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This park, lining both sides of Buffalo Bayou in the Theater District, was designed to be Houston’s version of San Antonio’s Riverwalk, sans commercial development. On the south side of the bayou, the main entrance to the park lies adjacent to the Wortham Theater. Terraces, replete with a cascading waterfall and an octagonal pavilion, lead to the tree-shaded paths along the bayou.
The path on the south bank is lined by cypresses. Seven towers, dubbed Seven Wonders, rise from the banks of the bayou beside Wortham Center. Each of these towers is composed of 150 sheet-metal cut-outs based on drawings made by Houston school children who were born in 1986 (the year of Houston's sesquicentennial). Each tower has a different theme.
Further along the bayou on the south bank you’ll come to The Common, a large, grassy lawn. Balustrade railings separating the lawn from the bayou host historic photographs by Dean Ruck, each covering a decade of Houston’s history from 1936-1986.
The historic Preston Avenue Bridge links the north and south banks of the park. This was the location of the first bridge spanning Buffalo Bayou. The bridge, built by slave labor, allowed early settlers to easily bring cotton and produce from the countryside into town.
The paths along the bayou on the north bank are heavily landscaped. Climbing up from the bayou, at the eastern end, opposite the Wortham and in front of the Aquaruim, is a hillock overlooking the city. This was chosen as the site for a memorial to President H.W. Bush. A 650-pound bronze sculpture of the 41st president stands on the hillock, gazing upon his adopted hometown. On one side of the statue are quotes from the former president. On the other side are curious Marxist-reliefs, showing the President taking care of the people. Further in the tradition of Latin American dictatorships, the last relief panel shows the former President handing-off power to the current President Bush. One wonders if the artist had good intentions or was just being sarcastic.
Additional Waypoints:
- Preston Street Bridge: N29 45.855 W095 21.955
- The Common: N29 45.856 W095 21.899
- President George H.W. Bush Memorial: N29 45.899 W095 21.969
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Seven Wonders
President H.W. George Bush Memorial
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