HOUSTON (August 5, 2013) – Buffalo Bayou Partnership today announced a $2 million gift from Silver Eagle Distributors, the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor and one of the largest Grupo Modelo distributors in the country, in support of the Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine project. The 160-acre, 2.3 mile park west of downtown Houston is currently undergoing a $58 million renovation and the gift from Silver Eagle will be dedicated to improvements to the event meadow, or the main “bowl” where events occur inside Eleanor Tinsley Park.
“Silver Eagle is a long-time community partner and generous supporter of citywide festivals along Buffalo Bayou,” said Anne Olson, president of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “Their support of Buffalo Bayou Park reiterates their commitment to the active and passive use of this green space.”
Expanding on the company’s donation, Silver Eagle Distributors’ President and Chief Executive Officer John L. Nau, III, said, “Buffalo Bayou represents both Houston’s history and its future and, as a company, we are inspired by the efforts Buffalo Bayou Partnership is endeavoring to make to the park space adjacent to the bayou. As a company with strong ties to our community, Silver Eagle is proud to invest in this transformational project.”
The improvements to be made in the area between Taft Street and Sabine Street include upgraded infrastructure for special events at the park, trails and stairs for easier pedestrian access, and upgraded landscaping. A large temporary stage can be placed in a flat grassy area below an improved parking lot during events. The gift also will fund the Skyline Overlook, redesigned parking spaces and an improved garden area. In recognition of this gift, the event meadow area will be the Bud Light Amphitheater and the Skyline Overlook will be the Nau Family Pavilion. The Eleanor Tinsley Park name will be retained.
Construction on these improvements is expected to start in August 2013 and be complete by Spring 2014, therefore having no significant effect on major events such as Summer Fest and Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park. The Shady Grove sculpture, art benches and Houston Victim’s Memorial, which were dedicated in 2002 and located in the park, will be preserved and reinstalled in a redesigned and expanded garden. Pavers installed by Leadership Houston will be preserved and reinstalled near their current location.
In addition to these enhancements inside Eleanor Tinsley Park, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is also overseeing additional improvements to Buffalo Bayou Park between Shepherd Drive and Sabine Street that include adding trails, pedestrian bridges, a dog park, destinations like The Water Works and Lost Lake, lighting, amenities such as kayak
and bike rentals, and overall improvements to the park’s landscape. The entire Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine project is expected to be complete in mid-2015.
Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine is a collaboration of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the City of Houston through Houston Parks & Recreation Department and Harris County Flood Control District. For the first 30 years after the park opens, Downtown TIRZ #3 will contribute $2 million per year for the park’s maintenance and operations. The Kinder Foundation has committed a $30 million catalyst gift for the project, and Buffalo Bayou Partnership has committed to raise the remaining $23 million needed. For more information about the park improvements, please visit www.buffalobayoupark.org.
# # #
About Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Created in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a coalition of civic, environmental, governmental and business representatives whose director nominees are confirmed by the Mayor of Houston and Harris County Judge. The 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation is transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s greatest natural resource. For more information, visit www.buffalobayou.org.
About Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. is the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor and one of the largest Grupo Modelo distributors in the country. Silver Eagle employs more than 1,300 employees that serve 16 counties in Texas through operations in Houston, San Antonio, Conroe, Cypress and Rosenberg. Silver Eagle also distributes a broad selection of import brands, microbrews and craft beers and several non-alcohol beverages and waters. For more information, visit www.wideworldofbud.com; www.silvereagle.com; orwww.craftbrews.com.