2025 Fiscal Year Impact Report
Photo: Overlook Pavilion in Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie
Cover Photo: Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie
by the Numbers MEMORIAL PARK
June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025
MISSION
The mission of Memorial Park Conservancy is to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.
CORE VALUES
» V isionary stewardship of all resources
» Conservation of natural resources
» Sustainability and resilience
» Exemplary park management
Photo: Kinder Land Bridge covered in snow on January 21, 2025
LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Memorial Park Conservancy had much to celebrate in our recently-wrapped fiscal year (June 2024-May 2025).
From rounding out Memorial Park’s Centennial Year to welcoming a new President & CEO, our team continued to serve up natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and moments of connection for Houstonians – all while delivering on the high standard of park stewardship you’ve come to expect and enjoy.
Right away, the new fiscal year brought an opportunity to demonstrate Memorial Park’s resilience when Hurricane Beryl struck on July 8, 2024. Thanks to the swift response of the Conservancy team, the Park reopened to the public just days after the storm. Not even a hurricane can deter our daily die-hard visitors for long!
In October, the Conservancy’s Board of Directors had the pleasure of announcing Chris Ballard, our then Chief Operating Officer, as Interim President & CEO – a position that was made permanent in March of 2025. Chris’s steadfast commitment to Memorial Park’s future is evident. Please join me in congratulating him and wishing him well.
In another incredible moment, Memorial Park was honored at the Texas State Capitol in recognition of its Centennial Year. On February 25, 2025, Texas State Senator Molly Cook introduced State Senate Resolution 130 marking this significant milestone. Members of our executive leadership team and Board of Directors represented the Conservancy in Austin for this remarkable occasion.
Plans for Memorial Groves, our next major Ten-Year Plan project, continued taking shape. This project – coming in 2027 – honors the Park’s history while further enhancing its natural beauty and providing new opportunities for recreation, education and relaxation. As the project design continued, the Conservancy organized two public information sessions to engage the community in dialogue with MPC and our project partners. I hope you’ll continue to follow these plans as we tell the story of why Memorial Park is here, and why it’s indeed called Memorial Park.
With each new space that unfolds, Memorial Park Conservancy embraces the growing responsibility and cost of nurturing 1,100 acres for the long haul.
What truly makes this possible is you. Your generosity and belief in our mission are what give Memorial Park its unique identity as a place where our community can come together, find peace, and reconnect with nature. From all of us at the Conservancy, thank you for standing with us. Your continued support means the world, and with it, we can ensure Memorial Park remains a beloved sanctuary for generations to come.
In sincere gratitude,
Veronica Chapa Gorczynski Chair, Board of Directors Memorial Park Conservancy
Photo: Pavilion at Clay Family Eastern Glades
MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
Memorial Park Conservancy announced Chris Ballard as President & CEO on April 1, 2025. Chris joined the Conservancy in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, following a comprehensive nationwide search for a leadership team member with the potential to guide the Park’s future.
The Conservancy’s Board of Directors and staff leadership selected Chris for his extensive operations experience, track record of career growth and success, strong people leadership skills, and professional values that closely align with those of Memorial Park Conservancy.
A native Texan, Chris brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned leader adept in overseeing operations, facilities, finances and personnel.
Prior to joining the Conservancy, Chris was a key figure at Abilene Christian University. Most recently, he served as the Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Athletics, where he provided supervision and leadership for the Athletics Department’s business office, human resources, facilities, event operations, compliance, academics and sports medicine units.
Chris and his wife, Aubrey, have been married for 18 years and recently welcomed their fourth child. During his spare time, Chris focuses on quality time with his family, coaching little league, watching his children play sports, and enjoying a round of golf— often at Memorial Park!
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MEMORIAL PARK
Memorial Park celebrated its biggest birthday yet in 2024! To honor this landmark event, the Memorial Park Conservancy team designed a suite of Centennial logos, prominently displayed on banners, flyers, email signatures, and social media graphics throughout the year.
Centennial signage was unveiled throughout the Park in January 2024, while themed stickers, shirts and merchandise were distributed at the Cullen Running Trails Center and during events.
A dedicated webpage titled “100 Ways to Celebrate” was launched, offering a comprehensive list of ways for visitors to explore the Park and support Memorial Park Conservancy throughout 2024.
The Centennial Celebration was more than just a tribute to the Park’s history; it was also about celebrating a vibrant and sustainable future. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Conservancy team, volunteers, and the broader community, Memorial Park will remain a beloved sanctuary for relaxation, recreation, and reflection for decades to come!
A CENTURY
OF
STORIES: CELEBRATING MEMORIAL PARK
To cap off the milestone year, Memorial Park Conservancy organized an installation to highlight the history of the Park. A walking timeline showcasing Memorial Park’s journey from thousands of years ago to the present was assembled inside Clay Family Eastern Glades.
The installation was launched in October with a pop-up party, complete with snacks and drinks for Park users who stopped by to check out the exhibit.
The timeline remained up throughout the rest of the Centennial year, to educate Park users on the significance of the ground beneath their feet.
A CENTENNIAL RECEPTION
In November, we welcomed loyal friends and supporters to the Park for a memorable Centennial Celebration. Guests enjoyed delicious bites, beverages, and live music by Houston Groove Society under the twinkling stars on Bowden Terrace. Large-scale illuminated panels highlighted Memorial Park’s rich timeline, creating an immersive experience for our guests that honored the Park’s history. This special gathering served as a fitting conclusion to our Centennial year and a celebration of all that has been accomplished.
A CELEBRATION AT THE CAPITOL
As another special commemoration, Memorial Park Conservancy had the privilege of being invited to the Texas State Capitol in February to honor the Centennial. During session, State Senator Molly Cook introduced Senate Resolution 130, highlighting the 100-year milestone for Memorial Park. Members of our leadership team and board of directors were in Austin to represent MPC for this remarkable occasion.
Thank you to Senator Cook and the entire Texas Senate for this incredible honor! This was a wonderful reminder of the importance that comes from fulfilling our mission to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for all Houstonians, today and tomorrow. We look forward to keeping Memorial Park an iconic Houston landmark for the next 100 years and beyond.
“RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the centennial of Memorial Park in Houston and extend to all those associated with the park sincere best wishes for the future.”
100 Years of Memorial Park
From left: Holli Clements, MPC VP of Engagement; Claire Caudill, MPC Lifetime Board Member; State Senator Molly Cook; Veronica Chapa Gorczynski, Chair of MPC Board of Directors; Chris Ballard, MPC President & CEO
Memorial Park Master Plan Timeline
Master Plan Creation
The 2011 drought prompted what was to become a renewed future for Memorial Park. In close collaboration, Memorial Park Conservancy, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Uptown Houston and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects developed a bold, visionary Master Plan for Memorial Park.
Ten-Year Plan
The Ten-Year Plan for Memorial Park was created thanks to a $70M catalyst gift from Kinder Foundation that leveraged public funding and also included support from other generous donors, enabling the Conservancy to accelerate significant components of the Memorial Park Master Plan.
Sports Complex
The reimagined Sports Complex also opened in 2020, constructing a multi-use sports field for games like rugby, lacrosse, soccer, and other field sports, including two ballfields and four sand volleyball courts, as well as associated parking.
Kinder Land Bridge
The Kinder Land Bridge opened in Februrary 2023, creating two dynamic connections over Memorial Drive that reunite the North and South sides of Memorial Park, expanding the existing network of trail systems and increasing connectivity by creating a safe passage for both people and animals.
Running Complex
As a major hub and access point on the south side of Memorial Park, the Running Complex opened in November 2023, featuring the 400meter Roy H. Cullen Timing Track, viewing decks, an event plaza and terrace, gathering spaces, trails, and more.
2020
2023
Master Plan Approval
After an extensive public input process, the Master Plan was unanimously approved by Houston City Council. Guiding principles include restoring the Park’s ecological systems, reconnecting the Park’s land, waterways, trails, and people, and tending to the land and the Park’s cultural history.
Clay Family Eastern Glades
The first project of the Master Plan opened in July 2020. Clay Family Eastern Glades reclaimed 100 acres of previously inaccessible park-land and provided a family-friendly space for all to enjoy. Honoring the Park’s military history through its architecture, the project expanded picnicking, parking, and restrooms, along with wetlands, trails, and boardwalks, and the creation of Hines Lake.
Ravine Bridges
To enhance the experience for visitors on the Seymour Lieberman Trail, three ravine bridges were constructed to shift the trail away from Memorial Drive, bringing Park users through some of the most scenic areas of the 3-mile loop.
Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie
Opening at the same time, the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie created a Coastal Prairie in the center of Memorial Park, helping to strengthen the surrounding ecologies and bring Houstonians an immersive opportunity to experience and appreciate this critical native ecology.
THE MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Memorial Park Conservancy made significant strides in fiscal year 2025, continuing its promise to deliver the 2015 Memorial Park Master Plan.
Initiated to restore the Park’s ecology and improve its amenities after a severe drought in 2011, the Master Plan was approved by Houston City Council in 2015.
The Master Plan projects promote connectivity and resiliency, restore damaged ecologies to provide higher function for the Park and city, help manage storm water, provide new cultural and recreational amenities, and tell the historical narratives of the people and the land through landscape design.
To accelerate the delivery of major Master Plan projects, the Ten-Year Plan was launched in 2018 with a $70 million catalyst gift from Kinder Foundation, which leveraged funding through the Uptown Development Authority, and by the generosity of other donors. Memorial Park Conservancy is delivering these projects through partnerships with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Uptown Houston, and Kinder Foundation.
