccer
4. Softball
5. Baseball
6. Driving Range
7. Softball
8. Tennis Center
9. Natatorium / Fitness
Active recreation fields, tennis
center, and driving range are
consolidated in the northeastern
section of the park, adjacent to
existing roads and development.
1
2
3 4 5
6
7
8
9
Optimize Sports in Less Ecologically Sensitive Areas
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Two existing ponds in the golf
course are expanded and
two new ponds are created to
collect and store site water.
Water will be used as amenities:
beautiful ponds as well as for
irrigation of the golf course,
ballfields, and lawn spaces.
These ponds will double as
wildlife habitat.
Gather Storm Water for Ponds, Irrigation Ecological Health
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
A bridge at the east end of
Memorial Drive provides another
safe connection between north
and south for pedestrians and a
celebrated entrance to the park.
Bridge and Accentuate East Entry
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
REVEAL MAGNIFY: Park History, Entries Spaces
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Memorial Park’s First Master Plan
1924 Proposed Entry Gardens
by Hare Hare Landscape
Architects
Create a clearing in the forest.
Great Lawns, Gathering Spaces
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
WWI Camp Logan Training Camp
Camp Logan Memorial Woods
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
The northwest quadrant will
retain Equestrian trails. A
physically and visually disparate
Cycle Track that replaces the
Picnic Loop will solve user
conflict.
An equestrian center adjacent to
the polo grounds could house
possible Community Riding
Programs.
Equestrian Center, Trails Cycle Track
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Wide and dense forested
buffers at the edges of the park
create a sense of immersion
in landscape spaces along the
more urbanized edges.
A landscaped berm on northern
edge at I-10 will help to buffer
noise and pollution.
Highway and Neighborhood Buffers
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Currently separated from the
park, this will become an iconic
entry. It provides access from
the west and the south to the
Arboretum and the park beyond.
This site will provide pedestrian
and boating access to the
bayou.
Reconnect Western Fragments, Celebrate Park Entry
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Access trails are added to Hogg
Bird Sanctuary. Invasive species
are cleared from the understory,
allowing for healthier habitat and
forage for native bird species.
Restore Hogg Bird Sanctuary
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Dispersed parking lots
provide improved access
to park activities. Parking
along Memorial Loop Road is
removed, allowing for two way
traffic and a more park-like
feeling. Discrete parking areas
now provide access to all parts
of the site.
The proposed parking design
provides no net loss in parking.
Proposed Parking Lots
Parking Service Areas
Existing Parking to Remain
Legend
Distribute Parking to Active Program Areas
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Vision: A park that balances
a more resilient natural
environment, improved
recreation and amenities,
and the site’s rich history and
setting.
REVEAL: Access to Diverse Spaces, Ecologies, Cultural Resources
1000’0’ 2000’

Riparian Forest
Native Prairie
Bog Areas
Legend
Master Plan
Cycle Track and Trails
Archery
Equestrian Center
Sports Complex
Memorial Groves
Golf Course
Tennis Center
Fitness Center/Natatorium
Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space
Maintenance Area
Hogg Bird Sanctuary
Family Recreation Area and Southside
Trailhead
Land Bridge
Running Trail Center and Timing Track
1000’0’ 2000’

PARKING LOT CROSSING
CONNECTIONONLYTHROUGHSLT
CONNECTION ON NORTH SIDE OF ROAD ONLY THROUGH SLT
Existing Trail Network
Multi Use Trail: 12.5 miles
Bridle Trails: 1.5 miles
Arboretum Trails: 6 miles
Outer Loop: 1.25 miles
Tex-DOT Trail: 1.75 miles
Cycle Track (picnic loop): 1.25 miles
Seymour Lieberman Trail: 2.9 miles
Total: 27.15 miles
1000’0’ 2000’

Proposed Trail Network: 50+ miles
1000’0’ 2000’

Pedestrian Trails: 40+ miles
1000’0’ 2000’

Connectivity Network: 7.5 miles
10-16'
1000’0’ 2000’

Memorial Loop: 9.5 miles
12’
1000’0’ 2000’

Seymour Lieberman Trail (SLT): 3 miles Timing Track: .25 miles
16’
1000’0’ 2000’

Bayou Trail: 3 miles, Other Hiking Running Trails: 8 miles
4’
1000’0’ 2000’

Arboretum Trails: 8 miles
20’
1000’0’ 2000’

Cycling Trails: 30+ miles
1000’0’ 2000’

Connectivity Network: 7.5 miles
16’
1000’0’ 2000’

Cycle Track: 1.5 miles, Kids Loop: .25 miles
24’
1000’0’ 2000’

Dedicated Mountain Bike: 8.5 miles, Kids Mountain Bike Zone: 1 mile
4’
1000’0’ 2000’

Equestrian Trails: 3.5 miles
12’
1000’0’ 2000’

Sports Complex
200’0’ 400’ 800’
Existing Conditions Aerial Photo

Sports Complex
200’0’ 400’ 800’
Existing Features to Remain

Sports Complex
200’0’ 400’ 800’
Driving Range (Double Height)

Sports Complex Sports Fields
Baseball
Softball
SoftballSoccer
Volleyball
Croquet
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Sports Complex Vegetated Berm and Buffer Planting
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Sports Complex Access Road
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Sports Complex Parking
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Sports Complex SLT
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Sports Complex Multiuse Trail
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Existing Conditions Aerial
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Natatorium
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Tennis and Fitness Center
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Spaces
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Buffer Planting
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Access Roads
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Parking
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space SLT
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Multiuse Trail
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Existing Conditions Aerial Photo
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Existing Features to Remain
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Access Roads
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Land Bridge
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Parking
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Memorial Groves
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves SLT and Timing Track
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Multiuse Trails
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Mountain Biking Trails
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Existing Conditions Aerial Photo
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Land Bridge and Access Roads
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Parking
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Trailhead Program
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead SLT
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Multiuse Trail
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Mountain Biking Trails
200’0’ 400’ 800’

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Hiking Trails
200’0’ 400’ 800’

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SPACES AND PLACES: HOW WILL IT LOOK?
Monday, January 12th, 2015, 6:30–8:30 pm
Moody Park Community Center
3725 Fulton St.
Houston, TX 77009
THE PROPOSED PLAN: MEMORIAL PARK TOMORROW
A PLACE FOR ALL HOUSTONIANS
Monday, March 9th, 2015, 6:30–8:30 pm
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Brown Auditorium
Caroline Wiess Law Building
1001 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005
HOST: Council Member Ellen Cohen (District C)
A STORY OF THE PARK: PEOPLE IN NATURE
INITIAL DESIGN CONCEPTS
Wednesday, September 17th, 6–8 pm
The Eldorado Ballroom
2310 Elgin St.
Houston, TX 77004
HOST: Council Member Dwight Boykins (District D)
CO-HOST:Council Member Robert Gallegos (District I)
All Houstonians are welcome at all meetings
Join a meeting near you!
MASTER PLAN PUBLIC UPDATE MEETINGS
ORGANIZING THE SITE: WHAT GOES WHERE?
Monday, November 10th, 6:30–8:30 pm
White Oak Conference Center
7603 Antoine Dr.
Houston, TX 77088
HOST: Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A)

Memorial Park Tomorrow Nov.14

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