<<

is more than vibrant history, a pro-business attitude, strong support of education and family values – it’s a place where all of those elements meet and create a sense of community like no other. Founded on land already rich in history, our community is proud of its standing as “The Birthplace of Texas,” the site where Sam and General Santa Anna drafted the initial treaty papers securing Texas’ independence from in 1836. Not only do we integrate local and state history into many of our activi- ties and events, but we capitalize on our proximity to the incredible San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, home to the Battleship TEXAS and the San Jacinto Monument.

But we’re more than our history. In recent years, Deer Park has ranked among SafeWise.com’s list of the 50 Safest Texas Cities, CNN Money’s Top 25 Cities in the U.S. for Affordable Homes, and has been recognized as a contender for CNN’s list of 100 Best Places to Live. Our schools are also consistently ranked among the best in Texas, not only in academics but also in extracurricular and athletic opportunities for all students.

Add to that our proximity not only to Houston, but also to Kemah, the sand and shores of Galveston and many other local cities including Pas- adena, La Porte, and , and you can see that Deer Park is full of appeal.

Read on to see how the many incredible parts of Deer Park – from our family-friendly recreation events to our history, our dining opportuni- ties and our diverse shopping venues – come together to create the best home base for exploring .

Regional History - 2 Arts and Entertainment - 6

Local History/Industrial Tank Murals - 3 Dining and Shopping - 7

Battleground Golf Course/ Accommodations - 8

Local Sports and Activities - 4 Regional information - 9

Special Events - 5 Map of Deer Park - 10

3527 Independence Parkway South - 281-479-2431

In 1948, the Battleship TEXAS became the first perma- nent battleship memorial museum in the U.S. On April 21, 1948, the U.S. Navy decommissioned and turned TEXAS over to the State of Texas to be a permanent 3525 Independence Parkway South - memorial. 281-479-2431 As the last remaining battleship that participated in both World War I and II, TEXAS is a testament to the dramatic Photos provided courtesy of the Texas Parks changes that occurred in technology, warfare, and indus- and Wildlife Department try during the early twentieth century. With a wide range of visitor tours and programs, including Hard Hat Tours, confined space rescue training, and Officially opened in 1907 as the first state park in Texas, the San Jacinto Battleground even chances to sleep over on the ship, students and visitors alike will gain fascinating insight into what life was State Historic Site proudly preserves a monumental chapter in state, national and interna- like as a sailor! tional history. The 1,200-acre site commemorates the , preserving the battleground on which Texan troops under General achieved the independ- ence of Texas by defeating a Mexican Army led by General Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836. Today, the site includes the Battleground, the San Jacinto Monument, and the Battleship TEXAS. While at the site, visitors may take the elevator up to the Monument’s Each year, over 20,000 visitors travel to the San Observation floor, 489 feet above the Battleground, and see the Jacinto Monument and Museum for the San Jacinto from new heights! Then, tour the museum, watch the documentary “Texas Forever!! The Day Festival, which includes family entertainment, Battle of San Jacinto” and pick up a souvenir. Finally, check out the 1,210-foot long trail live history demonstrations, a children’s area and and boardwalk, which features native prairie, tidal marsh and bottomland forest. Texas vendors. In the late afternoon, the largest battle reenactment in the state celebrates the 1836 With walking tours, seasonal events and more, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Battle of San Jacinto. Free admission. Site is a perfect place for family time! Event held in April - check Web for details.

One Monument Circle - 281-479-2421

The San Jacinto Monument was dedicated on April 21, 1939 to the “Heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and all others who contributed to the independence of Texas.” The monu- As official co-sponsors for the San ment includes a 570-foot shaft topped by a 34-foot star symbolizing the Lone Star Re- Jacinto Day Festival, the City of Deer Park is represented at the annual event public. Listed as the tallest stone column memorial structure in the world - even taller by representatives from the Historical than the - the building was recognized by the American Society Committee, Tourism Committee, Parks of Civil Engineers with the designation as a State and National Historic Structure. and Recreation Department and the Deer Park Public Library! When you The interior of the structure is operated by the San Jacinto Museum come to the event, stop by and learn of History, a private, non-profit organization with collections spanning about major events offered in our City! over 400 years of early Texas history.

