Spring break traffic will be heavy in Hermann Park

Spring Break is just around the corner and thousands of people will flock toHermann Park every day to enjoy its many attractions. This year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is also in town during Spring Break and that means the city will have twice the fun and potentially twice the traffic.

Hermann Park generally experiences heavy traffic throughout the month of March. However, usage is expected to peak March 13 – 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To beat the traffic jams and parking challenges, visitors have expanded parking options, thanks to an agreement with Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza.  Hermann Park visitors can now use the parking garage located at 6400 Fannin, next to the HermannProfessional Building, on weekends. The current maximum rate for weekends is $6.00 (subject to change by Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza) and visitors have the option of paying by cash or credit card.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department still urges patrons to carpool or ride METRO’s bus system or METRORail, which goes right past Hermann Park. Riders can catch METRORail at the Fannin South Park and Ride lot located at 1604 West Bellfort or park downtown and catch METRORail at any of the downtown rail stations. Riders can disembark at Hermann Park/Rice University Station, at Fannin and Sunset; Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo, at North MacGregor and Ross Sterling; or the Museum District Station, between Ewing and Binz to access all of Hermann Park’s amenities.

If you feel your car is a necessity, be prepared, because Hermann Park has limited parking that may possibly be overtaxed during this extreme peak period.  Park visitors will need to be ready for delays and should have contingency plans. Park patrons are also advised to:

• Be aware that it is no longer possible to turn left into Hermann Park.  Pay attention to the “No Left Turn” signs posted along the light rail track
• Be aware that Hermann Park Drive will only allow one-way traffic southbound from the Sam Houston Monument to Cambridge Street
• Know that HPD’s Mobile Response Team (MRT), METRO Police and Urban Park Rangers will direct traffic at all intersections on Cambridge Street, Fannin andHermann Park Drive.

Houston TranStar will coordinate freeway changeable-message signs on SH 288 to communicate traffic information to motorists.  Portable message signs will also be placed around the park to provide additional information to park visitors.  Check traffic conditions before venturing out to the park. Information is available atwww.houstontranstar.org

Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoological Gardens, the Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and is a neighbor to the Museum District.  HermannPark offers a host of amenities, from hike and bike trails to McGovern Lake’s pedal boats and the upgraded miniature train.  Renovations have only enhanced its reputation as a place for families to have fun together.

For more information on the METRORail system, including a map, schedule and fares, call METROLine at (713) 635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.org.  For more information about the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit www.houstonparks.org.