As many have heard, there are plans to build a professional outdoor music pavilion at the Willow Waterhole Greenway with free live music.

The Conservancy connected with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit, The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, to secure major funding for the initiative.

The Conservancy’s project aligned well with the Levitt Foundation’s mission of “strengthening the social fabric of America.” Levitt empowers communities to “transform underused outdoor spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.” These projects also act as a catalyst for economic revitalization.

Through its annual MusicFest, the Conservancy has seen firsthand how free live music in underserved areas energizes the local community and brings neighbors from near and far.

After submitting a proposal, the Levitt Foundation formally selected and announced the Willow Waterhole Greenway as the site of the ninth Levitt Pavilion in the U.S. However, construction of a possible toll road through the site stalled the project.

In 2018, exciting news surfaced about the Gasmer Shell Research Center—the property was for sale. This site, adjacent to Dryad (the park’s main entrance) features expansive space for an inviting open lawn setting, ample parking, sufficient electricity and water, as well as accessible restrooms.

Through the tenacious efforts of community leaders and outstanding support from Mayor Turner and District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum, the City of Houston purchased the property in October 2019.

Levitt Pavilion Houston has requested nineteen acres of the site: three acres for the pavilion, twelve acres for parking, and four acres to repurpose an existing building as a community center. See below for a rendering of the space.

With this vision, Levitt Pavilion Houston has launched a “Founders Circle” fundraising campaign to develop plans for the new site. Please consider joining “Founders Circle” at LevittHouston.org or for more information: info@LevittHouston.org or (281) 687-1334. Once plans and costs are defined, we will seek input from community stakeholders.