Kinder Foundation

Kinder Foundation was pleased to join community and civic leaders for Discovery Green Conservancy’s inaugural "A Night of Discovery." The event highlighted the important role Discovery Green continues to play in bringing people together through public art, programming and shared experiences in the heart of downtown Houston.

Juneteenth celebrations at Emancipation Park carry deep historical and cultural significance for Houston. As one of the city’s most important historic gathering spaces, the park continues to bring the community together to celebrate freedom, culture and connection.

Kinder Foundation is proud to support Emancipation Park and the new stage that will host this year’s celebration. We encourage the community to join this special event and honor the legacy of Juneteenth in the place where that history continues to live on.

You're seeing it here first, H-Town! We've got the hottest lineup for Juneteenth 🎵! Come help us celebrate this inaugural concert on our brand new state-of-the-art stage, courtesy of the Kinder Foundation

Brian Courtney Wilson
803Fresh
King George
Robert Glasper
Scarface

RSVP NOW: https://JuneteenthTheReunion.eventbrite.com

Event Sponsors: H-E-B, KTSU 90.9FM, Special Events, City of Houston

Sarah Newbery, director of parks and greenspace at Kinder Foundation, will join leaders next month at Greater & Greener 2026 to discuss how resilient park planning can help big cities connect communities and improve quality of life.

Hosted by City Parks Alliance, the conference brings together innovators shaping more sustainable, vibrant and equitable cities. Learn more at greatergreener.org.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the ideas. Experience Austin's big innovations at Greater & Greener 2026 this June 13-16, 2026.

Austin’s world-class park system serves the nation’s 11th-largest and fastest-growing cities. Join 1,200+ park leaders to experience its “city within a park” model—an interconnected network of parks, trails, and green spaces within walking distance of every resident.

Register at greatergreener.org

Austin Parks and Recreation Department The Trail Conservancy

Project Row Houses continues to create space for art, conversation, and community in Houston’s Third Ward through its free public programs and events.

From hands-on workshops to artist talks, these gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to connect with local artists and support Houston’s creative community.

Learn more and register at projectrowhouses.org.

Experience a new perspective inside the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern with Undercurrents by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.

This immersive installation transforms the historic space through sound, light, and interaction, creating a unique experience for every visitor.

Learn more and reserve tickets at buffalobayou.org.

The currents of communication 🏛️

“Undercurrents” by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer invites visitors to speak, listen, and reflect as voices travel through a glowing network of light—creating a living, ever-changing environment shaped by everyone who enters the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern.

Step underground and experience it for yourself. Tours run Wednesday through Sunday at select times. Secure your tickets: https://buffalobayou.org/2026-undercurrents/

✍️ Please note: Due to a park event, “Undercurrents” will be walk-up only on Saturday, May 2 at the Buffalo Bayou Park Visitor Center.

Photos by Nicki Evans

For 45 years, the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research, has helped document how the Houston region continues to evolve.

The latest Kinder Houston Area Survey offers important insight into the experiences, concerns and priorities shaping life across the region today. Read more in the post below:

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2026 Results | Kinder Institute for Urban Research According to the 45th annual Kinder Houston Area Survey, residents are feeling more discouraged as they face slowing job growth and ever-present environmental threats. As national divisions rise, the region’s social cohesion and perceptions of others’ beliefs demonstrate the potential for progre...

Kinder Foundation was proud to support Jazzy Sundays in the Parks throughout March and April at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. The series brought the community together to enjoy live music from talented local artists in two of Houston’s most vibrant public spaces. Thank you to everyone who joined the performances this season.

Photos: Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Discovery Green

Improvements are underway at the Seymour Lieberman Trail in Memorial Park as part of the Memorial Groves project. Trail users can look forward to a more scenic, shaded route, along with new gathering spaces and fitness stations.

The trail will remain open throughout construction, and the three-mile loop will be maintained.

Stay up to date by following Memorial Park Conservancy.

📢Big changes are coming to the Seymour Lieberman Trail (SLT), and fences will be going up starting tomorrow! These improvements are part of the larger Memorial Groves Master Plan project. A portion of the SLT will be shifted away from West Memorial Loop Drive, creating a more scenic, shaded route for users while adding new grassy gathering areas and fitness stations along the trail.

💡The SLT will stay open during construction and free parking along West Memorial Loop Drive will remain available. The loop will continue to offer a three-mile route, even after construction is complete.

As work progresses, visitors may notice a few temporary changes along the trail, including limited access to benches and fitness stations. Water fountains will remain accessible throughout construction.
We appreciate your patience and encourage everyone to remain mindful of restricted areas and posted signage while enjoying the trail!

Learn more about the Memorial Groves project:
https://bit.ly/4suf8G5

📸: Rendering of Seymour Lieberman Trail improvements