WHAT’S NEXT
The next project, to be delivered in 2027, is Memorial Groves, a 100-acre project that will honor the history of Memorial Park.
MEMORIAL GROVES PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS
To move forward in the design of Memorial Groves, Memorial Park Conservancy organized two Memorial Groves public information sessions in fiscal year 2025.
The initial session on September 10, 2024, introduced the public to the project’s conceptual design.
The second meeting, which took place on February 13, 2025, presented the project’s schematic design. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions at each session, and both discussions were fully recorded and made available online.
These information sessions provided the design team with important feedback and the opportunity to address questions and concerns during the development of the design.
MPC President & CEO Chris Ballard presenting at the first public information session
MEMORIAL GROVES
In April 2025, Memorial Park Conservancy unveiled plans for Memorial Groves, and shortly after, began preliminary site work and ecological restoration for the project. Accelerated by generous support from Kinder Foundation ($10 million), John L. Nau III ($7.5 million) and Brown Foundation ($7.5 million), this $50.5 million project is the latest of several transformative improvements envisioned by the Memorial Park Master Plan for the revitalization of Houston’s largest urban greenspace.
Established in 1924, Houston’s Memorial Park was named to honor the 70,000 soldiers who served at Camp Logan, a U.S. Army training camp during World War I (WWI). Memorial Groves will honor the original vision of the Park as a greenspace that pays tribute to Houston’s WWI history.
Memorial Groves is located on a narrow tract within Memorial Park running north to south primarily between the rail line and West Memorial Loop Drive. This site was chosen because it holds the greatest number of archaeological remains from Camp Logan structures within the Park, providing an opportunity to convey the scale and scope of Camp Logan’s footprint as well as its legacy.
Designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, Memorial Groves seeks to create a living remembrance: a forest of nearly 3,000 bald cypress trees planted in a rigorous grid. Symbolizing soldiers standing in formation, the grid of trees will form long lines, their straight columnar trunks creating tall cathedral-like spaces over time.
Covering twenty continuous acres along both sides of West Memorial Loop Drive, interrupted only by the regular rhythm of the open lawns marking Camp Logan’s historic streets, the groves of trees will provide a palpable sense of the scale of Camp Logan where 70,000 soldiers trained for war.
As the bald cypress change colors with the seasons, visitors immersed within the groves, whether walking its paths or driving along Memorial Loop Drive, will be reminded of the soldiers and their sacrifice, while being inspired by the beauty of the natural cycles of life and renewal.
Significant enhancements will be made to the Seymour Lieberman Trail within the Memorial Groves project area, as was done in the Eastern Glades and Land Bridge projects. A large portion of the trail will be shifted further from West Memorial Loop Drive, allowing groves trees to be planted between the trail and the road. As the trees grow in, the result will be a more scenic and shaded route along the trail, with the Camp Logan Historic Street Lawns extending across the road at regular intervals, providing new grassy areas along the trail for gathering, stretching or resting adjacent to new fitness stations.
Visitors will learn about the lives and daily routines of the soldiers as they view the unearthed foundations of Camp buildings that lie between two important native habitats: an existing prairie, which will be protected and preserved, and a twenty-acre expanse of savanna habitat that will be restored as part of the project.
As with all other Master Plan projects, Memorial Groves will introduce new spaces for recreation and fitness, including trails for walking and cycling, adult workout areas, open lawns for play and picnicking, and a large playground with an adjacent covered pavilion. The playground will create a place where children can play and explore history simultaneously through age-appropriate themes animating a variety of play structures with elements of Camp life.
A new Visitor Center, designed by Moody Nolan, will anchor the north end of Memorial Groves and will include offices for Memorial Park Conservancy. At the south end, a picnic pavilion, lawn area and playground will become a popular destination for families. Both areas will include new parking and restrooms.
Interpretive features, signage, and exhibits distributed throughout the Memorial Groves landscape and Visitor Center will engage both visitors and everyday Park users with the history of Camp Logan and the stories of individual soldiers who trained there, including the 370th Infantry Regiment. The center will also tell the stories of those who supported the camp, from the laborers who built it to the soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment who guarded its construction.
Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with target completion in 2027.
Memorial Groves Project Team:
Master Plan Design and Project Landscape Architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
Visitor Center Architect: Moody Nolan
Visitor Center Interpretation / Exhibitry Design: Gallagher & Associates
Environmental Design: Blackland Collaborative
Archaeology: Gray & Pape, Inc.
General Contractor: Tellepsen
African American / Military Historian: Jeffrey Sammons, PhD
Ten-Year Plan Project Partners:
Memorial Park Conservancy
Kinder Foundation
Houston Parks & Recreation Department
Uptown Houston
PARK OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Memorial Park Conservancy maintains and protects 1,100 of the Park’s 1,500 acres, 365 days a year. The Park Operations Team has a long list of duties, from mowing the grass to stocking restrooms. They work tirelessly to not only maintain park spaces and facilities, but also to promote sustainable forestry practices, enhance safety, and act as the first line of defense against the challenges posed by Mother Nature.
Notable accomplishments of the Park Operations Team during fiscal year 2025 include:
Vale Asche Playground Area:
• Parking lot resurfaced and repainted, in partnership with Houston Parks and Recreation Department
• Parking blocks and split rail fence installed
• New swing set beds with new safety surfacing installed
• New wood installed on picnic tables
Park Safety Highlights:
• Automatic gates installed at Running Complex and Picnic Loop to improve nighttime safety
• Lights on Living Bridge repaired
• Safety bollards installed on Commuter Trail at Picnic Loop and on the pedestrian path at Crestwood and Memorial Drive
Stretching Deck Improvements:
• New stretching deck and shade structure constructed
• New fitness equipment installed with improved safety surfacing
• Three new trees planted to improve aesthetics and provide shade to the deck and trail
• Additional water fountain added, bringing the total to two for that area
Other Team Highlights:
• 100+ stumps ground throughout the Park to facilitate mowing and improve overall aesthetics
• 1,850 work orders completed
• Bridge constructed over eroded area on Green Trail
• Water fountain upgraded along path at Crestwood and Memorial Drive
TREE HAZARD MITIGATION INITIATIVES:
Every Monday, the Park is thoroughly inspected, and the natural surface trails are regularly walked to identify any hazardous conditions, such as dead trees. Each week, the Park Operations Team takes action to mitigate risks for Park users, staff, and amenities. The team uses a tree lift to access and remove deadwood from tall trees, especially those over trails and lawn areas.
TREE HEALTH CARE INITIATIVES:
• Injections to prevent pest and fungal attacks were administered to 29 pines and 6 oak trees
• Over 50 trees in Clay Family Eastern Glades and more than 30 in the Sports Complex were pruned to promote a healthy structure
• Mulching of trees in the Sports Complex and Picnic Loop to add needed nutrients to the soil to promote tree health
• Trees along more than three miles of the Seymour Lieberman Trail and 4,000 linear feet of the Commuter Trail were pruned for trail safety
• More than 100 trees across the Park were fertilized using targeted amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to improve their health of the trees, including trees on Kinder Land Bridge mounds, in Clay Family Eastern Glades and at the Sports Complex
The intentional care of trees across the Park is aimed to support the longevity and the health of these trees that provide shade to Park users and important ecological services in Park habitats.
CARES DAYS:
The entire Park Operations Division participates in a CARES Day project on selected days throughout the year. This initiative lets the team focus on a specific area of the Park, improving its appearance, performing deep cleanings, and tackling large-scale projects that require a sizable group. About 40 individuals come together for three hours on these days, working diligently in one concentrated location.
FY25 CARES Day projects included focus on the Running Complex, Maintenance Yard, Fitness Center/Vale Asche Playground, and the Sports Complex.
HURRICANE BERYL’S IMPACT ON MEMORIAL PARK
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck Houston and Memorial Park. Our dedicated team worked tirelessly the morning after the storm to ensure that many areas of the Park were reopened swiftly for everyone to enjoy safely.
Estimated Impact:
• Approximately 150 trees along roads and trails were lost or severely damaged. This figure does not account for the more wooded sections of the Park.
• Structures damaged including a ravine bridge, a sidewalk, a pavilion, wetland boardwalks in Clay Family Eastern Glades and a stretching deck at the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track.
• The Park experienced ten days without power at the Cullen Running Trails Center.
• An estimated 3,600 staff hours were devoted to storm cleanup.
CONSERVATION OPERATIONS
As stewards of Memorial Park, Memorial Park Conservancy takes great pride in managing one of Houston’s greatest assets. In this role, we have a significant responsibility to cultivate and restore the Park’s unique urban wilderness for current and future generations. To achieve this, the Conservancy collaborates with environmental experts, educates others on biodiversity, and maintains healthy ecosystems. Whether we’re planting native species, removing invasive plants, or advocating for sustainable practices, every action contributes to a healthier, more vibrant park.
The Conservation Operations Department consists of three branches: Arboriculture, Native Habitats, and Horticulture.
Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights:
Grasses and Flowers Planted:
More than 16,300 plants were planted across the Park, with more than 80% of them grown in the greenhouse.
Seeded Acres:
More than five acres were walked along the Commuter Trail and in Clay Family Eastern Glades to spread seed in the native habitat spaces to increase plant diversity.
Two acres of native habitat were seeded to promote vibrant spring flowers in the prairie near Living Bridge.
Horticulture Native Habitats:
More than 70,000 square feet of native plant garden beds were diligently maintained, which included adding mulch and compost to enhance soil health, monitoring irrigation systems, weeding, and performing seasonal pruning and cutbacks to encourage grass and flower growth, promoting overall plant health.
