Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston, Texas, created to provide public green space and cultural programming near the city’s convention and business district. The park opened in 2008 and is managed to support events, recreation and community activities.

Key features include Kinder Lake, large open lawns and a permanent performance stage for concerts and festivals. The park also contains a playground, water features, a dog run and public art, and it operates a year-round calendar of free programming such as fitness classes, markets and family events. The design concentrates active uses near pedestrian routes and transit stops to serve downtown workers, residents and visitors.

The park was developed through a public-private partnership and a funded redevelopment plan for downtown Houston, transforming a formerly underused block into programmed urban green space with ongoing public events and maintenance.

Discovery Green sits in the heart of downtown Houston adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center and within walking distance of the city’s business, hotel and theater districts.

• Size and opening year: Covers approximately 12 acres and opened to the public in 2008 as a public-private partnership to create downtown green space.
• Programming and access: Hosts year-round free programming including fitness classes, markets and cultural events; easy walking distance from the George R. Brown Convention Center and downtown hotels.

What to See #

• Kinder Lake: Kinder Lake occupies a central portion of the park and is used for seasonal programming and as a focal point for surrounding lawns and walkways.
• Performance lawn and event spaces: An open performance lawn and stage used for concerts, festivals and public events throughout the year, with adjacent paved promenades and art installations.