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Reflections and Possibilities: A Survey on the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden in Hermann Park, designed by Ken Nakajima in 1992, is a treasured symbol of friendship between Houston and Japan. Hermann Park Conservancy is restoring the Garden to its original vision and planning new programs that celebrate its cultural legacy. While the Garden’s design will remain true to Nakajima’s work, we’d like to hear your ideas on how you use the Garden and what experiences you’d most enjoy in the future.
1.How often do you visit the Japanese Garden?
2.When do you typically visit? (Check all that apply)
3.What have you done in the Garden before? (Check all that apply)
4.How long do you usually spend in the Garden? (Select one)
5.How satisfied are you with the current hours of the Japanese Garden (winter and spring)?
6.In the spring/summer months, what closing time would you prefer for the Japanese Garden?
7.In the fall/winter months, what closing time would you prefer for the Japanese Garden?
8.Would you be interested in occasional evening hours (for example, one or two evenings per week or monthly)?
9.Which types of activities would you enjoy most in the Japanese Garden? (Check all that apply)
10.Would you participate in seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing or moon-viewing nights? (Select one)
11.Would you be interested in paying a fee for special, exclusive programs such as evening moon-viewing, tea ceremonies, or small performances?
12.How important is it to you that the Japanese Garden offers educational experiences about Japanese culture?
13.Would you use a quiet space in the Garden for activities like yoga, tai chi, or meditation if offered?
14.Maintaining the Garden is costly. Would you be willing to pay a small admission fee (for example, $2–$5) to enter the Garden?
15.If yes or maybe, which option would you prefer? (Select one)
16.Have you heard of our Yotsuba Circle membership, dedicated to supporting the Japanese Garden?
17.Currently, professional photography and private events are not allowed in the Japanese Garden. Would you be interested in opportunities to rent the Garden for photography sessions, weddings, or private events?
18.What factors would most influence your decision to rent the Garden for a private event? (Check all that apply)
19.What does the Japanese Garden mean to you personally?
20.If you could change or improve one thing about the Japanese Garden experience, what would it be?
21.How likely are you to recommend visiting the Japanese Garden to a friend or guest from out of town?
22.Do you visit other parts of Hermann Park during the same trip as the Japanese Garden? (Check all that apply)
23.Please share any other thoughts or ideas for the Garden’s future.
24.What is your age range? (Select one)
25.What is your ZIP code?
26.With which of the following do you most identify? (Optional, select one)
27.What is your household income range? (Optional, select one)
28.Do you consider yourself a… (Check all that apply)