1410 Center Street - www.deerparktx.gov Throughout the City of Deer Park, visitors will find

Following the battle of San Jacinto, General cabinets filled with historical documents, photos and Sam Houston, David Burnet and the Texas items that shed light on the history of our area. The Cabinet met at a nearby cabin took the Mexi- items on display were largely made available through can General to a nearby cabin to draft the citizen donations. initial treaty documents securing Texas’ Cabinets are available for viewing at the Municipal Court/Theater Building (1302 Center Street), the independence from Mexico. Community Center (610 E. San Augustine), the Deer The cabinets include photos, newspaper clippings and This cabin, the home of Dr. George Moffit Patrick, was located in Deer Park on Buffalo , and a histori- Park Public Library (3009 Center Street) and the Deer eight letters written by the City’s founder, Simeon West, cal representation of the structure stands in our Heritage Park. Because of these significant events, Deer Park Visitors Center (203 Ivy Avenue). in the 1850s and 1860s - come see them today! Park holds the distinction of being the true “Birthplace of Texas.” New historical features secured during 2017 The Historical Committee had a very busy year in 2017, with many accomplishments related to the 125th Anniversary Celebration and other significant milestones. In partnership with Dow Chemical and the Texas Historical Commission, the Historical Committee oversaw the movement of a Centennial Marker Visitors who travel along State Highway 225 through originally placed at the home of George Moffit Patrick from its location at Dow Chemical (formerly Rohm the Deer Park industrial region will be captivated by and Haas) to Heritage Park. the beautiful artwork adorning the sides of select storage tanks lining the roadway. Each of the seven images tell a story about the hardships in the fight for Around 1928, surveyors came across a headstone for siblings Texas independence. Mary Jackson and William Wilson. Around 1976, Shell “Destiny” sponsored by LyondellBasell While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to take a 610 E. San Augustine contacted the Harris County Historical Commission and the City “Discovery” sponsored by Vopak drive and see each one in person! of Deer Park to make plans to move the gravesite. “Two Storms Passing” - Matching pair of The Commission gave Shell permission to move the gravesite murals sponsored by Shell Deer Park and any remains from the site at Shell to Dow Park. A small “The Volunteers” sponsored by ExxonMobil cement casket of earth from the graves and the headstone were “Spirit of Independence” sponsored by Vopak moved on March 7, 1977. It is Deer Park's oldest artifact and “Muddy Trail to Freedom” sponsored by the some historians believe it is the oldest marked grave in Harris City of Morgan’s Point County. As of December 2017, the City was granted a Texas Historical Subject Marker for “Early Settlers in Deer Park.” The marker, as well as the headstone, will be located in central Dow Park.

The Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department is proud to maintain strong working relationships with local sports associations serving the youth of the Deer Park historical significance community. For more information on youth baseball, softball, soccer, youth football and more, contact the department at 281-478-2050.

Area participants have the chance to run or walk for a cause each year during the Shell “Strides for Schools” 5K. Industry/mural photos 18-Hole Golf Course, Fine Dining and Unique History - “Where History Begins” Benefitting the Deer Park Education Foundation, Shell Deer Park ensures that the Deer Park Independent School District students will receive effective, innovative learning techniques for years to come. 1600 Georgia - 281-478-4653 - www.battlegroundgolfcourse.com 18-hole, 72-par course with pro shop, driving range, locker room, grill. The event includes community booths and an awards ceremony and is held in the first quarter of the year.

The Battleground is a complete golfing facility specializing in tournaments and corporate outings. Offering a demanding championship layout, the Battleground is open year-round to the public and also offers The Texas Independence Bicycle Tour is a one-day event bringing cyclists from the Houston area together to monthly and annual memberships. After your round of golf, make sure to enjoy a meal at the Republic Grill, open tour the San Jacinto Battleground and adjacent communities, raising funds to support the Deer Park Rotary on Monday through Thursday from 11AM-4PM and on Friday through Sunday from 11AM-5PM. The restaurant Club’s service and scholarship program. Our goal is to bring together the community and Texas history in a also offers Happy Hour from 3PM-6PM on Monday through Thursday and breakfast from 7AM-11AM, Friday fun and exciting event while raising funds to support the programs for those with needs in our community. through Sunday. Whether you want to build your own burger or try one of our delicious salads, the restaurant The Deer Park Rotary Club meets every Wednesday. For more information, visit www.deerparkrotary.org. offers a scenic and relaxing atmosphere for social and professional gatherings.

