Thirty volunteers, from all over Houston and surrounding communities, showed up Thursday morning to help clear debris from Hurricane Beryl and enjoy a meal courtesy of Shake Shack.
Some were Discovery Green neighbors who walked to the park, while others drove in from surrounding communities. All had been affected by the hurricane – from losing power and downed trees, to closed businesses and anxious hours checking on friends and loved ones.
“Discovery Green is my park,” said Karen. “I walk my dog here. I go to the Monday night yoga. This is my place, my community. I’m happy to help out.”
“I love Discovery Green. Whenever I have people visiting from out of town, I bring them here,” said Alex, who drove in from her home in Fulshear when she found herself not able to go into work because of the hurricane.
Due to the hurricane, Discovery Green experienced severe damage to the trees, said Operations Director Clark Curry. In the days after the hurricane, Curry asked his team to focus on clearing walkways and taking down dangling branches that posed a safety risk. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the team worked with an arborist contractor to save the trees that could be saved while identifying those that would need further pruning.
On Thursday, the 30 volunteers worked for more than three hours, clearing over 150 large bags of debris that will be taken to be composted. The volunteer army’s arrival was a blessing to Discovery Green Conservancy operation staff. These team members are also Houstonians dealing with power outages and problems at their own homes or caring for elderly family members.
At lunchtime, Shake Shack in downtown donated boxes of food to feed everyone who had worked up a huge appetite. Friendships were made over fries, ketchup and Shake Shack’s burgers doused with their special sauce.
The Conservancy is committed to ensuring Discovery Green is a safe, healthy and happy place for Houstonians and visitors to relax while enjoying one another’s company in a beautiful environment. As Houstonians ourselves, we know how important it is to have a place to cool off and rest.
We’re happy to announce that because of these volunteers’ efforts the park and all amenities, including the bathrooms, Gateway Fountains and Mist Tree will be opening again Saturday morning for regular operating hours. (Water features are open 9 am – 7 pm and bathrooms are open 9 am – 11 pm.)
A great big thank you to Shake Shack and the volunteers: Liya, Vern, Susan, Gil, Michael, Christopher, Alex, Katie, Tonya, Angela, Karen, Andrew, Asia, Guy, Victoria, April, Staci, Justin, Sara, Lorie, Fortson, Mariah, Brianna, Candace, Alex, Sarah, Brandon and Braydon!
(Photos taken by Katie Decker.)
Discovery Green Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the generosity of park visitors and other friends to maintain the park and to fund the more than 600+ free events held here every year. We welcome gifts of all sizes.
