Hemisfair Park redevelopment (homes, theater, move)

[OzzyRules]

They call it underutilized. That's putting it mildly.

I would go so far as to call the Hemisfair Park "un-utilized." I'm glad there is some plan for it. It needs change badly.

HemisFair rebirth focus of nonprofit

[Chaka]

I think I'm ok with the new plans (wasn't so much at first), but I don't get why people who never venture there think it's underutilized just because they don't use it. Whenever we go during the day - which is often, the playground is packed and tons of people are wandering around. And the weekly movies by moonlight have been drawing crowds of 700+ (1200 on the night John Hughes died, which just happened to be the same night they planned to screen Pretty in Pink). Though free, the concessions are doing a good business on those nights.

[OzzyRules]

I think it could use more attractions. The first time I went there as a kid they had an indoor food court. They also had a playground with very interesting/different stuff.

[the_dimwit]

I work at the Institute for Texan Cultures (adjacent to Hemisfair Park) and can vouch for Chaka's statement re: kid's playground. It's normally busy over there, but there is a lot to be desired as far as the rest of the grounds are concerned. It's more of a "pass-through" area during the day, meaning that walkers are merely getting from one destination (e.g. the Tower of the Americas) to another (e.g. the Riverwalk). I, for one, would support a revitalization effort as long as some effort was made to retain some of the original "charm."

--Dim

[Chaka]

I should clarify that I'm normally there on the evenings/weekends, so that may bias my perspective. Still, it is used. I wasn't happy to hear our park would go away, but after looking more at the plans, I think in general what is envisioned should be promising. I just don't want to lose a nice park. I like that it's a little oasis. I love walking through the river area under the convention center.

[lemonfresh]

Originally Posted by Chaka

I think I'm ok with the new plans (wasn't so much at first), but I don't get why people who never venture there think it's underutilized just because they don't use it. Whenever we go during the day - which is often, the playground is packed and tons of people are wandering around. And the weekly movies by moonlight have been drawing crowds of 700+ (1200 on the night John Hughes died, which just happened to be the same night they planned to screen Pretty in Pink). Though free, the concessions are doing a good business on those nights.

If done right all that can be maintained because there's going to be a park element to the new development, a "Central Park" (no, not the NYC park) which will probably be a better "park" than what is there now.

Once they tear down the ITC, Courthouse, etc and move the historic homes it opens a ton of land for redevelopment for residential use for work use for retail use plus enough land for a park where a playground can go, where a amphitheater or something can go for the movies and small concerts.