Additional enhancements to the garden beds feature:
• Installation of a native shrub hedge barrier at the North Lakeside Pavilion
• Edging added to the gardens behind the Cullen Running Trails Center
• Reinstallation of irrigation in two beds
The daily care of each native garden bed not only creates beautiful spaces for Park visitors to enjoy but also supports essential native pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Native Habitat Land Care:
Nearly ten acres of forested “greenwall” at Vale Asche Playground and the Sports Complex had dead trees removed; understory was mowed to control aggressive dewberry vines.
Over ten acres of native savanna habitat in Clay Family Eastern Glades underwent a winter mow to enhance the vibrant spring display of flowers and grasses.
More than 30 acres of native habitat (including young forest, savanna, and prairie) in the Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie were mowed in winter to promote a stunning spring bloom and to suppress the growth of aggressive vines and other invasive species.
A stretch of 3,000 linear feet was mowed to create a fire break in the Land Bridge & Prairie as a wildfire mitigation strategy.
More than five acres of preserved forest in the Land Bridge & Prairie had dead material removed to allow light to reach the native seed bank and young tree saplings, while invasive trees were also eliminated.
Over five acres of the South Easement Prairie received a winter mow to manage aggressive vine growth and support a beautiful spring show of flowers and grasses.
More than five acres of native habitat (young forest, savanna, and prairie) in the Land Bridge & Prairie were selectively sprayed to prevent the spread of invasive species that threaten native plants.
Over an acre of maturing native forest in the Eastern Glades was sprayed to suppress invasive plant growth, supporting the development of young tree saplings and the native seed bank.
A winter mow was conducted on 2.5 acres of native savanna habitat along the Commuter Trail.
The intentional care in the native forests, savannas, prairies, and wetlands supports the next generation of trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses that support many ecosystem functions and bring Park users closer to nature.
Parks Supporting Parks
In October 2024, the Memorial Park Conservancy Conservation Team dedicated a day to collecting seeds in Deer Park. This event, hosted by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, is held roughly once a month during the seasons when plants have matured and gone to seed.
During this outing, the MPC team collected a diverse assortment of seeds, including Texas coneflower, prairie plantain, milkweed, beak-sedge, and rattlesnake master, among others! Once the technicians cleaned and processed these seeds, they were either cultivated in the greenhouse for planting in the Park or sown directly into the Park’s landscape.
VOLUNTEER OPERATIONS
Volunteers serve as the heartbeat of Memorial Park. Each year, hundreds of dedicated individuals and corporations invest countless hours to aid in the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the Park, working closely with Memorial Park Conservancy.
Individual volunteers committed a total of 128 hours to support the Park, engaging in activities such as potting plants, watering, weeding, and cleaning pots in the greenhouse. Each volunteer brought their unique skill and enthusiasm, making a tangible difference in the upkeep and vibrancy of the green spaces.
Corporate Engagement:
Thanks to the generosity of our corporate volunteers, we successfully welcomed 417 corporate group members across 24 different shifts. These groups collectively contributed an impressive total of 904 hours of volunteer service to Memorial Park, resulting in the following impact:
Tables Cleaned: 16
Trash Collected: 3 cubic yards
Invasive Species Removed: 46 cubic yards
Mulch Spread: 16 cubic yards
Plants Re-potted: 300
Plants Relocated: 2,600
We are profoundly thankful for the steadfast dedication of our volunteers — past, present, and future!
The combined efforts of our corporate partners, group events, and individual volunteers have led to remarkable achievements within the Park. These initiatives have made a substantial impact on the Park’s ecosystem and its overall conservation efforts.
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
The Memorial Park Conservancy Communications Team is dedicated to boosting the organization’s engagement initiatives and digital footprint. Their core responsibilities encompass managing the Park’s media relations, owning the Conservancy’s social media platforms, overseeing the website, enhancing branding efforts, coordinating mass email communications, and fostering community engagement.
By crafting compelling narratives and visually engaging content, they ensure the organization’s mission resonates across multiple platforms. The team also collaborates with various departments to align messaging and amplify the impact of key initiatives.
In addition to their daily responsibilities, the Communications Team achieved the following successes in fiscal year 2025:
Communicated and hosted two public information sessions for Memorial Groves
Organized and installed the Century of Stories, a walking timeline of Memorial Park’s history that served as a final celebration of the Park’s 100th year
Reached 20,000 followers in the Conservancy’s Instagram account
Implemented new branding across the organization to ensure a stronger and more cohesive identity
Designed and arranged the installation of new pole banners throughout the Park, capturing the essence of Memorial Park while reflecting the organization’s fresh branding
Continued design and content development for the Park’s new website, anticipated to launch in FY26
Enhanced user experience and preferences in the monthly newsletter campaign
Through these efforts, the Communications Team has successfully strengthened Memorial Park Conservancy’s presence both online and offline, building a more cohesive brand and fostering deeper community connections.
Social Media Highlights:
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Standout social media posts include capturing content around the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Trail Riders which garnered nearly 700k impressions and sharing a viral aerial image of Kinder Land Bridge after Houston’s historic snow day in January 2025.
PROGRAMMING & OUTREACH EVENTS
Memorial Park Conservancy consistently offers a wide variety of free and low-cost community events, from cultural celebrations to fun, educational experiences.
In addition to our cherished annual events, during fiscal year 2025, the Conservancy’s events team broadened its programming to emphasize health and wellness for both adults and children. This included offering free yoga classes, meditation, Pilates sessions, and soccer clinics for kids.
Make Music Day, June 21:
Memorial Park Conservancy celebrated Make Music Day with free performances by local artists. Visitors enjoyed family-friendly acoustic sets at Live Oak Court, serving as a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
Park Conversations: RememberingandHonoringtheSoldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, August 23:
Through a series of ten audio stories showcased at Clay Family Eastern Glades, the tragedy of August 23, 1917 was brought to life. This exhibit honored the African American soldiers assigned to protect the construction of Camp Logan, who were unjustly convicted and court-martialed following the tragic events of that day.
Star Parties, 9 events throughout the year:
In collaboration with the Houston Astronomical Society, the Conservancy held several Star Parties, giving the public a chance to explore the night sky. These free, family-friendly events featured powerful telescopes and knowledgeable volunteers, who helped guests observe the celestial sights.
GirlTrek Walks, 4 events throughout the year:
Memorial Park Conservancy was proud to support and host walks organized by GirlTrek, the largest public health movement for Black women in the United States. Focused on inspiring healthy living through walking, participants gathered at the Park for movement and motivation.
Brewery Bingo, 7 events throughout the year:
In partnership with Eureka Heights Brew Co., Brewery Bingo provided guests with an evening of classic bingo, craft beer, and connection, set against the scenic backdrop of the Park. Special holiday themed editions infused festive energy and fun for all.
Live at Live Oak, 4 events throughout the year:
Live at Live Oak, presented by H-E-B, was a free concert series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Black History Month. These events brought music, dance, and culture together under the stars. Hundreds of people gathered for each concert, as they showcased live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Deck the Park, December 6:
Deck the Park, presented by Chevron, marked the official kick-off to Memorial Park’s annual Holiday Lights display. The event offered an array of fun activities including cookie decorating, a tree lighting ceremony, an outdoor screening of the beloved holiday film Home Alone, charming holiday characters, and festive treats such as apple cider and hot cocoa.
Holiday Lights, on display December – January:
This year’s Holiday Lights were presented by CenterPoint Energy Foundation. With new lighting features, the outdoor wonderland transformed Clay Family Eastern Glades into a festive spectacle. A stunning holiday tree sparkled against the backdrop of Hines Lake, while thousands of twinkling lights adorned the entire half-mile promenade.
Futbolito in the City, 5 programs in Spring 2025:
Futbolito in the City, produced by Dynamo and Dash Charities, offered free, 90-minute soccer clinics designed to engage children and young athletes. The clinics introduced kids to the sport, encouraged physical activity, and fostered community engagement.
Health and Wellness Classes, 9 Events:
Through free fitness classes, the Memorial Park Conservancy’s Health and Wellness program aimed to improve both the mental and physical well-being of all participants. These popular classes included mat Pilates, yoga and sound bowl meditation.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Fundraising events play a vital role in ensuring the financial stability of Memorial Park Conservancy and are essential for maintaining the beauty, functionality, and appeal of Memorial Park. Each event serves as a chance for participants to discover more about the Park’s history, current initiatives, and future aspirations, deepening their connection to this beloved green space. As the sun sets on these unforgettable gatherings, the shared laughter and new friendships reflect the Conservancy’s mission: to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, both now and in the future.
GLOW IN THE GLADES
On October 25, 2024, Urban Wild hosted its annual Glow event, presented by Williams, transforming the Cullen Running Trails Center and Event Plaza into a Halloween-themed celebration under the stars. Led by Brianna Tillman with the support of committee members Evin Erdogdu, Taylor Miller, and Melissa Reihl, the evening brought out a vibrant crowd of costumed partygoers who danced the night away to the beats of DJ Johnny J and captured memories in the 360° photo booth provided by Flashbar Photobooth. Guests enjoyed a variety of interactive and festive experiences - from the magical illusions of Bud Kula, to tarot card readings by Psychic for Love Anna Fields, to a candy bar overflowing with sweet treats. Eureka Heights kept the spirits high with a selection of refreshing craft beers. With a mix of Halloween flair, high energy, and unforgettable entertainment, Glow offered a one-of-a-kind night that truly lit up Memorial Park.
THE PARK BALL
On April 10, 2025, nearly 350 guests gathered at Clay Family Eastern Glades to celebrate Memorial Park Conservancy’s annual fundraising event, The Park Ball. Co-chaired by Julie & Casey Doherty, Betsy & John Garibaldi, Gayle & Richard Hightower, Tammy & Steven Jenkins, Linda Lorelle & Lou Gregory, Gary Moss, Carrie & Al Pepi, Carol & John Porter, Amy & Adam Newar, and Anita & Gerald Smith, the evening raised over $750,000 in support of the day-to-day care of Memorial Park.
