A key part of our “Arts and Parks” tour of Houston was “Hermann Park. Named for George Hermann who, in 1914, deeded 285 acres for use as a park, the park is now the “central park” of Houston.
For good reason: it has many hidden treasures, and we set out to find them. The LEAP Ambassadors have participated in many different activities but for the first time they were tasked with completing a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt included 19 clues that led to different sculptures, landmarks, and pieces of art around the park.
One such work of art was Enrico Cerrachio’s “Sam Houston,” which marks the entrance to the park.
This interested us not only because we attend Sam Houston State University, but also because there is discussion that a group named “Antifa” wants the statue to come down. We don’t think that’s going to happen, but it might have added an urgency to our efforts to get multiple photographs.
We began our tour collectively, going to the Japanese Gardens.The gardens are not only picturesque, but they helped reinforce a theme of our trip. Houston has a large and thriving Asian population, and with visits to these Japanese Gardens, the Asia Society, and a top-notch Japanese restaurant, this culture’s contributions were a key component of learning in our trip.
We divided into three teams: (1) Brian and Kaitlyn or, as they are sometimes known, “Braitlyn”, (2) Christina, Bianca, and Lizette, and (3) Karla, Makayla, and Beatriz.
The rules were simple: 1) we had 3 hours to reach our goals, (2) we were not allowed to use google, and (3) we photographed our presence at site for proof of “discovery.” Our goals were to: (1) efficiently cover a 445 acre park, (2) learn as much about the park is as possible–and by extension, the potential of all parks; (3) and to have fun!
Some of the clues included “Unlock your destiny” which referred to Atropos Key, a sculpture by Hannah Holliday Stewart.
Atropos refers to one of the three Greek “fates,” who spin, measure, and terminate a person’s life. Atropos, incidentally, was the sister who held the shears; that is, she decided when to cut the thread.
Another clue was “Don’t twiddle your thumbs, but Twaddle on the top of the Mount with Seeds, Trees, and People” which referred to Randy Twaddle’s Seeds, Trees, and People, located on top of the Centennial Gardens Mount.
One of our clues was: “Sit down with Jesus.” What we were supposed to look for was a granite bench crafted by Jesus Moroles…
What we found was…
We think we were both correct.
We also saw Trojan Bear by Jim Love…
…Dillidiidae by Sharon Engelstein….
..and many others.
We also learned about Scottish poets…
…Mexican Presidents…
We also discovered a sculpture of Oliver Twist by Trace Guthrie.
We mention this, because Mr. Guthrie did a sculpture of Sam Houston outside of Austin Hall on SHSU’s campus. We’re sure no one is taking that one down!
We also saw a zoo-like assortment of animals…
Indeed, Bianca did a pretty good Dr. Doolittle impersonation!
In looking for animals, we even saw an engagement proposal…!
We also had a chance to ride a train…
…and go out on a boat…
Despite the appearances of relaxation, however, some took the competition seriously…
With all the sprinting, we occasionally needed to cool off…
…But, in true LEAP Center fashion, we still had time to help small children…
…and to see beautiful sites and have fun.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 