Thousands of people will flock to Hermann Park during the Labor Day Weekend to enjoy its many attractions.  The Playground for All Children, the Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, picnic grounds and the Hermann Park Mini Train are all popular destinations during this busy holiday weekend.

To beat the traffic jams and parking challenges, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department urges patrons to carpool or ride METRO’s bus system or METRORail, which goes right past Hermann Park. Riders can catch METRORail at the Fannin South Park and Ride lot located at 1604 West Bellfort or park downtown and catch METRORail at any of the downtown rail stations. Riders can disembark at Hermann Park/Rice University Station, at Fannin and Sunset; Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo, at North MacGregor and Ross Sterling or the Museum District Station, between Ewing and Binz to access all of Hermann Park’s amenities.

Visitors also have expanded parking options, thanks to an agreement with Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza.  Hermann Park patrons can now use the parking garage located at 6400 Fannin, next to the Hermann Professional Building, on weekends. The current maximum rate for weekends is $6.00 and visitors have the option of paying by cash or credit card.

Park patrons are also advised to:

• Be aware that it is no longer possible to turn left into Hermann Park.  Pay attention to the “No Left Turn” signs posted along the light rail track
• Be aware that Golf Course Drive will only allow one-way traffic southbound from the Sam Houston Monument to MacGregor
• Know that HPD, METRO police and Urban Park Rangers will direct traffic at all intersections on MacGregor, Fannin and Golf Course Drive

Houston TranStar will coordinate freeway changeable-message signs on SH 288 to communicate traffic information to motorists.  Portable message signs will also be placed around the park to provide additional information to park visitors.  Check traffic conditions before venturing out to the park. Information is available at www.houstontranstar.org

Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoological Gardens, the Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and a neighbor to the Museum District.  Hermann Park offers a host of amenities from hike and bike trails to McGovern Lake’s pedal boats and the upgraded miniature train.  Renovations have only enhanced its reputation as a place for families to have fun together.

For more information on the METRORail system, including a map schedule and fares, call METROLine at 713- 635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.org.

About the Houston Parks and Recreation Department

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) stewards and manages over 38,992 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston and develops and implements recreational programming for citizens of all abilities.  For more information on the Hermann Park or the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit http://www.houstonparks.org/