Grand plans for Hermann Park still capture city's imagination.

In 1885 George Hermann commented to an acquaintance, "Central Park is wonderful. I wish my town of Houston had one like it. Perhaps they will some day." The efforts of many through the years did, indeed, create a park in the vein of New York's famous one. Unfortunately, that creation was never quite completed as envisioned and, ironically, has suffered over time because it has been such a popular spot.

Now another group of dedicated citizens, a nonprofit organization called Friends of Hermann Park, is hard at work to ensure that this jewel in our midst is brought to its full potential and fulfills its original mission of providing a place of beauty and relaxation for …