BBP 2024 Annual Report

WATERSHED MOMENTS 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

WATERSHED MOMENTS 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

DEAR FRIENDS Buffalo Bayou is an ever-changing waterway meandering through

In addition to completing the Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou affordable

Houston and connecting communities to a shared sense of place. Fed

housing and the transformation of Japhet Creek Park, BBP made

by more than 200 square miles of urban land, the bayou’s watershed

significant progress toward realizing the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan.

transcends city, county, and neighborhood boundaries. It represents

Construction began on multiple projects east of downtown, including a

a coming together not only of water, but of people gathering in the

new trail link on the north bank, The Warehouse at Turkey Bend, Garver

parks, trails, and unique spaces Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP)

Park, and the expansion of Tony Marron Park. Design and planning work

creates and stewards.

advanced on a trail and pedestrian bridge connection at Japhet Creek Park, Marron Park Way, and the hike and bike trail along the bayou’s south

From community-driven artwork and dazzling underground

bank. Be it a new pathway, neighborhood park, housing, or repurposed

installations to jazz on the green and volunteer efforts to help keep our

industrial relic, each project builds upon BBP’s legacy of creating shared

landscapes clean, healthy, and resilient, there are countless ways to

places for communities to grow and thrive together.

engage with and sustain the places we love along Buffalo Bayou.

Just as the bayou flows, BBP’s impact continues to grow. This year,

As these projects take shape in the years ahead, we invite you to

our Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan received the Urban Land Institute

celebrate with us, marking each milestone as another watershed

of Houston’s inaugural Moonshot Award, which honors innovative

moment in Houston’s dynamic story.

ideas leading to transformational change. BBP’s visionary plan for extending the bayou trail network, providing affordable housing,

Sincerely,

building new public spaces, and integrating the culture and character of the Greater East End and Fifth Ward into design was chosen as an exemplary planning effort catalyzing positive change in our city.

Gaynell Floyd Drexler 2024 BOARD CHAIR

Anne Olson PRESIDENT

MOMENTS OF GROWTH

2024 was a watershed year for Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pursuit of a connected bayou for all. Key milestones continued to flow throughout the year, from the completion of important projects in the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan to groundbreakings, design benchmarks, and construction progress.

The four-acre Japhet Creek Park in the historic Fifth Ward was unveiled to the public in September. Groundwork for improvements to this City of Houston park was laid by neighbors dedicated to stewarding the hidden Buffalo Bayou tributary for many years.

Now, the newly transformed green space includes a collection of accessible trails shaded by a preserved tree canopy, as well as open lawns and meadows of native grasses and wildflowers to support a healthy and resilient ecology.

Along the south bank, also east of downtown, BBP completed construction of a unique project: Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou, an 80-unit, multi-family affordable housing complex which began leasing to residents in July. Through extensive engagement with the community while developing the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, BBP heard concerns about housing affordability and responded to this need by dedicating land and securing substantial

resources for quality affordable housing with direct access to parks

Community members gathered at Japhet Creek Park and

and trails. This project was realized in partnership with Brinshore

Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou for celebratory ribbon cutting events

Development, a national affordable housing developer.

in the fall. Remarks from governmental leaders, supporters, and area residents were followed by entertainment from local

Not only does Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou provide expansive

musicians and processionals led by nearby Milby and Wheatley

bayou views and easy access to the hike and bike trail network,

High School marching bands.

it will also be surrounded by Garver Park, a ten-acre green space named in honor of BBP Chair Emeritus Mike Garver. Construction

BBP’s President Anne Olson and members of the organization’s

began on the park shortly after the Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou

Capital Projects team provided a comprehensive presentation of

opening and is slated for completion in fall 2025.

the status of these and other projects in Buffalo Bayou East, and

a preview of exciting changes to come at an event titled Buffalo Bayou East: A Progress Report to the Community. More than 300 attendees from the Greater East End, Fifth Ward, and around the city joined together for the presentation and lively discussion.

These celebrations and gatherings sparked anticipation for many more to come as BBP’s work in the area continues to unfold. ⬛

MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION

INSPIRATION can be found around every bend along Buffalo Bayou. Connections with nature, encounters with thought-provoking public artworks, and memorable shared experiences activate transformed infrastructure, parks, and trails for people from all walks of life throughout the year.

In the spring, BBP and Aurora Picture Show lit up the trails and waterway around Tony Marron Park in the East End with the third annual NIGHT LIGHT. Thousands filled the park for one evening of video and sound installations by local artists projected onto bridges, pavilions, and the water’s surface. The program also featured the premiere of HomeBayou, a stopmotion animated film created by visiting artist Ezra Wube and community members from the Greater East End and Fifth Ward.

The film charted a course through the history of Buffalo Bayou and Houston, paying homage to the spaces, people, and cultural heritage that make neighborhoods east of downtown unique.

The film was part of a collaborative initiative with the High Line Network, a group of infrastructure reuse projects throughout North America led by The High Line in New York City.

