Discovery Green features a lake, bandstands and venues for public performances, two dog runs, a playground, and multiple recreational lawns.

[1] In the early 2000s, a public–private partnership between the City of Houston and a group of local philanthropic organizations, including the Kinder Foundation, was formed with the goal of constructing a new public green space in Downtown.

[2] Following the completion of land purchases in 2004, the Discovery Green Conservancy and the City jointly raised $125 million to construct the park.

[3] Discovery Green's public opening occurred on April 13, 2008; during the first two months of operation, an estimated 250,000 people visited the park.

The City of Houston purchased the remainder of the land in 2004 and created the framework for the park’s construction and operations, including the role of the new organization, Discovery Green Conservancy, incorporated in 2004.

Hargreaves Associates, an internationally renowned landscape architecture firm based in San Francisco, oversaw the design effort.

Artists Margo Sawyer and Doug Hollis were integral members of the design team and produced three works of art for the park.

The Grove serves lunch and dinner in a "signature restaurant" setting, while The Lake House offers casual fare.

Discovery Green's Entertainment Series offers movies, Extreme Wii competitions, and concerts by musicians that present a variety of Gulf Coast and Central Texas sounds.

[15] The park has additionally hosted major seasonal theme events, including outdoor exploration, kid-friendly entertainment, and charity donations.