Additionally, the Battleground Golf Course specializes in weddings and banquets including graduations, corporate lunch-and-learn For four decades, the Wheelhouse has served events, baby/bridal showers, quinceaneras, and more! area men looking to break the downward spiral of Deer Park and Pasadena, Texas are home to the For our soon-to-be married couples, we offer a bridal suite, a groom’s substance addiction. prestigious Texas Invitational high school basket- suite and a new wedding budget calculator, which allows clients to Funded fully by donations, the Wheelhouse hosts ball tournament that features 48 boys’ teams and several fundraisers annually, including the Wheel- calculate the cost of their event based on desired foods and other 32 girls’ teams. It is one of the largest events of its house Bike Rally. Motorcycle enthusiasts from all amenities. With seating for up to 225 attendees, make sure to think of kind in the country. around come to the area to help these men fight Every season, the McDonald’s Texas Invitational the Battleground when you’re planning your next private event! their addictions. The day includes a motorcycle kicks off in November, so be sure to attend this tour, live music and great food. Facebook.com/ Search: The Republic Instagram and Twitter: monumental event and support the young athletes The event is typically held in the fall. involved. TheBattleground Grill: Deer Park @bggolfcourse

A Certified USTAF event, the Goblin Gallop is a unique chance to get active and enjoy the fall season. With Men’s and Women’s divisions competing for awards, as well as a kids’ one-mile, cross country run Meet the Easter Bunny and join in on activities including arts and crafts, a through Dow Park, the event is a great opportunity for family fun. sidewalk chalk picture contest, rubber ducky races, a carrot pull and much For more information on the Goblin Gallop, call 281-478-2050. more at the annual Parks and Recreation Department’s Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Center and Dow Park, located at 610 E. San Augustine. The main event is the Easter Egg Hunt, where over 15,000 toy or candy filled eggs are spread out over the grass at Dow Park. Enjoy a spook-tacular, free event every October 31 with the City of Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department. At the annual Halloween Carnival, you can visit Pumpkin Town, try your hand at as many games as possible, and even take part in a costume contest! Prizes are awarded to first, second and third place winners in Every summer, the Parks and Recreation De- each category. Join us at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center! partment hosts a series of free Concerts in the Park every Thursday, with a major kick-off event held early in the season. In early December, the Parks and Recreation Department The series features a range of musical genres brings on the holiday cheer with Reindeer Park, a winter from Country and Rock to Latin and Jazz. wonderland full of fun activities for the entire family. Admission is always free! The event includes a special Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa’ s Village, pony rides, a tree lighting, the Christmas tree plaza, an ice skating rink, snow areas, slides, a lighted parade and much more! Parking is free! Every year, the City of Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department For more information on the event, or if you are interested in celebrates our nation’s independence with a full-scale Fourth of July being a vendor at Reindeer Park, visit the event Web site at festival, and you won’t want to miss it! www.deerparktx.gov/reindeerpark. The evening includes live music, carnival games, outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities for family fun and photos. The night ends The majority of Parks and Recreation events are held at the with a spectacular, 20-minute fireworks display that can be observed Community Center (610 E. San Augustine) or the Jimmy Burke Activity from anywhere in the City. The fun starts in the late afternoon at the Center (500 W. 13th Street). Residents and visitors are always th Jimmy Burke Activity Center, located at 500 W. 13 Street. advised to visit the City website or the Parks Facebook for event Visit www.deerparktx.gov/recreation for event information, dates and times. updates and information!

