Best Of Texas Blogs: Pearland

January 21, 2009

By Francisca Ortega and Anna-Megan Raley

WaterLights District to host all 44 U.S. Presidents, including Obama

It seems appropriate to talk about The Presidential Park and Gardens at the WaterLights District just days after the inauguration of this country's newest president, Barack Obama.

You may have seen the group of presidential sculptures on the property east of the feeder road on 288 South near Mchard, but The Park and Gardens will feature all 44 Presidents when it's all said and done. Nothing like this as ever been done nor is in the works anywhere in the country.

The land is somewhat divided by a man-made body of water and lake. There will be hotels, restaurants, condos and shopping venues on the northern side and the remaining 18 acres on the southern side of the water will be used for a park and garden.

Along the water on the garden side, the Presidents will be lined up in chronilogical order with George Washington placed near the entrance closest to Kirby Drive and Barack Obama near the entrance off of 288 feeder road. Some of the Presidents from the same eras will be clustered together. And plaques will detail the major events from that time, like wars and inventions. The one-of-a-kind Obama piece is in the works and will be placed in the park in less than a month.

Historic Real Estate Inc. is the developer and is planning a special ceremony for the unveiling of the Obama sculpture, which will be open to the public, for Presidents Day on February 16.

Will you be there?

Considering how unique this project is, the developer is getting national attention and the park could become a primary destination for tourists.