Two years in the making, a renovation for Houston’s Hermann Park opened in April to rave reviews. That’s good news for Sierra Vista residents who can easily make the short drive for a day of fun.
Bordered by the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park Commons is located on the park’s west side near Fannin and Cambridge. The upgrades include a children’s play garden, nature areas and a newly renovated pavilion.
By far the coolest upgrade to the 26-acre space is the 2-acre Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children. The centerpiece of Hermann Commons was designed to be accessible to all children regardless of their mobility level. The playground is divided into distinct playground groves.
Swing Hill offers an old-school playground experience with state-of-the-art swings. Colorful equipment shaped like snakes and alligators in Cypress Grove celebrates Houston’s native flora and fauna. A friendly, larger-than-life gorilla welcomes children to Gorilla Forest. Splash Cove is a water play area with slim towers projecting cyclones of water in the air. The Bayou is a dynamic water play area that doubles as an interactive educational experience. Children up to age 5 will have their own play area, The Thicket. The Space Adventure area is a blast with a 45-foot-tall rocket ship slide, and a space capsule for climbing and imaginary play. There is also a carousel that kids can ride for $5.
Other upgrades include a new central lawn where children can run and adults can relax. Those seeking shade will enjoy lounging on Live Oak Terrace, a decked area designed around the park’s iconic oaks. The Historic Fannin Pavilion now features natural light, food stations and a food truck court, and custom wooden tables and benches. Other areas not to be missed areas include a wetland garden and stone cove.
The Commons is open at the same hours as the rest of Hermann Park, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, the Play Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Lott Family Carousel runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
If you want to live a relaxed lifestyle near one of the coolest parks in Houston, visit Sierra Vista today.
Sierra Vista homes have plenty of curb appeal, but if you really want to make your home your own, pay attention to your porch. Decorating your front porch is a wonderful way to enhance the curb appeal of your home and create a welcoming entrance for guests. Here are some tips:
Variations on a Theme
Decide on a theme or style that reflects your personal taste and complements the architecture and surroundings of your home. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look, a coastal vibe or a classic traditional style, having a cohesive theme will guide your decor choices.
Clear the Clutter
Before adding any decorations, ensure your front porch is clean and clutter-free. Sweep away debris, wash any surfaces that need cleaning and consider giving your porch floor a fresh coat of paint or stain if necessary. The great thing about a new Sierra Vista home is that you can skip this step.
Where to Sit
If your porch area has enough room, create a cozy seating area where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Choose comfortable chairs, a bench or a porch swing, and consider adding cushions or pillows for extra comfort and style.
Go Green
Add life and color to your front porch with potted plants, flowers and greenery. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and consider using a mix of different heights, textures and colors to create visual interest. Hanging baskets, window boxes and planters can all be used to add greenery to your porch.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Enhance your front porch decor with decorative elements such as outdoor rugs, lanterns, candles and seasonal decorations. Consider adding a welcome mat, a door wreath or a seasonal garland to greet visitors and add a personal touch to your entrance.
Light It Up
Incorporate lighting into your front porch decor to create ambiance and add safety and security to your home. Consider installing wall sconces, pendant lights, string lights or lanterns to illuminate your porch and enhance its atmosphere in the evening hours.
Personalize with Artwork and Signs
Add personality to your front porch with artwork, signs or other decorative accents that reflect your interests and style. Hang a piece of outdoor-friendly artwork, display a personalized welcome sign or incorporate DIY projects to make your porch uniquely yours.
Be Practical
Finally, make sure your front porch decor is functional and practical for everyday use. Ensure there is enough space for foot traffic, keep pathways clear and consider adding storage solutions such as outdoor benches or decorative baskets to keep items organized.
See Our Front Porches
Need more inspiration? Why not take a drive through Sierra Vista? You can see how our residents have decorated their porches. As long as you’re here, why not stop by our gorgeous model homes? You might discover a porch you love.
Will your child be at home sitting in front of a screen or out having fun and making friends this summer? If you want them out of the house and enjoying themselves, sign them up for summer camp. There are many great camps near Sierra Vista; here are some of our favorites:
Manvel
SMART Core Labs
9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning May 27
Ages 5-16
$300
From Roblox to cooking and fashion design, kids will learn life and programming skills. Topics include programming, chemistry, space exploration, physics, biology and geology.
Pearland
A B Sea Preschool
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 26
Ages 2-8
$225
Toddlers and preschoolers will have a blast learning about bugs, fairytales and superheroes while engaging with songs, books and crafts.