The evening honored Shellye Arnold for her remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to the Conservancy’s mission to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for all Houstonians.
Shellye served as President & CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy for over eleven years, leaving behind a legacy of transformational impact. In recognition of her service, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin issued a proclamation naming April 10, 2025, Shellye Arnold Day.
Clay Family Eastern Glades was transformed into an enchanting springtime setting, celebrating the Park’s iconic native trees and greenspace. Dinner, beautifully prepared by City Kitchen, offered guests a fresh, flavorful culinary experience. During the program, Memorial Park Conservancy Board President Veronica Chapa Gorczynski proudly announced Chris Ballard as the Conservancy’s new President & CEO. The evening concluded with live music by the David Caceres Jazz Quintet, creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere for all in attendance.
MPC President & CEO Chris Ballard with wife Aubrey
The Park Ball Chairs with honoree Shellye Arnold, and wife Tina Sabuco.
CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Texas has changed a lot since H-E-B opened its doors in 1905, but one thing that has remained constant is the company’s unwavering commitment to serving its communities. A family-owned and operated business, H-E-B has built a corporate culture centered around being a people business that happens to sell groceries. Through its work across the state, H-E-B continues to live out its mission of helping Texans, enriching lives, and strengthening neighborhoods.
H-E-B feels a deep responsibility to support organizations like Memorial Park Conservancy that protect and enhance the public greenspaces essential to our quality of life. Since 2006, H-E-B has been a generous and enduring community partner of the Conservancy, providing both financial support and enthusiasm for programming that brings communities together. Their investment has helped power events that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Houston.
Most recently, H-E-B served as the presenting sponsor of Live at Live Oak, an inaugural cultural music series held in the heart of Clay Family Eastern Glades. From Diwali and Lunar New Year festivities to Black History Month and National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, each event highlighted a unique culture and community that makes Houston so dynamic. The series created inclusive, family-friendly experiences and offered opportunities for Park-goers to enjoy meaningful, shared moments in a serene natural setting while fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
H-E-B’s corporate giving extends far beyond Memorial Park. Across Texas, the company supports hunger relief, health and wellness, veteran initiatives, sustainability efforts, and greenspaces. By partnering with local organizations, H-E-B demonstrates a strong belief in collective impact aiming not only to improve lives, but also to inspire other corporations to take part in protecting our public lands and shared community spaces.
Memorial Park Conservancy is proud to celebrate and honor the long-standing partnership with H-E-B. Their commitment to Houston’s green heart continues to foster belonging, connection, and joy for all who call this city home. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, celebration, and shared impact.
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS
FRIENDS OF MEMORIAL PARK
Friends of Memorial Park is Memorial Park Conservancy’s premier membership program, designed for individuals who are passionate about connecting with nature and community. This past year, Friends of Memorial Park achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 500 total members, and welcoming over 100 new supporters. This growth reflects the community’s deepening commitment to sustaining and enhancing Houston’s largest urban park.
This membership program raised over $150,000 in membership contributions, driven by targeted campaign initiatives. Key efforts included two membership month promotions, including a reengagement incentive for lapsed members, the “Give a Gift of Membership” holiday campaign, and the successful rollout of the “Skip the Meter” marketing strategy, which encouraged regular Park visitors to support the Conservancy and receive a parking pass benefit. Memorial Park Conservancy is incredibly grateful for the commitment and generosity of our members and is excited to further enhance membership as the community continues to grow.
DAY OF GIVING
BLOSSOM PLAZA
From January to April, the Heart for Your Park brick campaign invited our community to make a lasting mark in Memorial Park, and the response was truly inspiring. With 82 commemorative bricks sold and $82,000 raised for the Memorial Park Conservancy Fund, supporters came together to celebrate loved ones and milestones in a meaningful way.
Each personalized brick is now proudly displayed on the walls of Blossom Plaza, creating a heartfelt entryway into the Park. These lasting tributes not only celebrate individual stories—they also help ensure that Memorial Park remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
On May 13, Memorial Park Conservancy hosted its annual Day of Giving and the response from our community was exceptional. Supporters contributed a total of $132,879 to the Memorial Park Conservancy Fund, a critical source of unrestricted funding that powers the Conservancy’s mission-driven work across the Park.
This year’s campaign drew 172 gifts, including 58 firsttime donors, reflecting both the depth and breadth of the Park’s impact. Of note, 35 Friends of Memorial Park members made an additional gift, underscoring the strong loyalty and enthusiasm of the Park’s donor base.
The campaign’s early success was driven by the commitment of 49 Grow Getters, whose early contributions helped build momentum. Strategic matching gifts from the Ray C. Fish Foundation, Memorial Park Conservancy Board members, and community partners including the Houston Striders further amplified the day’s results.
Together, these efforts demonstrated the powerful role of community in sustaining one of Houston’s most beloved green spaces.
TOTAL RAISED FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS, CAPITAL
WAYS TO SUPPORT MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY
For 100 years, Memorial Park has stood as a shining example of what happens when dedicated civicminded advocates work together to protect and preserve an urban greenspace at the heart of their city. Today, the Conservancy’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, partners, members, neighbors, and visitors proudly continue the work that began in 1924.
Whether you make a donation, become a member, attend one of our signature events, or volunteer your time, you are a steward of the Park and are directly helping this iconic greenspace thrive. Your support helps the Conservancy secure the future resiliency of our Park and preserve its cultural and historical heritage.
Make a Donation
Your donation to the Memorial Park Conservancy Fund ensures lawns and trees are healthy, native plants and flowers bloom, wildlife habitats thrive, wilderness trails are maintained and every Houstonian has a place for recreation, rest, and renewal. Whether you make a one-time gift or become part of our Seedling Society and give monthly, your contribution makes a difference!
Become a Member
Join Friends of Memorial Park and help support critical preservation and maintenance of Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in Texas. As a Friends of Memorial Park member, you will be invited to participate in members-only activities with opportunities to experience the Park in a deeper way.
To become a member, contact membership@memorialparkconservancy.org.
Attend an Event
At Memorial Park Conservancy, our signature events are a great way to support the Park while having fun! Funds raised at these signature events enable Memorial Park Conservancy to care for the 1,100 acres under its stewardship and continue to advance our mission.
For questions, contact giving@memorialparkconservancy.org.
Volunteer Your Time
Support an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of Memorial Park with a hands-on experience unlike any other! Volunteers are an integral part of the Park’s restoration and maintenance. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups, schools, and corporations of all types.
For more information, contact volunteer@memorialparkconservancy.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
Memorial Park Conservancy is deeply grateful for the support of the community as we continue with our mission of caring for the Park. We would like to thank the following donors who supported us during the last fiscal year .
PARK VISIONARY
Individuals who have made MPC priority in their giving. They commit to supporting the MPC Fund with a $20,000 gift for 5 consecutive years.
Linda Padon
Carolyn and Frank Pichardo
Michael Vaughn
GENERAL OPERATIONS
Making Our Mission Possible
$100,000+
CenterPoint Energy
Chevron
Kinder Foundation
David Mendez
The Powell Foundation
Emily Stewart
The William Stamps Farish Fund
$50,000+
Anonymous (2)
Charles Jago Elder Foundation Inc.
H-E-B
The John P. McGovern Foundation
Ray C. Fish Foundation
Sempra Industries
Sterling-Turner Foundation
Louise and Beeman Strong
The Wortham Foundation, Inc.
$25,000+
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
Willard M. & Ruth Mayer Johnson Charitable Foundation
$10,000+
Anonymous (2)
Jim F. Avant
Lisa and Joel Bender
Patricia and Michael Booker
Dynamo and Dash Charities
Garden Club of Houston
Garver Black Hilyard Family Foundation
Conrad J. Goerl
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
Sarah and John Hastings
Nelson M. Jones
George Kubove
Joe Landry
Cornelia Long
Kimberly Lubel
Pat and Kevin Mitchell
Margaret Morris
Linda Padon
Carolyn and Frank Pichardo
Karen and Rob Saltiel
Georganne Scruggs
Barbara and Louis Sklar
The Susan Vaughan Foundation, Inc.
Deb Tummins and Abby Daniels
$5,000+
Anonymous
Albert and Ethel Herzstein
Charitable Foundation
Lenni and Bill Burke
David S. Baum Foundation
Karen and Bill Donovan
EOG Resources, Inc
Marie Hoke Fish and Richard Fish
Sarah and Douglas Foshee
GATE Energy
Grant Gibson
Carol Haney
Houck Family Foundation
Houston Striders, Inc.
Letitia Knapp
Kris and John Maclay
Kim and Scott Martin
Sylvia Matthews
Sally and Robert Meadows
Ellen and Terry Phillips
Juka Smits
Eileen and Steve Snider
Kay Tabor
The Abbott and Leslie Sprague Family Foundation
The Crain Foundation
The Ray and June Smith Charitable Foundation
Stephanie and Brad Tucker
Christine and David Underwood
Cyvia Wolff
$2,500+
Monica Alvarado
Blaine Adams and Peter Falcon
Baker Hughes Foundation
Sherry Black
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP
Peggy and Mark Burck
Claire and John Caudill
Cody Cormier
David Devido
Dickson-Allen Foundation
Andrew Emerald
Lisa and George Francisco
Dorothy and Myron Goforth
Marc Grossberg
Tami and Jim Hamilton
Gena and Dave Helm
Janet and Paul Hobby
Carol Hopkins
ICAA Texas Board
Julie Jacobson
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Kay Kamas
Kathy and Randy Lake
Ann Lents and David Heaney
Ruthie and Adam Miller
Jennifer and Joel Moore
Gary R. Petersen, Petersen Family Foundation
Margaret and Michael Pierce
Daisy and Bill Quayle
Luz Ana Natalio Schwartz
Barrett Sides
Glen Telge
The Tapeats Fund
Bobby Walker
Cathy and David Wilde
$1,000+
Chinhui and Eddie Allen
Bonnie Mize-Anderson and Donald Anderson
Shellye Arnold and Tina Sabuco
David E. Auer, M.D.
