Feel The Peace Flow

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The University of Houston is home to many relaxing spaces throughout campus. Whether you need a break after your third meeting of the day or are looking for beautiful scenery on a pretty day, these UH water features have what you’re searching for.

Keep Calm at Cullen Fountain

Since its completion in 1950, the Cullen Fountain has provided the UH community with an escape amid the hustle and bustle of campus life. Designed by Alfred Charles Finn, the brain behind the iconic San Jacinto Monument, Finn envisioned a simple yet elegant layout for UH’s centerpiece, surrounded by lush greenery.

And while its siren’s song may call to you to jump in on a hot summer day, swimming, wading or entering the fountain is no longer permitted. However, Cullen Fountain does offer its visitors many spots to sit back and unwind between classes, enjoy a coffee from the Nook, or to read a book.

Many classes and organizations can be found hosting classes and events like yoga on the lawn at Cullen Fountain.

Reflect at Cheyenne Fountain

Home to Butler Plaza and free speech around campus, Cheyenne Fountain is a powerful reminder of the importance of balance. Designed in 1972 by Peter Forakis — a forerunner of the avant-garde movement of the 1960s — “The Tower of Cheyenne” references the Cheyenne indigenous people of the Great Plains. The entire sculpture pays homage to geometric motifs that mimic Native American weaving and basket making.

The fountain serves as a popular spot for campus events and student life. In this space you can find farmers markets and the annual Wolffest celebration. Cheyenne fountain is also surrounded by numerous benches where the community can sit and feed a squirrel, do homework or simply admire the artwork of another era.

Relax by the Reflecting Pool

The Reflecting Pool is known by many names including: the serenity pools, the moon pools and Student Life Plaza. Tucked away between the Student Business Services Building and Ezekiel Cullen, the pools provide a tranquil atmosphere with an abundance of trees and flowing water.

Famously, the area was once the location of the original habitat for the Shasta mascots before the Houston Zoo became the caretaker of UH’s beloved mascot. The plethora of seating options at the reflecting pools are perfect for enjoying lunch outdoors or taking a study break.

Kickback at the Koi Pond

Located in front of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, the campus Koi Pond was installed in 2009. The approximately 60,000-gallon pond is shaped like a bow tie that measures six feet deep on one end and four feet deep on the other. The entire premise of its creation was a design by students in the industrial design program.

At the pond you can find many spots to de-stress and meditate. Take a load off at the benches nearby and if you get lucky you might just spot one of the Koi fish swimming around.

Fun in the Sun at the Outdoor Leisure Pool

If you’re looking for fun in the sun the Campus Rec’s Outdoor Leisure Pool is the perfect place for you.  Located at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the pool provides spacious swimming and sunning areas. You can find three lap lanes along with a hot tub and a bathing shelf with underwater seating. Not to mention you can find sand volleyball courts to get some play time in.

The pool slide is also a crowd favorite, and it stands at an impressive four meters high! Whether you’re looking to cool off after a workout, study by the water, enjoy the feel the sun on your face after a long day or join friends for some outdoor fun, the Outdoor Leisure Pool offers an inviting escape right on campus.

Although the outdoor pool is closed for the winter, you can find the pool hours online at the campus recreation website.

Shake Off the Stress at Sugar Land

The most recent addition to UH’s relaxing locations is at the UH at Sugar Land instructional site. Located in front of the Albert & Mamie George Building, this serene spot features a charming water fountain made from rocks that adds a touch of peaceful ambiance. In the surrounding area you can find plenty of places to sit back and enjoy the weather or read a book.

Prescription for Peace

If the sprawling lawns around the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine don’t immediately send you into a state of Zen then the water fountain surely will.

The new addition on campus welcomes the UH community and visitors with a beautiful water fountain surrounded by quaint seating area. This space is perfect place to sit and enjoy some quiet time, ponder the importance of medicine, and get away from the hustle and bustle of life.