The Chron has a chat with Nancy Kinder, who headed up the private fundraising efforts for Discovery Green.
Q: When you started raising money, what was the pitch you made to donors? How did you convince people this would be a worthwhile use of their money?A: When we explained the vision and they looked at the location, they all knew what we saw immediately and what the mayor saw: that if you build a park downtown, if you really do want high-rise living, apartments, condos, you need to have something for these people to do and to be a part of. If you have an apartment and you live downtown, where are you going to go?
I mean, there's concrete everywhere.
Q: So you raised all this money to create the park. What will be the source of money for operations and maintenance?
A: There are four parts to the budget. We (the conservancy) own the restaurant, and Schiller del Grande operates it. We get a certain percentage of rent, so, if they do well, we do well. Also, City Council approved $750,000 a year for general maintenance. A gala every other year will be the third part of it.
The fourth part, we need businesses and companies around us to help us out with the programming. The programming is critical. If you have people here, the more you do for them, the more they'll come back.
Q: Have you encountered any concerns that all the millions being contributed to Discovery Green might be reducing funding available for other charitable causes?
A: At the beginning, there was some concern out there among the green groups. But I think we've brought a more high profile to green space and urban parks and created a blueprint for other organizations that want to do green space. We've convinced them you can't just have green space, because no one will come.
Beneath blue skies and a cool breeze, Mayor Bill White declared the opening Sunday of Houston's first major downtown park-- which took four years and $122 million to transform from a patchwork of parking lots.Discovery Green stretches in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center along McKinney for about eight city blocks or 12 acres -- surrounded by a dramatic view of Houston's skyline.
"This is a pure urban park that will have programs every day. It will have more intense activities than some of our other parks," said White, who had traded in his suit and tie for shorts and tennis shoes for the occasion.
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Many in attendance for the "Family Day" entertainment were gushing with enthusiasm at the myriad of entertainment, including model-boat races, kites, sports demonstrations, music and dance.
Anyone here visit the Green today? What did you think?
Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 13, 2008 to Elsewhere in HoustonIt was a great time, and all of the families and children really enjoyed all the park has to offer. I was very impressed at how well it was put together in such a short timeframe.
Discovery Green is an excellent addition to Houston, and is sure to be a signature landmark of downtown that will attract businesses and residential development.
Posted by: Noel Freeman on April 13, 2008 5:20 PMI was at the Astros game and could see from the stadium how busy the park was today. I hope to get down there to check it out soon.
I have a question for you about the co-op. Will it operate like a regular farmer's market, where anyone can go purchase goods, or will you have to join the co-op to shop there?
Posted by: Valerie on April 13, 2008 5:48 PMValerie - It will be an open market, with the Central City co-op and a couple of other farmers' groups. If you're not a member of Central City, there's a $1 day-pass charge to shop from them, but otherwise it's completely open. See here for more.
Posted by: Charles Kuffner on April 13, 2008 6:20 PM