Discovery Park Officially Opens, NASA Astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore Gives Inspiring Talk at Dedication Ceremony
Katy, TX (June 14, 2016) Amidst a rainy backdrop, Discovery Park officially opened and was dedicated to the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District (BKDD) Saturday, June 4 at 9 a.m. As Waller county’s newest attraction for youth and families, the highly anticipated opening of Discovery Park united close to 200 community members, civic leaders and children. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and offers a rocket-themed playground, 60-foot by 60-foot pavilion, community garden and soccer field.
The Brookshire Youth Foundation (BYF), the organization behind the development and establishment of Discovery Park, presided over the dedication ceremony and thanked the BKDD for their long-term commitment to the park.
“It has been a tremendous journey to arrive at this point, and the future for Discovery Park holds limitless bright possibilities,” Reverend Dottie Dumas, BYF Board President, said.
Raymond Dollins, BKDD Board President, accepted a plaque commemorating the dedication and thanked the BYF for their role in creating Discovery Park.
Headlining the dedication was NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore. From November 2014 to March 2015, Wilmore served as commander on Expedition 42 of the International Space Station. He encouraged the youth to pursue their dreams and shared how he applied to NASA four times before he was accepted.
Wilmore spoke to the audience about his quest to become an astronaut and the curiosity that has been a driver for his success.
“My first word was not dad or mom,” Wilmore said. “It was why. I was always curious about how things work, and I think that just perpetuated into life. To have an understanding and to figure out how things operate, you have to know math and science disciplines.”
Plans are currently underway to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning opportunities throughout the park.
Discovery Park’s (inter)stellar Founding Star, Commander and Mission Specialist sponsors were recognized with a plaque for their generosity. Their investment provided substantial support towards the development of the park.
Founding Star sponsors include Stewardship Wealth, Cotton Gin International, The Hovas Family and the Montgomery Family Foundation. Commander sponsors, donors who have contributed $10,000 or more, include H.D.H Instruments, Texas Automotive Muscle, McDugald-Steele and Teal Construction Company. Mission Specialist sponsors, those who have given between $5,000 and $9,999, include the United Way of Greater Houston Community Building Grant, Hillsman & Vahalik, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Vahalik & Vahalik, P.C. Attorneys.
Although not recognized at the opening, but certainly appreciated, are the park’s Flight Engineer sponsors, those who have given between $1,000 and $2,499. These donors include Severn Trent, Saturn Machine, Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, West I-10 Chamber, Triple-G Nursery and La Quinta Inn and Suites.]
Discovery Park is located at 4421 5th Street, at the corner of Bains and 5th Street, just South of the Cotton Gin. For more information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, please contact Kim at 281-375-5535.