ALLEY THEATRE 713-220-5700 Houston’s professional theater company The Art Park Players are a true treasure to Deer Park, offering the only year-round dinner theater in the Houston area! With 615 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX four major shows per season, affordable ticket prices and a wide array of small events throughout the year, this group features Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.alleytheatre.org unparalleled talent both onstage and behind the scenes. HOBBY CENTER 713-315-2400 For upcoming production information, please call 281-478-7288. For tickets, please contact the Box Office at 281-794-2448. Award-winning high school Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) - Musical theater performances open to the public! Art Park Players productions are held in the Deer Park Municipal Court and Theater Building, located at 1302 Center Street. 800 Bagby, Ste. #300, Houston, TX Visit www.facebook.com/deerparktx.parksandrecreation or www.artparkplayers.com to learn more! Est. Drive: 22 mins - www.thehobbycenter.org

JESSE H. JONES HALL 832-487-7050 The Houston Symphony For more than 30 years, the Deer Park High 615 Louisiana Street, Ste. #101, Houston, TX School student body has showcased its Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.houstonfirsttheaters.com musical talents for the Deer Park community,

Estimated drive to museum district is about and visitors are welcome! Over the course of 19 miles (25-29 minutes) REVENTION MUSIC CENTER 713-230-1600 four nights, the sold-out performances feature Current and mainstream performing artists MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS - HOUSTON 520 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX students performing rock, country, pop and

713-639-7300 Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.reventionmusiccenter.com dance routines in the state-of-the-art 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX - www.mfah.org NORTH CAMPUS 281-998-6150 Performing Arts Center. Dr. Charles Grant Fine Arts Center WORTHAM THEATRE CENTER 832-487-7000 CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON (Includes Galleria del Norte Art Gallery) Houston Ballet/Houston Grand Opera 713-522-1138 5800 Uvalde Road, Houston, TX 500 Texas Street, Houston, TX 1500 Binz Street, Houston, TX - www.cmhouston.org

Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.houstonfirsttheaters.com MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE CENTRAL CAMPUS 281-998-6150 713-639-4629 Powell Arena Theatre HOUSE OF BLUES HOUSTON 888-402-5837 5555 Dr., Houston, TX - www.hmns.org 5800 Uvalde Road, Houston, TX Current and mainstream performing artists 1204 Caroline Street, Houston, TX SOUTH CAMPUS 281-998-6150 Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.houseofblues.com 713-525-9400 Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center 1515 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX - [email protected] TOYOTA CENTER 713-758-7200 (Includes Procenium & Black Box Theatres) Visit www.dpisd.org Current and mainstream performing artists CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM 13735 Beamer Road, Houston, TX 1510 Polk Street, Houston, TX for more information! 713-284-8250 Est. Drive: 23 mins - www.houstontoyotacenter.com 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX - www.camh.org

After you eat, it’s time to hit the stores! Deer Park is home to family-owned businesses regarded nationwide for their product chains, their customer service and their prices. It’s obvious that Deer Park has plenty to offer in terms of history, but you Whether you’re looking for home décor, quality clothing for all might be surprised at the wide range of dining and shopping opportunities in ages, custom furniture or that special gift around the holidays, our City. you’ll be surprised at how much shopping you can do without With over 50 restaurants and hundreds of businesses, the City is full of ever having to leave the area. surprises for you, your family, or a day out with friends! Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’re ready to drop, stop by one of Interested in Mediterranean food? You’ll find it here, in a delicious, family- our local spa facilities for some well-deserved relaxation. owned and operated restaurant. Whether you are looking for a full day of pampering, a couples’ Unique burgers, sandwiches and subs? Check - from all the fast food massage or just quick pedicure, our local establishments will options your family craves to healthy cold cuts, you won’t go hungry. leave you feeling refreshed and ready to continue exploring...

Delicious Italian? We’ve got it, whether you’re thinking lunch or an upscale dinner. Having an urge for break- fast food? We’ve got everything from tacos to home- made kolaches like no other. For complete listings of our City’s businesses, restaurants Sushi? Mexican? Chinese? Barbecue? You get the and services, visit the City of Deer Park Web site, idea. www.deerparktx.gov, scroll over “Departments,” and then

select “Economic Development.” With an array of restaurants ideal for a quick bite, a business meeting or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find Information is also available through the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce whatever you’re in the mood for, and you’re Web site, www.deerparkchamber.org. guaranteed to find a meal suitable to any budget.