Blanca Avery
Julia and Stewart Baker
Aubrey and Chris Ballard
Hunter Barnard
Chris Barry
Roy F. Beery
Audree Begay
Elizabeth and Steven Bender
Kathy Bernobich
Robert Berns
Lynn and Rick Blandford
Leslie and Jack Blanton, Jr.
Mary Bloom
Patricia Bodin
Jay Bonano
Camille and John Boon
John Briscoe
Cindy and Randy Broiles
Deborah and Russell Brown
Rogene and Ken Calvert
Sharon A. Clay Tyler
Monica and Nick Clem
Nell Clingman
Karen and Gus Comiskey
Stephen Couch
Carolyn and Platt Davis
Susan and George Domolky
Kathryn and Gary Dudley
Phillip Dye
Kira Elbert
Pam and Jimmy Erwin
Dana Fielding
Jim Finkelstein
Cindy and David Fitch
Sarah Flournoy and Don Verser
Carolyn and Dale Fridley
Sharan Gahunia
Milene and Olivier Germain
Scott Gillenwater
Julie and James Gilligan
Hande A. Grace
Michelle Grace
Annie and Bob Graham
Leonard and Thomas Hardgrave
Suzanne and Rodney Harrill
Kay and David Hedges
Wendy and Jeff Hines
Kelley and Jason Hodges
Hotel Zaza
Rochelle and Alan Jacobson
Jean and James Janke
Lynn and Jay Johnson
Josie and Michael Jones
JuiceLand
Sarah and Mark Kelly
Daryl Kenningham
Sabrina and Jordan Kirwin
Stephanie Langenstein
Helen and Calvin Leeke
Kayla and Jim Lehmann
Juan I. Lessmann
Lourdes Long
Robert Lorio
Rebecca Marvil
Susu and Fred Meyer
Kendall Meyertons
Rachel and Bryan Milton
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
Bernard Mooney
Julie and Cary Moorhead
Danny Morales
Maritza Munoz
Lee Newick
Thu Nguyen
Justin W. Nichols
Karen and Bobbitt Noel
NRG
Michele O’Brien
Anne and Larry Parks
Sara Passone
Melissa and Dave Patangia
Katelyn Petherbridge
Philip and Angela Weatherill Family Fund
Phillips 66 Company
Kimberly and Joe Phillips
Chelsea Phillips Sibert
Sharon Prentice
Peter Ragauss and Jennifer Smith
Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund
Donna Reid
Adrian Rodriguez
Tracey and Scott Rogan
Rosen USA
Susan Rosenbaum and Eric Schoen
Renu Roy
Ross Sclafani
Jochen Seeba
Rupal and Sach Shah
Heide Shanda
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Jane Shepard
Stuart and Limor Smith
Lee Ann and Roger Souders
Jennifer and Arthur Stephens
Judy Stover
The Dow Chemical Company
The Finkelstein Foundation
The Robertson-Finley Foundation
Terri and Ray Thomas
Nancy Thompson
Amber Tierce
Kathleen Tran
Tribute to All Walkers Around the Park
Elizabeth Tunnell Howard
Kateri Vaclavik
Pete Vanhorn
Katherine Vo
Mary Waldman
Mary Whaling
Brook Wiggins
Williams Companies
Jaime Hill and Tarin Williger
Carol Willis
Teresa and Jimmy Wong
Belinda Wyatt
$500+
Anonymous (2)
Filipe Barbosa
Larry Barbour
Lisa Bordelon
Marylou Buyse, M.D.
Edgar Carter
Robin S. Cloyd
ConocoPhillips
Crestwood Garden Club
Sonal Damani
Jones Devlin
Joell and Thomas Doneker
Haley and Glen Eichelberger
Andrew Erich
Ernst & Young Foundation
Stewart Feldman
Craig Fox
Mary and Robert Fusillo
Jamie and Bryson Goeres
Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund
Jennifer and Richard Hogan
Cherie and John F. Howell
J. David Iverson
Daniel Johnson Aguirre
George Johnston
Patricia A. Kammerer
Peter Kaufman
Candy Koederitz
Lucy A. Kormeier
Glen Larner
Maggie and Louie Layrisson
Adam Levinson
Chris and Dave Lusignan
Mallard Lake Ranch Detox Center LLC
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty
McKinsey & Co.
Susan and David Miclette
Christi and Michael Morrison
Christopher Morser
Kim Nettles
Yan Pan
Douglas Drake Perley
Kristen and Carlo Pippolo
Carol and Ted Poe
Paula and Irving Pozmantier
Penny and Townes Pressler
Maureen and Steven Rathgaber
Carol and James Royer
Richard C. Ruez
Thomas Seymour
Cathy Simmons
Danielle and Andrew Slentz
Scott R. Spencer
Gregory Spier
Charles R. Steadman
Ellen Stephenson
Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen
The D.E. Shaw Group
Anne and Clark Thompson
Bruce Winfrey
Lorraine Wulfe
Charles Zimmerman
$250+
Anonymous (4)
Angelica Alfaro
Sarah and James Baker
Gena and David Blumfield
Autumn Breese
Kaitlin Bunsen
Nicolas Bustamante
Robert Cabes
Gisela and Igor Cherches
Charlie and Evans Christ
Holli and Mike Clements
Troy Collman
Penny Conklin
Cynthia Coselli
CultureMap
Betty Delmore
Mark Dobbins
Diane and Steve Done
Eliza and John Duncan
Nancy Dunlap
Paul Ehrsam
Patricia Eifel
Hayley and Marc Feldman
Rocio Feusier
Shifra and Terry Gardner
Cecilia Garrett
Sally Giammalva
Michael B. Good
Kathy and Martyn Goossen
Sue and John Goott
Paul Grossbard and Dee Dee Dochen
Steven Gudovic
Elena and Dodd Hackman
Nikki and Robert Hanley
Nancy and James Haskins
Heidi Heard
Deborah and Ronald Hoffman
Houston Marathon Foundation
Linh Howard
Elizabeth and Tom Howley
Laura Hruzek
Shelly Immel
Edward Kaplan
Mary and Carl King
Cedric Kouam
Chelsea Kuzniar
Molly and Duncan Lamme
Amber Lewis
Janet Little
Judy and Jeff Lyman
Cristina and Rob Lynch
Wendy and Jonathan Magid
Laura Devitt and Steve Massad
Margaret and Joseph McCoy
Marilyn and Bob McDowell
Patricia McNeill
Amy and Todd Mueller
Graham and Ed Neuhaus
Carol and Tim Nielsen
Reese Nixon
OXY Energy
Constance and Daniel C. Pappas
Jan and Thomas Phipps
Running Buds
Mary Ann Ryerson
Brian T. Stephens
Kirk Swinford
Brenda and Richard Thompson
Ray Trantham
William G. Tresten
Laura and John Turner
Cindy and David C. Wallace
Carol and Ralph Weaver
Mary and Temple Webber
Geri Wood and Richard Scharchburg
Stacey and Larry Ziems
$100+
Anonymous (18)
Stephen Adger
Mark Agnew
Lindsay Anderson
Christy and Greg Andrews
Robert Archer
Pam and Joseph Argue III
Faye Baker
Linda and Vic Baldridge
Miles Bandalan
Kimberly Barta
Freddie Bartels
Rhonda and Ariel Bass
Nick Bell
Carolyn and Ronald Bernell
Robert Betancourt
David Birbeck
Elaine Block
Mike Bodin
Gloria and Jesse Bounds
Eric Bradley
Stacey Berg and Mary Brandt
Kimberly Broesche
Derrick Brown
Lauren Blanton and Daniel Canty
Roswitha Carter
Ted L. Caryl
Leslie and James Casey
The Cause Urban Winery
Suky and Edward Cazier
Marjorie and Michael Chadwick
Elizabeth Chambers
Brian Portugal and Linda Chase
Jack Chism
Alexis Comeaux
Andrew Coolidge
Sharon and Thomas Copper
Candice and Philip Croker
Sharon Cunningham
Mary Charles Davis
Megan Dick
David Dilger
Paul Doherty
Gail Winston and Gary Donaldson
Jen Morgan and Drew Donnalley
Adrienne and David Draper
Susan Duchin
Lisa and Stan Duchman
Jennie and Robert Duffy
Jackie and Fred Dunlop
Douglas S. Earle
Natalie Easton
David Eckman
Margaret Edwards
Ana and Robert Eigler
Prince Ekpe
Ramsay M. Elder
Anita and James H. Elder III
David Eldridge
Steve Ellis
Popi Elwood
Brian Epperson
Libny Leal Espana
Christopher Evans
Stella and Harold Evensen
Robert Famulare
Karen and Jonathan Finger
Joe B. Fisher
Wendy Foltz
Carmela and Kelly Frels
Dr. Jan Fuerst
Martha Garrison
Antje and Harry Gee
Dick Gessinger
Christian Gibson
Higor Gil
Rhoda and Larry Goldberg
David Golemon
Colleen Grable
Meredith and David Griffis
Tami A. Grubb
Tara Grundemeier
Thad Grundy
James R. Gullett, M.D.