Alpha Omega Gymnastics and Dance
9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 29
Ages 3-13
$144-$267
Kids can follow the road to gold at themed camps designed to engage the body and mind. Topics include culture, crafts, science, fine arts, gymnastics, dance, water day and an in-house field trip.
Grappling Zone
6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug. 16
Ages 4-12
$200
Kids will learn team-building skills, dance, practice a foreign language, learn martial arts, play games and more!
iCode
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, May 27-Aug.19
Ages 5-18
$429
Technology-minded kids will enjoy learning about their favorite subjects, including coding, 3D printing, robotics and even making Shark Tank-style pitches.
Pearland Parks & Recreation Camps
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug.5-10
Ages 6-10 and 11-14
$140-$210
Camps KIA and Mahalo will help kids build life skills. Kids will play sports, go on field trips, participate in craft activities and more.
School of Rock
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-July 15
Ages 5-18
$299-$425
Your child can take their music skills to the next level while having fun and playing in a band. Camps are available for beginners and advanced students.
The Sierra Vista lazy river is nearing completion. Soon our residents will be floating their cares away while enjoying warm water and white sand beaches. Knowing that more fun in the sun is on the way, we’ve compiled a handy list of how you can spend loads of time outside safely:
Slather on the Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears and hands. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Made in the Shade
Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are by the pool, spend time under a pavilion or in a cabana. Umbrellas also work.
Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up with lightweight, tightly woven clothing that offers sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck and ears, and choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes. There are many swimsuits that provide all over protection.
Slurp Down Water
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors in the sun. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of sun exposure and lead to heat-related illnesses.
Check the UV Index
Check the UV index forecast before heading outdoors to gauge the strength of the sun’s rays. Plan outdoor activities accordingly and take extra precautions on days when UV levels are high.
Protect Your Kids
Children, especially babies, have very delicate skin. Protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep infants under 6 months of age out of direct sunlight and dress them in lightweight, protective clothing. Apply sunscreen to children over 6 months old and encourage them to seek shade and stay hydrated. Bring snacks and picnic in a shady area to lessen their exposure.
Be Mindful of Medications
Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antihistamines and acne medications, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Be aware of any potential side effects and take extra precautions when outdoors.
Practice Sun Safety Year-Round
Sun safety is important year-round, not just during the summer months. UV radiation can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage even on cloudy or overcast days. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing whenever you’re outdoors, regardless of the season.
Learn More About Our Lazy River
The Sierra Vista lazy river is going to be a great addition to our community’s many amenities. Stop by to view our master plan and learn more about it.
Nine award-winning builders make their home in Sierra Vista. With such a bounty of builders, how will you ever be able to choose? Not to worry. We have some tips that will help you find the perfect building partner.
Consider Your Budget
Before you start builder shopping, consider your budget. How much home can you afford? Take into account any options or upgrades you might want. Builders offer a range of home designs and floor plans at different price points, so it’s important to choose a builder whose homes align with your budget and financial goals.
Hire a Realtor
Yes, you can use a Realtor if you are purchasing a new construction home. Realtors often know the community you want to build in and the builders. They can point you toward builders that offer the floor plan you are looking for at a price you can afford.
Visit Model Homes
Most builders offer virtual model home tours via their website but it’s important to see them in person if you can. Walking through a model gives you a feel for what your new home will be like. You also have an opportunity to see firsthand the quality of construction, design features and finishes offered by each builder.
Review Home Designs and Floor Plans
Explore the home designs and floor plans offered by the builders. Consider factors such as the size and layout of the homes, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, architectural style and customization options available.
Research Builder Reputation
Write down the model homes you liked then research the builders. Look for reviews, testimonials and ratings from past homebuyers who have purchased homes from them. Pay attention to feedback regarding the builder’s construction quality, customer service and overall satisfaction with the homebuying experience.
Schedule Meetings with Builders
You can walk into any model home but for personalized attention, consider setting up appointments with builder representatives. Ask questions about the builder’s construction process, customization options, timeline for completion and financing options available.
Review Home Warranty and After-Sales Service
You want your new home to stand the test of time so be sure to inquire about the home warranty and after-sales service provided by each builder you are considering. A reputable builder should offer a comprehensive warranty program to protect your investment and address any issues that may arise after move-in.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a builder. Select a builder who demonstrates professionalism, transparency and a commitment to delivering a high-quality home that meets your expectations.
Choose Sierra Vista
Choosing to live in Sierra Vista ensures you will find a quality builder because only those who meet our exacting standards build here. Stop by and tour our model homes and community today.
