Some of you may remember the Root Memorial Square Park thread. In it, I posted updates and pictures on the progress of the park's development. My last post was a big one, containing lots of cool info on the park. Well, I've created this thread with a new update on the progress. The landscaping is in, and it really looks nice. Here's an aerial view of the park and Toyota center. The modern art sculptures are in place at the Northeast entrance of the park, but they are covered to protect them from the construction. There is a granite tile in this corner describing the park's origin. The court now has it's colors, stripes, and outer coat, and really looks great. The ground area and trees around the court really make the park plush. It looks like they've done a great job of sticking to the park's original design. The landscaping around the gazebo area and fountains is beautiful. The vending machine area looks... well.. adequate. And be sure you read the rules (try not to laugh). I had to take these pictures before the park gets bombarded with spray-paint from gangs. This city's grafitti problem is WAY out of control. Click here to see all the pics.
Last week, I saw a lady in dress with some other nicely dressed guy walking around in the park looking at it. The lady was pretty hot. That is SO ****ING BEAUTIFUL. I've already talked about going to play there with my coworkers after work on Fridays. I like how the court is sunken into the ground. I wish they had two courts. Maybe I can transfer to Parks and Recreation or something. I heard that's all they do in parks and recreation is play ball.
no arguing? BWAHAHAHA! [/i]I believe that was a foul, sir Oh, heavens no! I beg to differ. I do believe that my hand contacted nothing but the basketball. Oh, pish posh! If you shall examine my wrist, you'll notice this red spot. Come now! I distinctly recall the sound of my hand striking leather, and I believe the gentleman around here will corraborate with me on that remark. The red on your wrist is from my burning you all game long, sir! Oh, no sir! I have, in fact, been providing elementary education in the fundamental aspects of basketball all afternoon...or, how do my chums down in the 3rd Ward say it? I've been "taking you to school". Now, now...I think you should refrain from such nonsense and promply apply your lips to my male appendage...post haste! hahaha! Touche, sir! Shall we resume the game? Lets...[/i]
I was wondering about this when I passed by it when going to a Comets game on Saturday. It really does look beautiful in person and love the fact that the court is sinked in. Hopefully one day, I am able to ball down there.
What's that sign say?? No bare feet What's THAT sign say?? No fighting!! What's it mean?? No fighting!! You owe me one gumball machine.
Drox, are you an LA? (landscape architect) You seem interested in the work. I used to be in a past life.
Do you know who the design firm is? (they didn't put their name on the plan view) I really like their work. A girl in an office I worked in in about 1986 was working on a redesign of Root Park but it of course wasn't anything this cool.
The Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department hired John Kirksey Associates, Architects, Inc. to design the park . The construction budget was $1,880,000. link and link It's also interesting that the park can be leased out to an event ($2,500 per event day, $1,250 per non-event day plus a deposit). Also, this: "Harris County Sports Authority CEO Oliver Luck and George Postolos, chief operating officer of the Houston Rockets, are exploring the possibility of purchasing additional land to the north of Root Memorial Square to extend the park."
I'd love it if there were pro-quality pickup games there. There are a bazillion NBA players living here, and the potential for there to be marquis players there is huge. I just hope it stays pretty. Unfortunately, Houston is friggin' hot and humid most of the time.