Laurie and Alfredo Gutierrez
Jared Haley
Christopher Harron
Jennifer Hazelton
Randolph Henry
Kathy and James Highberger
Richard Hoffman
Shirley and Tom Horton
Annette Hugh
Cynthia Janac
Cindy and Mike Jevas
Ann Marie Johnson
Ann and Bruce Johnson
Tina Johnson
Grace and Andy Johnston
Debbie and Frank Jones
George Joplin
Kathy Jordan
Cliff Kalibjian
Ann and Thomas Kelsey
Anne-Marie Kendra
Paul Kilday
Choo Kim-Isgitt
Edward Klein
Amy Kneeppel
Randi and Jeff Koenig
Jay Krasoff
Virginia and Lee A. Lahourcade
Aubry Landry
Brent Larsen
Harriette and Truett Latimer
David Lewis
Krystle Liggins
Lori and Jeff Londa
Blake Lovelace
Terence Lynch
Meredith MacNaughton
Carolyn and Kenneth MacFarlane
Lisa Matrundola
Hans and Marge Mayer
Patricia S. McAdams
Tal McAlister
Kimberly McCormick
Dr. Kelsey McCulley
Lenee and Jeff McDonald
Marilyn McDonald
Ashley McFarland-Johnson
John McFarlane
Ryan McGuigan
Sheila McIlnay
Pat McLaughlan
Victoria and Robert C. McMahan
Lauren McMaster
Anne Meixner
Kaitlyn and Nathan Merz
Joseph R. Messa
Scott and Sheryl Mills
Rodrigo Miralles
Kelli Mitchell
Robert Mitrane
Ann and John Montgomery
Flora Moon
Betty Moore
Tim Moore
Kitten Muckleroy
Peter Muehlebach
Michael Mullaney
Katherine Murphy
Farhan Musharrif
Elaine and Alan Mut
Jeff Newman
Gina Nguyen
Preben Nielsen
Barbara and William Noel
Statira J. Overstreet
Nancy and Kenny Ozuna
Christine and Patrick Padon
Christopher C. Pappas
Bob Parsley
Dr. Gary Patterson
Lynnda and John Paukune
Blanca Perez
Edward Perez
Louise Perlitz
Allan Port
Carol and John Porter
Thomas Pritchard
Denton Ragland
Jonathan Rauch
Celeste Reavis
Debby Reichert
Mildred Reitman
Marian Richardson
Candy and Mark Rigo
Fred Robertson
Margaret Rochs
Susan Rodriguez
Jennifer Rossi
Lisa Roy
Brad Schott
Elisabeth Schulz
Bryan Scrivner
Suzy and David Seeley
Liz Seitz
Victor Shainock
Janet Share
Harriet Sharrard
Tyler Shoultz
John Siegel
Mary Simoneau
Helene Sims
Bryan Smalley
David J. Smith
David Smith
Gregory Smith
Laura Ann Smith
Tim Smith
Peter Staples
Diedre Stern
Martha Stewart
David Swenson
Allison Taphouse
Elizabeth Taylor
Justin Taylor
Philip Tereskiewicz
Isik Tezel
Jared Thibodaux
Marie Thomas
Brown Thompson
Lesley Throup
Kelly and Todd Thurber
Allison Thurmond
T.L.L. Temple Foundation
Susan and Carl Trepagnier
Rhonda and Steve Turner
John F. Unger
Farhad Veilani
Linda and Robert C. Walker
Mary Ward-Hecksel
Sarah Webster
Stephen Weil
John Wilkinson
Greg Wintner
Kia Wissmiller
Geri Wollmers
Patricia and Ron Woods
J. David Wright
Nancy and John Youens
Frank Yuan
Cheryl Zane
Tong Huang and Jinsong Zhang
SEEDLING SOCIETY
Sustaining the Park through steady support
Anonymous (4)
Shellye Arnold and Tina Sabuco
Julia and Stewart Baker
Jay Bonano
Autumn Breese
Kaitlin Bunsen
Peggy and Mark Burck
Suky and Edward Cazier
Monica and Nick Clem
Penny Conklin
Betty Delmore
David Dilger
Diane and Steve Done
Steve Ellis
Craig Fox
Thad Grundy
Tami and Jim Hamilton
Nikki and Robert Hanley
Chelsea Kuzniar
Cristina and Rob Lynch
Eleanor Mason
Georgia and Erik Peterson
Denton Ragland
Valerie Rickert
Janet Share
Gregory Spier
Beth Taylor
Justin Taylor
Amber Tierce
Farhad Veilani
ENDOWMENT
Ensuring the long term health and vitality of the Park
Rachel and Marc Aiello
David Armendariz
Jeffrey G. Aten
Ann and Tom Bastian
Kimberly and James Bell
Pamela and Hayne Blakely
Peggy and Mark Burck
Chevron
Emily Clay
Monica and Nick Clem
Cynthia Dempsey
Julie and Casey Doherty
Kathryn and Gary Dudley
Tara English
Lauren and Bryce Haskett
Emily and Wesley Hightower
Kim and Garrett House
Rebecca and Ryan Howard
Patti and Steve Howard
Gretchen and Peter Jameson
Andrea and Giles Kibbe
Justine and William Klinke
Liz and Jim Loucks
Marvy Finger Family Foundation
Julie and Cary Moorhead
Cristina Nesloney
Anna Peikert
Anne Lee Phillips
The Preston Family Charitable Fund
Jackson Smith
Jordan Smith
Shelley Starr
Carrie Steele
Michelle and Howard Stone
Jill and Charlie Talisman
Philip Tereskiewicz
Michael Vaughn
Brittani Williams
Samantha Youd
EMMOTT SOCIETY
Leaving a Legacy in the Park
Anonymous (6)
Jeffery Bosworth
Leah Bourn
James W. Butzner
Jennifer Hazelton
Daniel Johnson Aguirre
Helen and Calvin Leeke
Kristen and Carlo Pippolo
Mary Catherine Sharman
Paul A. Silverman
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Advancing the Future of the Park
$7,500,000+
John L. Nau III
$1,000,000+
Kinder Foundation
Josephine Hughes Sterling Foundation
$50,000+
Dorothy and Myron Goforth
Sempra Industries
$25,000+
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Emily Stewart EVENTS
Sharing Passion for the Park
The Park Ball
$100,000+
Kinder Foundation
$25,000+
Polly and Murry Bowden
Emily Clay and Bill Schneidau
John L. Nau III
Karen and Rob Saltiel
$15,000+
Astros Golf Foundation
Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand
Carolyn and Matt Khourie
Carol and John Porter
The Rawson Family
$10,000+
Alice and Peter Arbour
Baker Botts L.L.P.
David J. & Judith Beck Foundation
Lisa and Joel Bender
Rosanna and Myron Blalock
Deborah and Russell Brown
Betsy and John Garibaldi
Kate and Steve Gibson
Gayle and Richard Hightower
Janet and Paul Hobby
Thomas and Sandra Hunt Foundation
Tammy and Steven Jenkins
Ann and Johnny Johnson
Carmen and John Knapp
Maggie and Louie Layrisson
Marilyn and Bob McDowell
Anna Peikert
Anila and Dhiren Shethia
Carol Sugimoto and Jay Zimmerman
Judy and Charles Tate
UTHealth Houston
Meg and Dick Weekley
Cyvia Wolff
$5,000+
Shellye Arnold and Tina Sabuco
Simin and Gaurdie Banister
Lenni and Bill Burke
Claire and John Caudill
Julie and Casey Doherty
Sarah Flournoy and Don Verser
Lissa and Farzanah Gangjee
Jill and Dunham Jewett
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Gary Moss
Amy and Adam Newar
Vivie and Chris O’Sullivan
Tanya and Rick Pal
Carrie and Al Pepi
Beth Robertson
Philip Schneidau
Anita and Gerald Smith
Tellepsen Family Fund
Vallette and Russell Windham
Tarin Williger and Jaime Hill
$2,500+
Aubrey and Chris Ballard
Sara Paschall Dodd and Will Denton
Harriet Foster
Rochelle and Alan Jacobson
Shelli and Steve Lindley
Barrett Sides
Jill and Charlie Talisman
Thunder Exploration Inc
Nelson Byrd Woltz
$1,000+
Kristi Axel
Mary and Mike Bass
Mariah Bhatti
Leslie and Jack Blanton, Jr.
Bracewell
John Briscoe
James W. Butzner
Rogene and Ken Calvert
Kalinda Campbell
Nicole Campbell
Mary Grace and David Carter
Elizabeth and Dan Dukes
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
Audrey and David Gow
Guy Hagstette and Doug Lawing
Tami and Jim Hamilton
Jennifer Hazelton
Elizabeth and Tom Howley
George Johnston and Jaime Loera
Nelson M. Jones
Kay Kamas
Ann and Tom Kelsey
Cornelia Long
Kris and John Maclay
Mize Family Foundation
Denise Monteleone
Roxanne and Timothy Neumann
Meagan O’Shaughnessy
Linda Padon
Mary Alice and Mike Parmet
Margaret and Michael Pierce
Patty Porter
Penny and Townes Pressler
Isla and T.R. Reckling
Dianne and Michael Render
Winifred Riser
Lillie Robertson
Kathy and Jeff Sangalis
Leslie and Shannon Sasser
Mia and Peter Smith
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
Skip Wagner
Beth White and Zet Smith
Joanne G. Wilson
$500+
Susan and Bill Finnegan
Amy Greenwood
Richard Jackson, M.D.
