Janet Hobby, Anne Hamman Brollier, Kate Gibson
More than 450 guests — many dressed in floral-, greenery- and picnic-inspired attire, and many delighted at the “no ties or heels” dress code — came together for an al fresco cocktail hour to kick off the evening. A transluscent tent, erected on the smoothly clipped yet lush lawn, had a walk-through timeline of the park as well as tables filled with roses, ranunculus and wildflowers, reminding gala-goers of the park’s longstanding natural beauty.
The evening highlighted of some of MPC’s most recent projects, like the Sports Complex, Kinder Land Bridge and the Running Complex. Thomas Woltz, lead architect of Memorial Park’s Ten-Year Plan, introduced the evening’s honoree, Christopher Knapp, who’s responsible for bringing on Nelson Byrd Woltz as the landscape architect.
A deliciously seasonal dinner, courtesy of City Kitchen, included a burrata bowl with heirloom tomatoes and asparagus, and Gulf Coast shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. David Caceres and his jazz band serenaded the guests, who danced the night away in celebration of the record-smashing $1.25 million raised.
Rich and Nancy Kinder, Thomas Woltz
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
Will Denton and Sarah Dodd-Denton
Lesley Briones and Blake Ellis
Mary Nan Huffman, Eli Huffman
Jim and Whitney Crane
Cyvia Wolff
Jeff and Wendy Hines
Emily Clay, Bill Schneidau, Shellye Arnold
Louie and Maggie Layrisson
Giles and Andrea Kibbe
Event chairs Paul and Karol Barnhart, Diane and David Modesett, Kate and Steve Gibson
Mia and Peter Smith
Polly and Murry Bowden, Holli Clements
Park Ball dinner
Tammy Jenkins, Myron Blalock, Steve Jenkins, Carrie Pepi
Roberta and David Rude
“El Segundo Swim Club is the premier spot for those seeking a fun and unpretentious, yet sophisticated pool club in Houston,” said Matthew Healey, owner of El Segundo Swim Club in a statement. “We’re excited to reopen our doors and bring our relaxed, international vibe to our friends and those visiting our city right here in the Second Ward.”
The East End swim club, a 15,000 square-foot oasis, features an oversized cocktail-depth pool and a full-service bar. As you step through the club’s stacked stone entrance, you will be transported from a concrete jungle into an urban retreat where the drinks are always flowing.
El Segundo Swim Club channels the eclectic, bohemian and laidback energy of Houston while also layering colors and murals that are reminiscent of vintage Rio. Oversized, sculptural palm fronds, a mix of industrial elements and lush landscaping create a chill environment, kind of like visiting a friend’s whimsical backyard pool.
Reserved for those 21-plus years of age, the club features amenities including hammocks and lounge chairs, complimentary towel and sunscreen service and changing rooms available for all guests. For guests or groups looking for an upgraded experience, multiple private cabanas are available and can be reserved.
The swim club’s beverage menu, curated veteran mixologist Chris Frankel, features a variety of summer cocktails, a collection of independent grower Champagnes, mixed-drink carafes, frosty pitchers and canned beers. Food is available for purchase during peak hours via rotating food trucks.
Day passes (from $25) to access El Segundo Swim Club are available through the club’s website or TOCK.