Meeting Rates* Rooms Suites Pool ADA WiFi Pets Breakfast room size Compliant

Whether you’re in town for business, staying for a America’s Best Value None $89.99- 30 Inn and Suites $99.99 weekend of shopping or planning a long-term stay, the City of Deer Park has a wide range of hotel Best Western 300 sq/ft $110+ 54 accommodations that can fit any need. Candlewood Suites 600 sq/ft $89-169 75 Check out all of the beautiful hotels available right 201 West X Street, Deer Park, TX 77536 Comfort Suites 1,000 sq/ft $110+ 56 here in Deer Park! 281-479-9888 - www.hideerpark.com Hampton Inn 1,240 sq/ft $119-$139 63

Holiday Inn Express 1,600 sq/ft $119-$209 78

La Quinta 1,400 sq/ft $89-169 74 Palace Inn None $69.99 30

*Rates current as of March 2018 - Please call hotels directly for updated information

1401 Center Street, Deer Park, TX 77536 1450 Center Street, Deer Park, TX 77536 281-476-1900 - www.bwdeerparkinn.com 281-930-9091 - www.hamptoninn.com

846 Center Street, Deer Park, TX 77536 5321 Red Bluff Rd, Pasadena, TX 77503 281-930-8800 - www.palaceinn.com 1300 East Blvd., Deer Park, TX 77536 281-930-4800 - www.redlion.com/deer-park 1501 Center Street, Deer Park, TX 77536 281-478-0200 - www.candlewoodsuites.com/deerparktx 281-930-8888 - www.csdeerpark.com

Coming to town with a furry companion? We Many of our hotels participate in the STAYDP have you covered, with two of our properties program, a cooperative effort to provide visitors offering pet-friendly accommodations. to Deer Park an extra discount for choosing one of our beautiful properties. If your furry family member is a canine, visit the Ella & Friends Dog Park, right behind the When you call to book your room, check to see if Jimmy Burke Activity Center at 500 W. 13th the property is offering the STAYDP discount for Street! 1400 East Boulevard, Deer Park, TX 77536 an even lower rate! 281-476-5300 - www.laquinta.com

Get ready for an unforgettable, water-

borne tour of one of the busiest ports in the world aboard the Located just off of the Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8), Authority’s free public tour boat! Deer Park is just minutes from neighboring cities and The M/V Sam Houston offers free, attractions throughout the area! leisurely 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embark- ing from the port’s Sam Houston Pavilion, visiting sightseers aboard the M/V Sam Houston enjoy passing views of interna- tional cargo vessels, as well as operations at the ports Turning Point Basin Terminal.

To make reservations, or for more information, visit www.portofhouston.com.

Visit www.fly2houston.com for more info!

GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT Did you know Deer Park is only 19 miles east of Houston? Utilizing State Highway 225 and I-610, 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston, TX 77032 SH 225 West to Sam Houston visitors can reach all the amenities of the major city in no time at all! Parkway North - www.kemahboardwalk.com - 877-285-3624 Est. Drive: 37 minutes MINUTE MAID PARK - Baseball Team 713-259-8000 281-230-3100 215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah, TX - Est. Drive: 20 minutes 501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 24 mins http://houston.astros.mlb.com

Space Center Houston - www.spacecenter.org - 281-244-2100 WILLIAM P. HOBBY AIRPORT NRG PARK - Football Team 832-667-1400 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX 77061 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston Texas - Est. Drive: 30 minutes One NRG Park, Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 29 mins www.nrgpark.com SH 225 West to I-610 West to Nature Center - www.abnc.org - 281-474-2551 Broadway Street TOYOTA CENTER - Basketball Team 713-758-7200 Est. Drive: 20 minutes 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena, TX - Est. Drive: 22 minutes 1510 Polk Center, Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 23 mins www.houstontoyotacenter.com 713-640-3000 DYNAMO STADIUM - Houston Dynamo Soccer Team 713-276-7500 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 22 mins www.houstondynamo.com

Moody Gardens - www.moodygardens.com - 800-582-4673 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO 832-667-1000 8334 Fannin, Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 22 minutes www.rodeohouston.org One Hope Blvd., , TX - Est. Drive: 57 minutes Schlitterbahn Waterpark - 409-770-9283 SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK - Horse racing track 281-807-8700 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W., Houston, TX - Est. Drive: 45 mins www.shrp.com 2026 Lockheed Rd., Galveston, TX - Est. Drive: 58 minutes