Jennifer and Will Monteleone
Beverly and Staman Ogilvie
Charles R. Steadman
Bess and Matt Wareing
$100+
Morgan Copeland
Bill Doubleday
Katy and Clyde Hays
Cara Lambright
Doreen Leibovitz
Stacey and Robert Lyons
Morgan Kennedy Moody
Graham and Ed Neuhaus
Prewett, Read & Associates
Sue Shefman
Thomas E. Smith
Elizabeth Taylor
Carolyn and Bill Utt
Glow
$25,000+
Williams Companies
$5,000+
Houston Striders
Tito’s Vodka
$2,500+
Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP
Harvey Builders
Union Pacific Railroad
$1,000+
Zenab Haq
Donna Rickenbacker
Tam International
Union Pacific Railroad
$500+
Monica and Nick Clem
Sarah and Mark Kelly
Maggie and Louie Layrisson
Taylor Miller
Brianna Tillman
$100+
Paula Brown
Carol Coale
Anastasia Ehrlich
Sandy Fishlock
Atif Hariz
Christopher Harper
Marco Hernandez
Cheryl Huffman
Anthony Kahl
Melissa Kuerbitz
Mei Leebron
Rosalinda Martinez
Jose Muniz
Asael Paredes
Melissa Reihle
Barrett Sides
Patrick Stevens
Amanda van Adrichem
Ashley Walker
$50+
Monisha Arya
Benjamin Bazata
Jalan Beck
Janelle Bludau
Arianna Case
Marian De Paula
Evin Ashley Erdogdu
Amin Esmaily-Fard
Gabriel Garcia
Mariam Hejazi
Camille Hill
Casaundra Johnson
Stephanie Klassen
Anna Kurk
Amy LeBlanc
Marco Morales
Sylvia Morgese
Alyssa Neubauer
Mark Padon
Michael Pastor
Z.K. Alexander Ramos
Kristiann Rushton
Charis Stinson
Xi Zhang
FRIENDS OF MEMORIAL PARK
Personally connecting with your park
Park Trailblazer $1,000
Melinda and Greg Armstrong
Jim F. Avant
David Beck
James W. Butzner
Debra and Michael Dishberger
Ken Graves
Gena and Dave Helm
Meredith and Landon Kruse
Shelli and Steve Lindley
Sharon Prentice
Margaret Rochs
Michelle and Michael Whitney
Park Enhancer $500
Anonymous
Rebecca and Steven Amstutz
Dudley Anderson
Bonnie Mize-Anderson and Donald Anderson
Catherine Leigh and Filipe Barbosa
Delana and Paul Bice
Sara Bluemel
Nancy and Arthur Brand
Maria Bryant
Christina Kopanidis-Cantu and Jorge Cantu
Marie Carlisle
Laura Torres and David Carrasco
Adriene and Jeffrey Carroll
Hally and Gordon Carver
Elizabeth and Mitch Cheney
Sonia and Robert Clayton
Emma and Ryan Cordill
Ragan and Daniel Crowell
Sonal Damani
Christi Pramudji Dawe and Scott Dawe
Yvonne Drew-Alvarez and Bradley Drew
Dana Fielding
Grace and Scott Freeman
Julie and James Gilligan
Julie Stephenson and Joel Glover
Christina Gola
Sharon Halton and William Hayes
Anne Hamman Brollier
Beverly and Dexter Handy
Shane Hodges
Kelley and Jason Hodges
Robin and Lee Holm
Robert Inaba
George Johnston and Jaime Loera
Marina Kaplan
Grant Keener
Sarah and Mark Kelly
Natasha and Aadel Khan
Nancy and Richard Kinder
Helen and Calvin Leeke
Heidi Lozano
Anna and Michael Mateja
Steven Matthews
Anne De Leon and David McKeon
Tracey Samuels and Robert McNamara
Sheryl and Scott Mills
Chandler Morris
Gabriela and Kevin Naegele
Lisa and Stephen Newman
Erica and Mark Nicholas
Carol and Tim Nielsen
Sandra and Keith Oden
Gabriela and Eric Ortiz
Marcia and Joseph Patrick
Susan and Michael Pereira
Carolyn and Frank Pichardo
Kristen and Carlo Pippolo
Gary and Esther Polland
Helen and Henry Quigley
Caroline Dozier and Julian Ramirez
Christopher Ruez
Leesa and Robert Sanders
Lisa Sherrill
Sandy Shipley
Celeste and Ben Spector
Karan Sra
Georgia and Dane Stewart
Anna Szurgot
John Townsley
Valerie and Terry Tyler
Skip Wagner
Lauri Wasmuth
Joel Watts
David Weinhoffer
Zakiyah and Maurice Wesley
Brooke and James Williamson
Brian Wrobel
Nancy and Robert Zimmerman
Park Restorer $250
Deborah Abadie
Tim Adams
Javid Ahadi
James Albertine
McCager Albrecht
Kevin Aloysius
Franklin Alvarez
Rick Appleby
Dennis Arnie
Cindy Atlas
Melissa Bagley
Jennifer Barringer
Rekha Basra
Natalie Benestante
Micah Benn
Rosanna and Myron Blalock
Shirley Bludau
Patricia Bodin
Walter Bothe
Chris Bourgeois
Kent Bradshaw
Tony Bravo
John Briscoe
Holly Bronson
Matthew Brown
Mike Brubaker
Theresa Bueno
Victoria and Guy Burdett
Susan Burgert
Katherine Butler
Katy Caldwell
Sheryl and John Canik
Chris Carlberg
Emilio Carlock
Lynn Carpenter
Thierry Caruso
Frank Carvelli
Veronica Castillo
Bradley Chambers
Younas Chaudhary
Sarah Cherington
Shaena Choi
Barbara Chrzanowska
Tim Cleary
Hilary Cohen
Leslie Coleman
Laura Conely
Cody Cormier
Kay and Jerry Cox
Steven Cripps
Jeff Croft
Oscar Cuellar
Neli Davalos
Mark Davis
Mary Charles Davis
Allison Davis
Bridget Day
Michael Deal
Carolyn Debrick
Patricia DeGroot
William DeLaney
Carol DeShong
Kimberli and Jeffrey Deutsch
Jennifer Dill
Michael Dino
Lori Domaschk
Diane and Steve Done
Matthew Donovan
David Dunlap
Reese Dunn
Andrew Emerald
Annette and Knut Eriksen
Denise Espinoza
Sandy Fishlock
Corey Flores
Sarah Flournoy and Don Verser
Susan Floyd-Toups
Anne Foley
Wendy Foltz
Sarah Ford
Isaac Fox
Ellie Francisco
Carolyn Galfione
Joaquin Garcia
Matthew Garza
Rachel Garza
Catherine Gassman
Nicholaus Gaytan
Mary Gleason
Chad Glessman
Alisa Goetz-Hoffman
Dorothy and Myron Goforth
Alex Gonzalez
Sue and John Goott
Audrey and David Gow
Michelle Grace
Gene Graham
Shelley Grahmann
Nancy Greig
Tami A. Grubb
Michael Gujral
Andrew Hahn
Hal Hale
Peter Haney
Kathleen and Jason Hanley
Kelly Beth and Charlie Hapgood
Leonard and Thomas Hardgrave
Julie and Victor Harris
Douglas Harrison
Kimberly Harrison
Anna Helm
Maribel Henry
Richard Hermann
Neeraj Hingorani
Brian Hollowell
Thomas Holstien
Linh Howard
Alyssa Howell
Wayne Humbles
Melissa Hurtado
Ilya Itkin
Letitia Jackson-Staats
Julie Jacobson
Monica Jha
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Kathy Jordan
William Junell
Michael Kaitschuck
Bradley Kalmans
Ning Kang
Bing Kao
Tracy Kapiloff
Henry Kaufman
Colby Keithan
Monica Kervandjian
Carolyn and Matt Khourie
Allison Kimball
Lyria Kimball O’Brien
Andrew Kirkpatrick
Meredith Klatt
Imre Konya
Isabelle Kurzava
Flora Lai
Brigette Larson
Roger Lee
Nele Lefeldt
Kayla and Jim Lehmann
Megan Leone
Jennifer M. Liechti
Patricia Limon
Christy Lock
Nan and Thomas Lockwood
Elizabeth Lohstroh
Cassie Long
Alberto Lozano
Kenneth MacFarlane
John Magsipok
William Maloney
Lisa Malosky and Don Friedell
Rhonda Manuel
Barbara Marshall
Corazon Martin
Kay McCall
Linda McCormack
Riley McDermott
James McInerny
Steve McKinnon
Erich McMillan
Ryan McNeill
James Medford
Olga Medina
Michael Melnick
Jan Mendenhall
Oniel Mendenhall
Michael Merlino
Susu and Fred Meyer
Bryan Mills
Steve Mills
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
Craig Minor
Justin Moon
Philip Moran
David Morejon
Brad Morello
Larry Mosley
Brett Mossman
Rene Munoz
Edwina Murphy
Tom Murphy
Jennifer Murray
Tim Neckar
Kim Nettles
Felicia Neubig
Michelle Neupert
Heather and Erik Nichols
Bobbitt Noel
Austin Norris
Paul T. Oliver
Sher Ooi
Blake Orsini
Giancarlo Ortega
Chris O’Sullivan
Alejandro Palomo
Crystal Parker
Mary Alice and Mike Parmet
Dorothy and Malcolm Paterson
Jeramie Pinter
Michael Pishko
Eric Popelka
Carol and John Porter
Michael Poskey
Linda Powers
Bernadette Prakash
Wyatt Pritchard
David Redford
Brian Reynolds
Melissa Richardson Banks
Laurance Robinson
Oscar Rodriguez
Franelle Rogers
Joshua A. Rosales
Melanie Rosen
Michael Rowe
Veronica Ryder
Sal Saad
Jennifer Sabin
Laura Sachtleben
Steven Salters
Stephanie Samuels
Karen Satriano
John Scales
Mike Schick
Stephen Schroeder
Paul Schulz
Sue Schwartz
Suzy and David Seeley
Bayardo Selva
John Siegel
Nicole Simien
Liz Sirmans
Erik Skahn
Tim Smith
Laura Ann Smith
Patricia Smith
Christine Sofka
Scott R. Spencer
Gregory Spier
Allison Spindle
Joyce Steensrud
Christopher Stelzer
Emily Stewart
Michael Stewart
Arlyn Stotts
Leslie and Paul Strug
Di Su
Robert Summerlin
Laura and Michael Sweeney
Michelle and Ryan Taylor
Jay Thomas
Susan Toomey
Antonio Torres
John Tyler
John Michael Urban
Catherine Van Merlen
Sergio Vazquez
Lilia Vazquez
Edwin Velazquez
Jorge Viamontes
Hernan Villamil
Jesus E. Villegas
Eric Vu
Mary Waldman
Iain Wallace
Hilary Ware
James Watson
Ashley Webb
Timothy Webb
Robert Wertheimer Jr.