Another example of programming within repurposed infrastructure was in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a decommissioned former drinking water reservoir that BBP converted into a unique public space. Two site-specific artworks were shown in the Cistern, beginning with Cistern Illuminated, a winter light installation designed by artist / engineer Kelly O’Brien of Fenris, followed by the immersive and evocative Haha Real by Rachel Rossin.

BBP’s fourth major public art commission for the Cistern, Haha Real led participants on a surreal journey through the use of light, sound, and AI technology. Rossin took inspiration from the classic children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit to explore themes of metamorphosis, memory, disillusionment, and “what is real” utilizing the vast architecture of the Cistern to inform the piece and shape the participant experience. An ethereal soundscape created by Houston-native musician and sound artist Frewuhn helped the artwork resonate within the infrastructural relic.

Gaines served as BBP’s Artist-in-Residence, focusing on Japhet

Collectively, these experiences drew more than 25,000 visitors

Creek and the history and significance of this tributary over

to the Cistern.

time. Gaines researched old maps, worked with the architects and engineers assigned to this project, spoke with community

Each year, BBP selects an artist with connections to the

members about the creek, and explored buried waterways

neighborhoods along Buffalo Bayou to develop a public project

throughout the area. These efforts will culminate in a temporary

and engage the community in their process. In 2024, Preston

exhibition of sculptures and stories at Japhet Creek Park. ⬛

MOMENTS OF STEWARDSHIP

LIFE on Buffalo Bayou contains a multitude of “watershed” moments. As a primary waterway and a key outdoor destination for recreation and communion with nature in Houston, the 10-miles of bayou cared for by BBP requires dedicated stewardship to remain healthy and resilient.

On land, BBP’s maintenance team was hard at work ensuring the accessibility, safety, and beauty of trails and green spaces throughout Buffalo Bayou Park, downtown Houston, and Buffalo Bayou East. With more than 4,500 new plants and trees installed, 800 cubic yards of hardwood mulch spread, and improvements completed at the Gus S. Wortham Memorial Fountain, Johnny Steele Dog Park, Lost Lake, and the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area, these spaces are growing greener year after year.

Out on the bayou, BBP’s Waterway Maintenance team removed more than 2,000 cubic yards of trash and debris, preventing it from flowing into the Ship Channel and on to Galveston Bay. Modifications were made to the custom, patent-pending BayouVac vessel to improve efficiency with debris removal. BBP also began welcoming corporate volunteer groups to take part in our waterway clean up, thanks to seed funding from the Alliance to

End Plastic Waste, and collaborated with Keep Texas Beautiful

Hands-on stewardship is a way to engage community members

to study the origin of trash east of downtown that resulted in the

from across the city in the natural places we share and enjoy.

installation of a trash gate.

BBP’s Volunteer Program welcomed more than 2,500 participants who contributed 7,500 collective hours clearing debris, installing

In the aftermath of two significant weather events, the Derecho

new plants and trees, removing invasive species, and maintaining

and Hurricane Beryl, BBP’s staff responded swiftly to ensure

landscaping. Together with BBP’s staff, volunteers make the

public safety, addressing downed trees, damaged amenities,

spaces along Buffalo Bayou healthier and more welcoming for all.

and accumulated debris and silt. Ultimately, BBP removed 190 compromised trees and 850 cubic yards of debris, restoring safe

BBP’s annual Summer Species series of public programs and

access along the waterway for visitors.

communications offers another way to convey the importance of

the bayou, its surrounding landscapes, and the flora and fauna that rely on them. 2024 was a-flutter for all things butterflies. Through nature walks, a bilingual field guide, and an educational email series, participants dove deep into the role of these pollinators and learned about actions they can take to preserve habitats and food sources.

This year also featured a collection of larger-than-life Monarch butterfly sculptures that floated above a newly established prairie next to Jackson Hill Bridge in Buffalo Bayou Park. Designed by artist Michelle Matthews, the sculptures were paired with fun facts about the life-cycle, migratory patterns, and habitat needs of Monarchs. ⬛

MOMENTS OF COMMUNITY

URBAN green spaces foster connections between people, nature, and culture. This year, BBP engaged with the community through music, public art, recreation, family festivals, educational offerings, and cultural celebrations.

Thousands of participants got in the groove at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park during Jazzy Sundays in the Parks. Presented

by BBP, Discovery Green Conservancy, and Emancipation Park Conservancy, and made possible by the Kinder Foundation, this lively annual series of free performances features local jazz musicians working to preserve the artform.

In the fall, BBP joined with local organizations to host two observances in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The Calmecac Indigenous Organization led a sunrise prayer gathering at Tony Marron Park in the East End, where members honored the Buffalo Nation through traditional song, blessings, offerings of flowers

and herbs, and the ceremonial construction of a tipi. The next day in Buffalo Bayou Park, Xochipilli Collective presented “A Celebration of All Nations” to honor the rich histories, culture, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.

BBP’s annual KBR Kids Day returned to Tony Marron Park in October, bringing countless families – and creative costumes – together for a free, fun-filled festival. In addition to a diverse array of partners leading nature-inspired activities, Kids Day also included a special groundbreaking experience to mark the final event at Tony Marron Park before its closure to undergo major enhancements. Children and families were invited to “break ground” together in a larger-than-life sand box. ⬛

DONORS GENERAL OPERATIONS

$100,000 The Powell Foundation

$11,000-60,000 Ralph B. Abendshein Ann Blankinship George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation

Gena and Dave Helm

Tellepsen in honor of Anne Olson

Janet and Fred J. Heyne III

and Ian Rosenberg

Houck Family Foundation

Teresa and Michael Thomas Family

Houston Arts Alliance

Nancy P. Thompson

Lee Huber

Kelley and David Tobin

The Inishfree Fund

Williams Companies

Elizabeth Hedden and Gerald Isaac

Teresa and Jimmy Wong Family

in memory of Edward Fallick Zach Kaplan in memory of Jake Kosowsky

Foundation Ellen A. Yarrell Elizabeth and Barry Young

Sally and Robert E. Meadows

Katz Coffee

Neste US, Inc.

Jan-Claire Phillips and Jerry Kendall

Port Houston

Kathy and Randy Lake

$100-999

The Tapeats Fund

Shelli and Steven Lindley

AIG

Susan Vaughan Foundation

Robert J. Lorio

Julie and William Alford

Linh Nguyen and Fred Marshall

Mike Aschenbrener

Dr. Sarah G. Candler and

Lori Atkins

$1,000-9,999 Susan and Jon Allen

Ted McKenna

in honor of Max Levit

Kelsey Baird-Campos

The Gordon A. Cain Foundation

Kim Nettles

Belinda and Christopher Beale

Nicole and Brian Cates

Jordan and Andrew Olsan

Joyce Beaugh

Chevron Matching Employee Funds

in honor of Johnny Steele

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP REGATTA On March 23, more than 450 paddlers competed in the 52nd Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, and this year was a triumphant return to the original 15-mile route! As always, the success of this unique fundraising event was made possible by the enthusiastic paddlers, generous sponsors including Gillman Subaru, and many hardworking volunteers.

Chris Bilton

Susan Cooley in honor of Sis Johnson

Carrie and Al Pepi

The Crain Foundation

Louise and John Joseph Reynolds

Dr. Philip Blum

Helen and Gary Dowling

Jan Glazner

Bernadette Feezor and Jeffrey Hopkins

Rachel and Bruce Deskin

Ripple Effect, a Collective Exhibition

Claire and Dick Brooks

Fareed Elhaj

Larry Goldberg

Houston Endowment Inc.

Kathryn and Leon de Sousa

Robertson-Finley Foundation

Derrick Brown

EOG Resources, Inc.

Claire Goodwin

Sarah D. Hufft

Downtown Houston+

Buffi and Bruce Robinson

Jereann Chaney

Karen Farber

Cindy Griffin

Infinity Title

Kathryn and Gary Dudley

Kelly and David Rose

Nell Clingman

The Finger Companies

Rita and Mike Grogan

Insperity

EarthShare of Texas

Carrie and Michael St. Croix

Crestwood Garden Club

Nelly Moyano Fraga

Sara Renee Hall

Karen and Dallas Ives

David Ellis

Gillian Stude Sarofim

Carly Cappozzo and Rosemary Cruz

Deborah Wandel Francis

Maarit and W. Russell Harp

Sarah Straub Jakse

Marie Fay and Steve Evnochides

Keith & Mattie Stevenson Foundation

Robert Daniel

Cary Carl Fremaux

Wendy Heger

Johnson 2010 Management Trust

Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation

Strake Foundation

Doris A. Dempsey

Rae and Richard Friedman

Gail and Mike Hendryx

Carole Johnston

Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching

Amber Abel Sturrock and

Jen Morgan and Andrew Donnalley

Joshua P. Galvan

Minette Heuer in honor of

Pat and David Jones

Linda Shead and Tom Douglas

Lucas Garibaldi

Rev. Holly Heuer

Kendra Scott LLC

Gift Program Kay and David Hedges

George Sturrock Anne Symonds

Dr. Marcia Levetown and

in honor of Anne Olson

Rick Gilpin

Kate and Joe Hood

Flip Kesicki

Ushma Tamboli

Noni and Erik Mrok

Sagnak Tasirlar

Murphy Oil

Karen Jean Taylor

Elaine J. Matte Mut and Alan D. Mut

Tokio Marine

Virginia G. Hodge and Bruce F. Nichols

Yvonne Torres

$20,000-25,000

Alexander Ostertag

Mary Anne Piacentini and

Gillman Subaru

Chelsea Pacey in honor of Collin Cox

The third annual Cocktails in Bloom held on June 4 welcomed nearly 125 BBP supporters to the charming green space of Autry Park, directly across from Buffalo Bayou Park. Signature cocktails and light bites from Monarch Hospitality and Thai Tail were served while pianist and singer Ben Chavez took requests from the crowd for a fun pop-up “piano bar” performance.

Drexel Turner in honor of Anne Olson and the terrific

Subaru of America, Inc. Share the Love Campaign

Beth and Joseph Panzarella

staff at BBP

Marsha and Charlie Parker

Carla Tyson-Howard

$1,250-5,000

Christopher Jacob Ullrich

BKO Services

Erin and Adrian Patterson

Facundo Villarreal

DCCM

Bernadette Payne

Lisa Jean Vollers

The Fay School

Cynthia Pecina

Julie and Chris Wallace

Freese and Nichols

Elena Penso

Brenda Williams and

Marie Louise and David Kinder

Natalia Perez

William Walvoord

Randall Petrick

Susan and Terry Wheeler

Pate Garver

Tammira Philippe

Kenneth Wiesehuegel

PND Engineers

Phillips 66

Jo Ann Williams

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Sarah A. Pledger

Kim Rogers Wilson

in honor of Collin Cox

COCKTAILS IN BLOOM

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP REGATTA MARCH 23, 2024

Darryl Morrison

Linda Powers

Page

$100-500

Christina and Tristan Propst

IN-KIND

Amy Purvis

Autry Park

Jonathan Denning

Gray Richard

Giant Texas Distillery

Kimberly and Bradley Dennison

Alona Robinson

Anna C. Hazel

Gaynell Floyd Drexler

Adrienne and Willson Ropp

Houston Tents & Events

Local Foods

Brazos Valley Chapter NSDAR

Robert Ketchie

LO Architecture

Kelsey and Colin McCulley

Ginger Clarkson and Dr. Mark Ryan

McKinsey & Company

Brian Marino

Cindee and Curtis Klement

Karl Long

Jessica and Ross McFall

Alicia A. Sanchez

Mendocino Farms

Pape-Dawson Engineers

Kroger

Tiffany Lutz

Tiffany McMillan in memory of

Sempra LNG

Monarch Hospitality

Glorria J. Silverman

Dr. Julia Lamb

Erika Madison

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Elizabeth D. Williams

Molly and Duncan Lamme

Lisa Madry

McNeill Charitable Foundation

Thai Tail

Bob Wright

Lynn Lasiter

Edward Main

Anne Mendelsohn

Bill Shirley

Lisa Lee

Shana R. Vaught Mandell

Dawna and Tom Menges

Dan Silvestri

IN-KIND

Virginia Lew

Martha Turner Sotheby’s

MHH Contractors LLC

Ellen C.L. Simmons

Bubbl’r

Rachelle Mian

Gina Sitaraman

Harris County Flood Control District Harris County Office of Homeland

Evan Douglas Lewis

International Realty

Kay Maxwell

Matching Gifts Program

Tipsy Treats

Olivia Djibo and Olivier Lhommet

Mary Matl

Jacob Miley

Janet and H.J. Springer

Lick Ice Cream LLC

Leigh McBurnett

Patricia Hunt and Joseph Milton

Nicholas Stillman

Security & Emergency

Cecilia Ljungberg

Sandra McCoy

Mark Andrew Morris

Adrienne and William Stokes

Management AUXCOMM Group

Harris County Precinct 4 Houston Parks & Recreation Department Katz Coffee

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP GALA NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Wendy and Shawn W. Cloonan

Luvi and Carlos Wheelock

Allyson and Andy Kopel

$100-999

Concept Neighborhood

Laura and William M. Wheless IV

Victoria and David Lanza

Linda and Narin Apisarnthanarax

Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick

Sallie and Bob Wright

Danielle and Darrell Maudlin

Leslie Garcia Ashby

Virginia Hoops and Lee Doggett

Liz and Andrew Ziccardi

Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg

Sheri and Camp Bailey

Lauren and Jordan Mintz

Tiffany N. Baird

Ginni and Richard Mithoff

Sanjay Bapat

Mendocino Farms

$10,000-25,000

Raising Cane’s

Julie and Seth Barrett

Anne S. Duncan

$1,000-2,499

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Irene and Brian Binash

East River

Barbara Amelio

Molly and Andrew Montgomery

Minnette and Peter Boesel

Snooze A.M. Eatery

Mary Ellen and Will Bos

Pepper and Ashley Edens

Arthur J. Gallagher

Sara and Bill Morgan in honor of

Claire P. Caudill

TEXSAR

Polly and Murry Bowden

Clayton and Shel Erikson

Veronica and John Avila

Turtlebox

Canterbury Family Foundation

Estrada Hinojosa

Bellows Construction

Moss Lake Partners

Sheila M. Condon

US Army Corps of Engineers

Mike Garver

Shari and Tom Fish

Nancy Glass and John Belmont

Katy and Sam Murray

Allyson and Steve Cook

Watertight Cocktails

H-E-B

The Goodman Corporation

Ann Blankinship

Cullen and Robert Muse

CSF Consulting LP

Julie Peak and David Hightower

Guy Hagstette

Elizabeth Bowes

Charlene and Chuck Nickson

Sharon R. Cunningham

Hines

Ann Lents and David Heaney

Kristy and Chris Bradshaw in honor

Judy and Scott Nyquist

Jerry Davis

Sis and Hasty Johnson

Houston Landing

of Monica and Brad Radoff

Anne and Tom Olson

Marsha Dodson

Emily Keeton

Shelley and Billy Iglesias

Marlo and David Bruce

Kelly Apple and Jason Orsak

The Fairbanks Family

Kinder Foundation

Kellie Jenks

Kristen and David Buck

Trey Peacock

Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga

Marie Louise and David Kinder

Katherine and Stewart Jones

Mallory and Kendall Carew

Fletcher Phillips

Katharine Barthelme Frank in honor

Amy and Gentry Lee

Cornelia C. Long

Harvey Clemons

Amy Purvis

H-E-B

Kim and Scott Martin

Michele and Paul Marvin

Kari Dagley

Robert Rinaldi

Patricia González

KBR

John P. McGovern Foundation

Catherine and Matt Matthews

Kerry and William Dampier

Beth and Chase Robison

Jill and Scott Holstead

Cabrina and Steven Owsley

April and Wells McGee

Kim and Joe Dang

Edwin Rumsey

Nancy and Carrick Inabnett

Susan and Renato Pereira

Moffatt & Nichol

Caroline and Mark Dannenbaum

Kara and Dax Sanders in honor

Mary Hinojosa Kelly and Bill Kelly

Conely Foundation

Monica and Bradley Radoff

Alisha N. Nathoo

Richard P. Dawson

of Barretts and Kinders

McDonald’s Houston

Beth Robertson

John L. Nau III

Gayle and Bob Eury

Mary Eliza and Park Shaper

David Brantley and Samir Khushalani

Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly

Roxann and Tim Neumann

Cece and Mack Fowler

Barbara and Tom Solis

Dillon Kyle and Sam Lasseter

Meg and Dick Weekley

Traci and Drew Pelter

Frost Bank

SWA Group

Tara McNeill

Port Houston

Jo and Jim Furr

Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen

Steven Murray

Winifred and Carleton Riser

Julianne and Jim Gable

Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

Vladimir Naranjo - PMG

KBR KIDS DAY OCTOBER 19, 2024

$15,000-50,000

$2,500-5,000

IN-KIND 365 Things to Do in Houston

Gaynell Floyd Drexler

Marie Louise and David Kinder

Brandon Cofield

of Marie Louise and David Kinder

Ann and Thomas R. Kelsey

Houston Family Magazine

$2,500-6,500

Houston Parks & Recreation

Chinhui Juhn and Edward Allen III

Sharon and Carlos Ruiz

Gillman Automotive Group

Sydnee Lucas and Kiko Velez

Northwest Construction Group

Asakura Robinson

Leigh and Reggie Smith

Jill Smith Graff and Wooch Graff

Elizabeth and Joe Walsh

Jennifer Palermo

Lisa Young and Matthew Assiff

Mary Martha and Joel Staff

Stephen Hillier

Lea Weingarten

Edmund Xavier Ramirez

Ann and Tom Bastian

Johnny Steele

Houston First Corporation

Polly and Jeff Whittle

Buffi and Bruce Robinson

BoyarMiller

Courtney and Doug Swanson

HR&A Advisors

Christine and Blake Williams

Betsy and Todd Siff in honor of

Camden

The Allen/Thompson Houston

Stacy and Scott Humphries

Carla Williamson

Gayl and Chuck Carlberg

Kelley and Harper Trammell

The Chapman Family

UTHealth Houston

Joe Isbell

Evans and Charlie Christ

Kara Kinder Vidal and Ulises Vidal

Jenny and Mark Johnson

Cathy and Joe Cleary

Walter P Moore

JPMorgan Private Bank

Department

in honor of Michele Marvin

Marie Louise and David Kinder

Geraldina I. and Scott W. Wise

José Solís

Lorraine Wulfe

Hanson Yates

Jessica Correll Michael L. Cox Joseph Crawford Carly Cappozzo and Rosemary Cruz Katherine Culbert Vianne de Young Nasreen and Rasheed Dhuka Arianna DiFilippo Emily Coalson and John Dilger Joshua Dubach Allyn and Cliff Dukes Marjorie Eisen Susan and John Entwistle Shelby Bandy de Espinoza and Enrique Espinoza Andrea and David Faulkinberry Kenny and Chad Flora-Mauk Stephen Fox

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP GALA

Kimberly and Michael Gapinski

Over 450 guests participated in our annual gala held in Buffalo Bayou Park on November 7, many wearing the suggested sneaker chic attire. Co-chaired by Julie and Seth Barrett and Marie Louise and David Kinder, pictured above with BBP President Anne Olson, the evening celebrated Belonging on the Bayou and supported our organization’s ongoing work to create and steward a dynamic green space network along the city’s signature waterway.

IN-KIND Any Occasion Tents & Events

MEMBERSHIP

William Lee Gay Mary Ann and Mark Miller

Kjerstin E. Barley

Jeanette Gilbreath

Carol and Cliff Pearson

Mrs. Brittney Dixon-Bello and

Claire Goodwin and Straton Gill

Kristen and Carlo Pippolo

Dr. Oyewale Bello

Janice Gorman

Patti Lennon-Potter and Bruce Potter

Mayuri Bhakta

Karen Grubbs

Jennifer Smith and Peter Ragauss

Peter Bhatia

Mary and Rick Hecksel

Margaret Rochs

Brandy Botter

Mónica and Justin Hicks

Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes

Nathalie Phlips and Hugh Spinks

Bess Bright

David D. Guetzow and Steve Hollowell

Tami A. Grubb

Brenda Williams and

Katherine and Christian Brock

Paul G. Homeyer

Janet Diaz and Toby Brown

Jeffrey D. Hopkins

Carol and Gary Bucek

Seth Hopkins

Maria and Paul Burdick

Olivia and Sean Howard

Bergner & Johnson Design

$500-2,500

City of Houston

Mary and Martin Beirne

Laura and Steve Jones

City Kitchen Catering

Diane and Greg Bennett

Grant Keener

$75-499

Giant Texas Distillery

Marcha Donna Thomas-Blades and

Rose Kreditor

Mona Sarkiss and Omar Aboudaher

Lynn Carpenter

Meera Jagannathan

Meredith and Landon Kruse

Cheryl Huffman and Amer Ahmed

Leslie and Jim Casey

Cathy and Joseph Jankovic

H-E-B

Ray Anthony Blades

BJ Gill and Robby Guthart

William Walvoord

Houston First Corporation

Vivian Ho and Richard Boylan

Kathy and Randy Lake

Brian Alcott

Peter Cayea

Joan and Richard Jennings

Houston Parks & Recreation

Margaret Culbertson

Stephanie and Richard Langenstein

Deanna Alexander

Bree Bridger and Richard Chantlos

Pat and David Jones

Kimberly and Bradley Dennison

Cheryl and Jim Lerdal

Carmen Alliston

Libby and Mitch Cheney

Karina Karakus

LD Systems

C.C. and Duke Ensell

Claire and Andy Madden

Christine Smith Andrews

Henrietta Childers

Mary Hinojosa Kelly and Bill Kelly

Total Wine & More

Stacey Gillman

Teresa J. McCanlies

Eva E. Archer-Smith and

Dana and Jeff Clary

Mary Choroszy and Mark Kelly

Wholesale Gardens

Jennifer Granchi

Jennifer and Ben McClure

Susan Cochran

Patty Kleinknecht

Department

James Aylward

Roksan Okan-Vick and James Vick Leslie Field and Morris Weiner Erin Werner Matthew Wilson Jennifer R. Wittman Justin Young Grace Yung Pascale Rucker and Jeff Ziga

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

$2,770,000 Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #3

$10,000-32,000

MEMBERS AND PATRONS

AIG

Throughout 2024, BBP Members enjoyed special opportunities in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, sunset and birding boat tours, happy hours, and VIP treatment at Jazzy Sundays. In addition to unique perks from community partners around town, members mingled with creatives and nature lovers alike at the opening reception of Ripple Effect, an art show fundraiser organized by Anna Hazel.

Bosch Community Fund Enbridge Jil and John Pollock

Heather Brown and Henry Segelke

GID Urban Development Group

Darryl Herzik and Armin Porter

Sara Speer Selber

Emily Keeton

Lara and Jim Powers

David Senter

Susan Keeton

Laura Ramos

Julie Shockley

Motiva Enterprises LLC

Kyla and Matthew Ray

Diedre A. Stern

Neste US, Inc. The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

Matthew Dernoga and Jeremy Kubicek

Jerson Martinez

Mindy Travillian and Ivan Musser

Rodney Ray

Mika Stepankiw

Mary Mikell Lampton

Laura Devitt and Steve Massad

Mila and Chris Neal

Louise and John Reynolds

Cathy Troisi and Ric Stoll

Lauren Lawson

Sandra McCoy

Vivian and Kevin Nguyen

Thomas Ristevski

MaryLou Swift

$1,000-5,000

Desiree Howell and Corey Lazaruk

Lenee and Jeff McDonald

Tommy Nguyen

Allison Rosen

Emily Talbott

Anonymous in memory of Boris Guz

Kayla and Jim Lehmann

Brian McGehee

Kendall and Jacob Nunez

Rebecca Rush

Ushma Tamboli

EarthShare of Texas

Michael Lew

Susan and Bill McMillian

Anne and Tom Olson

Susan Skipp and Ergün Sahin

Kelly Holcomb and Zachary Taylor

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Amy and Alan Lindsey

Maritza Mejía

Cheri Outler

Stephanie Samuels

Jarrod Thompson

The Garden Club of Houston

Alisa Lipski

Rachelle Mian

Christa Clarke and Jacob Owolabi

Kathryn Sanders

Mary and Keith Thompson

Glenfarne Companies/EnfraGen

Annette Lista

Caitlin Monteith

Laura Oren and Bruce Palmer

Susanna Schmidt

Susan Thompson

Hilton Global Foundation

Marilyn C. Long and Billie F. Long

Julia Morgan

Terri Patton

Beth and Michael Schneider

Rita and Bill Timmons

Sis and Hasty Johnson

Zena Majdalani

Kirsten Conrad and Michael Moritz

Brian Peterson

Holly Heuer and Peter Schneider

Babs Townsley

Leeward Renewable Energy

Carolie E. Martin

Elizabeth Casey and Ryan Mueller

Roxanne Plasencia

Rebecca Estrada and Craig Schofer

Julia Pena and Natalie Tran

Deborah Martin

Jennifer Murray

Esther and Gary Polland

Aimee Seahorn and Christal Seahorn

Carla Tyson-Howard

Development Cheryl and Jim Lerdal

HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS

Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

$3,500-10,000

Palm Valley Lutheran Church

Jereann Chaney

Deborah J. Selden and Bruce Penny in

Judy and Scott Nyquist

$100-1,000

Vivian L. Smith Foundation

Anonymous in honor of

United by Blue

IN-KIND

Barbara Cooney

Woodside Energy

!Que Onda!

Jacqueline and Robert Gates

honor of Jan and Fred A. Simpson Jaime Segura in memory of Boris Guz

Laura Lambert

$250-999 Advanced Micro Devices Comerica Episcopal High School

Dr. Brendan and Maria Lee

WATERWAY MAINTENANCE

Guy Hagstette

$434,000

Heather Hinzie

Harris County Flood Control District

Rice University Apoorva Sharma

$30,000-75,000

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Cheniere

Matching Gifts Program

CITGO

Geri L. Wood Yale University

IN-KIND

Michele Nezi Marvin

Port Houston

$5,000-15,000 Alliance to End Plastic Waste

Shirley and Greg Rosin Shell Oil Company Foundation Matching Gifts Program Nancy and John Youens

BUFFALO BAYOU EAST

$2,500,000

By 2032, Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Donors listed include gifts and pledges

Garver/Black/Hilyard Family

and its partners will realize the

of $100 or more made during the fiscal

Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan,

year January 1 to December 31, 2024.

bringing parks, trails, bayou-crossing

Commitments are recognized in full at the

bridges, affordable housing, cultural

time of the pledge. Every effort was made

destinations, and infrastructure

to ensure that the information published

improvements to the Greater East

is accurate and reflects the requests of

End and Fifth Ward. This visionary

individual donors. Should you wish to report

Foundation

Apache Corporation

Dow Company Foundation

$850,000

Catherine and Matt Matthews

Orsted

The Fondren Foundation

Redwood Capital Management

PUBLIC ART/PROGRAMMING

$35,000-80,000

SM Energy

$30,000-200,000

TPC Group

Hobby Family Foundation

plan is made possible by a $100

a concern regarding information listed,

Radoff Family

million catalyst gift from the Kinder

please email giving@buffalobayou.org.

Tellepsen

Foundation to Buffalo Bayou

Trees for Houston

Partnership, which leveraged

$250-2,500 Braskem America, Inc.

John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation

Chris Foyt

Houston Arts Alliance

Lisa Lee

IN-KIND

KBR

Audrey and Robb Moses

Amandes PLLC

including Tax Increment Reinvestment

Kinder Foundation

Zone funds.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

in honor of Mike Garver Plastics Industry Association Tricon Energy, Inc.

significant public support from Harris County and the City of Houston,

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ASSETS

2024

as of December 31, 2024

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

2024

LIABILITIES Cash and cash equivalents Prepaid expenses and other receivables

$ 61,244,312 358,299

Accounts payable and accrued expenses Construction payable

$

1,544,492 2,837,212

Contributions receivable

4,018,329

Deferred revenue

471,410

Endowment investments

15,444,810

Deferred land lease

1,430,769

Property, net

36,107,871

Note payable

2,304,871

Note receivable

9,950,000

Deferred payment loan

9,950,000

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 127,123,621

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$ 18,538,754

NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

$ 35,445,303 73,139,564

TOTAL NET ASSETS

$ 108,584,867

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$ 127,123,621

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES REVENUE

WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS

Fees and program revenues: Contract service fees Park rentals and fees

$

WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS

TOTAL

4,068,486

$ 4,068,486

1,158,378

1,158,378

Nonfinancial assets

35,299

$ 155,369

190,668

Other

915,805

20,916,686

21,832,491

Special events

781,983

781,983

(227,220)

(227,220)

Investment income

325,404

Other income

305,774

4,645,132

EXPENSES Buffalo Bayou development,

Contributions:

Cost of direct donor benefits

as of December 31, 2024

maintenance, programming

TOTAL

WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS

WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS

$ 20,451,148

$ 20,451,148

Management and general

772,462

772,462

Fundraising

440,355

440,355

$ 21,663,965

$ 21,663,965

TOTAL EXPENSES

4,970,536 305,774

OTHER CHANGES

0

Donation of land to City TOTAL REVENUE

$ 7,363,909

$ 25,717,187

Redesignation and transfers

(1,398,175)

1,398,175

$ 33,081,096

TOTAL

16,479,680

(16,479,680)

$ 22,445,414

$ 10,635,682

(1,189,911)

CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Net assets released from donor restrictions

of Houston

$ 33,081,096

(1,189,911)

0

0

Changes in net assets

(408,462)

10,635,682

10,227,220

Net assets, beginning of year

35,853,765

62,503,882

98,357,647

NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR

$ 35,445,303

$ 73,139,564

$ 108,584,867

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

Gaynell Floyd Drexler

VICE CHAIR David Ott, Jr.

TREASURER Kellie R. Jenks

SECRETARY

Andrew P. Ziccardi

Ralph Abendshein Andrea Alexander Matthew J. Assiff Veronica Avila Chris Bilton Harvey Clemons Jr. Brandon Cofield, Sr. Jerry Davis Richard P. Dawson Zion Escobar Bolivar M. Fraga Louis Girard Lisa Helfman Emily Keeton Mary Hinojosa Kelly Samir Khushalani Marie Louise Kinder Catherine Adams Matthews Alisha N. Nathoo Judy Nyquist Erin Patterson Monica Hoz de Vila Radoff Frem Reggie Carlos A. Ruiz Anne Whitlock Geraldina Interiano Wise

CHAIRS EMERITUS

EX-OFFICIO

Toni Beauchamp* Chuck Carlberg Brady F. Carruth Shawn W. Cloonan Collin J. Cox Thomas Fish Mike Garver Dennis Greer Artie Lee Hinds* Sis Johnson Susan Keeton* Dr. Manuel Pacheco Bob Phillips F. Max Schuette* Raymond Snokhous* Jeff Taylor Georgia Wilson

Mayor John Whitmire City of Houston

*Deceased

Judge Lina Hidalgo Harris County Kenneth Allen Houston Parks and Recreation Department Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. University of Houston-Downtown Commissioner Lesley Briones Harris County Precinct Four Allen Douglas Downtown Redevelopment Authority Commissioner Rodney Ellis Harris County Precinct One Erik A. Eriksson Port Houston Commissioner Adrian Garcia Harris County Precinct Two Roksan Okan-Vick, FAIA Houston First

Jennifer Ostlind City of Houston Planning and Development Department Tina Petersen, Ph.D, P.E. Harris County Flood Control District Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E. Harris County Precinct Three

STAFF

as of December 31, 2024

ADMINISTRATION Anne Olson President August Bishop Membership and Special Events Manager Karla Camacho Marketing and Communications Coordinator Lesley Eiermann Landscape Project Manager Karen Farber Vice President of External Affairs Caitlin Ferrell Marketing and Communications Manager Baldemar Gonzalez Senior Project Manager

Rebecca Leija Database and Office Coordinator Michele Nezi Marvin Vice President of Finance and Administration Leigh McBurnett Vice President of Development Ian Rosenberg Senior Vice President of Capital Projects and Planning

WATERWAY MAINTENANCE

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

CONSERVATION

VENUE & VISITOR SERVICES

Robby Robinson Field Operations Manager

Joe Rodriguez Park Director

Iris Chavez Conservation Technician

Brett Farley Field Operations Mechanic

Jose Armas Weekend Operations Supervisor

Jessica Henson Conservation Technician

Alison Duran Venue and Visitor Services Supervisor

Ned McQuarn Field Operations Technician

Toni Estrada Office Manager

David Rivers Field Operations Foreman

Donna Irwin Horticulturalist

Roberto Ruiz Field Operations Technician

Steve Parker Volunteer Coordinator

Trudi Smith Director of Programming

Jeff Parkinson Zone Supervisor

José Solís Project Manager

Alvaro Rangel Zone Supervisor

Nat Wanissorn-Schyma Capital Projects Associate

Florensio Tijerina Zone Supervisor

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Daniel Campa Charles Chatman Matthew Guerrero Isaias Guerrero-Ramirez Juan Hernandez Silvestre Lopez Martin Manzo David Mayberry Mustaq Mohammed Frank Moreno Alberto Sanchez Abraham Villa

Luis Flores Alejandre Cistern Attendant Lucy Briand Venue Coordinator Misael Calderon Cistern Attendant Rosemarie Croll Cistern Coordinator Adriana Marquez Morales Cistern Attendant Joaquin Reyes Cistern Attendant Marcela Strane Cistern Attendant

Rosi Gutierrez Controller

Austin Warren Visitor Services Coordinator

Lydia Hall Accounting Assistant

Irmi Willcockson Visitor Services Coordinator

MISSION

VISION

Buffalo Bayou Partnership creates

We envision Buffalo Bayou as a

and stewards welcoming parks,

unifying and transformative force

trails, and unique spaces, connecting

for Houston.

Houstonians with our city’s most significant natural waterway.

IMAGE CREDITS Aurora Picture Show Trish Badger Dean Digamon Nicki Evans Lawrence Elizabeth Knox Meridith Kohut

Daniel Ortiz Anthony Rathbun Melissa Taylor Ezra Wube Zainob+Mathew Create

1019 Commerce Street Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77002

713.752.0314 buffalobayou.org @buffalobayou

GROWTH INSPIRATION STEWARDSHIP COMMUNITY

buffalobayou.org