Katherine Whitehead
Lee Whitley
Sarita Williams and Max Deisch
Debra Witges
Benjamin Witt
Bridget Wolk
Beatrice Wong
Jane Wood
Alisa Woodward
George Wozencraft
Ching Wu
Belinda Wyatt
Susan Young
Diane Zeiler
Alan Zieben
Adrian Zielinski
Myrna Zwickel
Park Preserver $100
Victoria Arriaga
Stacy Babaz
Fredi Bleeker Franks and Paul Franks
John Bock
Cindy and Randy Broiles
Donald Burell
Cynthia and Laurence Burns
Stephanie Burnside
Dwight and Jacquelyn Coles
Danielle Coy
David Dargie
Wayne Dorris
Ramsay M. Elder
Lauren Faulkner
Micahel Feighl
Beaven Fernandes
Marcela Gonzalez
Terry Graham
Albert Haertlein
Hollis Hibbert
Lourdes Long
Sandra Lusk
Danette Maldonado
Yasmine Malik
Andrew Margolin
Jeff McDonald
Ashley McFarland-Johnson
Juergen Carl Mueller
Mark Padon
Dr. Gary Patterson
Teresa Pelanne
Donna and Marc Phillips
Katie Romero
Shell Roth
Kamy Schiffman
Holly Schulte
Allison Scott
Dena Shugart
Courtney Smith
Joel Smith
Timothy Surratt
Katie Tewart
Janice Visinsky
Ted Weiss
Paul Young
Park Steward $50
Ariela Alpert
Colleen and Boaz Arch
Edie Archer
James Arcidiacono
Tony Banks
Meredith Chavez
Ben Cowan
Michael Craig
Debbie de la Riva
Fred Ehrman
Gabriela Fierro
Susan Fortenberry
Bryan Foster
Sonia Garcia
Alexys Hatfield
Lauren Heis
Bridget Hennessey
Anthony Kahl
Patrick Kelly
Betty and Jim Key
Lena Khattab
Henry Le
Nancy Mathe
Paul McGuire
Sharon McGuire
Eric McIntire
Chris Noon
Anthony Padon
Sue Ellen Perryman
Christophe Person
Elizabeth Reddell
Roy Rodney
Josefa Maria Romero-Rato
Thank you to our official Corporate Partners:
Nicholas Sawicki
Sara Speer Selber
Irfan Shaikh
Kay M. Sifferman
Maureen Strobel
Ushma Tamboli
Glen Telge
Lacey Telge
Mindy Travillian
Karen Turney
Jamie B. Wagner
Lila Washington
James Watson
Caroline Webb
Magally Zardeneta
Nicolette Zulli
URBAN WILD
Young professionals investing in the Park
Emily Ardoin
Greg Bennett
Mary Bloom
Kalinda Campbell
Stephen Carangelo
Evin Ashley Erdogdu
Amin Esmaily-Fard
Jason Files
Cheryl Huffman
George John
Sabrina and Jordan Kirwin
Taylor Miller
Huy Nguyen
Maryam Rahman
Devon Romano
Andrea Siso
Alexandra Temple
Brianna Tillman
Donors listed include gifts and pledges of $100 or more made during the fiscal year June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. Commitments are recognized in full at the time of the pledge. Should you wish to report a concern regarding information listed in this report, please email giving@memorialparkconservancy.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024-2025
Officers
Veronica Chapa Gorczynski
Board Chair & Executive Cmte. Chair
Lissa Gangjee
Vice Chair
George Johnston Secretary
Bob McDowell
Treasurer
Directors
Rogene Gee Calvert
Kalinda Campbell
Chair, Engagement Committee
Claire Caudill
Philip Croker
Chair, Master Plan Implementation Committee
Sarah Flournoy
Jennifer Hazelton
Janet Hobby
Elizabeth Howley
Joshua Ibarra Chair, Park Operations Committee
Jill Jewett
Nelson Jones
Sabrina Kirwin
Louie Layrisson Chair, Governance Committee
Kim Lubel
Tanya Pal
Chair, Finance Committee
Anna Peikert
Townes Pressler
Rob Saltiel
Dhiren Shethia
Skip Wagner
MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY STAFF 2024-2025
Administration
Chris Ballard
President & CEO
Arianna Case
Executive Assistant
Holli Clements
Vice President of Engagement
Rocio Feusier
Controller
Yuliana Martinez
Staff Accountant
Richard Meza
Bookkeeper
Meghan Moore
Executive Assistant
Elizabeth Taylor
VP of HR & Administration
Erica Yule
Staff Accountant
Shellye Arnold President Emeritus
Engagement
Desiree Alejandro
Stewardship & Donor Relations Manager
Katy Barber
Assistant Director of Development Operations
Janelle Bludau
Director of Communications and Marketing
Kaitlin Bunsen
Annual Giving Manager
Monica Clem
Senior Director of Development
Caitlin Fredette
Development Communications Coordinator
Jay Johnson
Outreach Specialist
Chelsea Kuzniar
Director of Annual Giving
Xavier Leon
Visitor Services and Reservations Coordinator
Sylvia Morgese
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Karishma Patel
Major Gifts Officer
Madalyn Raia
Membership Coordinator
Idahlia Rodriguez
Development Coordinator
Helene Sims
Director of Events and Outreach
Erika Valdez
Programming Events Coordinator
Kia Wissmiller
Major Gifts Officer
Park Operations
Julian Alfaro
Turf and Grounds Operations Technician
Garrett Arnold
Park Operations Technician
Jennifer Arredondo
Visitor Services Park Presence
Jose Arroyo
Park Operations Supervisor
Simei Avila Garcia
Seasonal Field Technician
Emile Belmontes
Arboriculture Technician
Napoleon Bonilla
Conservation Horticulture Coordinator
Catherine Brown
Conservation Field Technician
Jimmie Cummings
Park Operations Technician
Zachary Davison
Conservation Field Coordinator
Juan De La Garza
Conservation Horticulture Technician
Remi Dorosh
Park Operations Coordinator
Clayton Emery
Park Operations Manager
Rene Flores
Maintenance & Mechanic Operations Technician
Suzanne Formanek
Director of Park Operations
Adriana Glick
Conservation Field Technician
Fidel Gomez
Maintenance & Mechanic Operations Technician
Alex Guerra
Turf and Grounds Operations Technician
Ashley Hadley
Conservation Horticulture Coordinator
Courtney Hall
Manager of Conservation Operations
Helen Harkey
Conservation Horticulture Supervisor
Emiliano Hernandez
Conservation Field Technician
Sarah Hernandez
Visitor Services Park Presence
Hannah Hickox
Park Operations Technician
Benjamin Hockenbury
Irrigation & Turfgrass Coordinator
Taylor Hornburg
Conservation Field Technician
Luke Knight
Park Operations Technician
Maria Lopez
Conservation Arboriculture Coordinator
Samuel Lutfy
Native Habitats Senior Supervisor
Jessie Maldonado
Turf and Grounds Operations Coordinator
Brooke Maxfield
Conservation Technician
Alejandra Mendoza
Conservation Field Technician
Glenn Mull
Turf and Grounds Operations Technician
Yetsibel Munoz
Park Operations Technician
Jeffrey Nieto
Conservation Horticulture Coordinator
Marco Orduna
Grounds Operations Manager
Michael Pastor
Conservation Field Technician
Jacob Perry
Arboriculture Technician
Andy Peshek
Conservation Field Technician
Corey Randall
Grounds Operations Manager
Adrian Scroggins
Conservation Field Technician
Timothy Scruggs Sr.
Turf and Grounds Operations Coordinator
Edgar Sorto
Park Operations Technician
Faythe Stewart
Conservation Field Coordinator
Jesus Velazquez
Turf and Grounds Operations Technician
Rosie Villegas
Visitor Services & Park Presence Coordinator
Charles Williams
Park Operations Coordinator
Forest Warren
Conservation Field Coordinator
Robert Watson
Turf & Grounds Operations Supervisor
Lauren Webb
Conservation Horticulture Coordinator
Taylor Westra
Conservation Field Technician
Theo White
Turf and Grounds Operations Technician
Simon Zavala
Park Operations Technician
Cedric Zavattiero
Arboriculture Supervisor
Photo:
A Least Grebe at Hines Lake in Clay Family Eastern Glades
Photo:
Overlook Pavilion at Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie