Harris County Precinct 4, Daikin and the Astros Foundation unveiled the first installation of a new program called Cooling Communities at the Bayland Community Center on Dec. 17.

What happened

The Cooling Communities is a new annual initiative by Daikin and the Astros Foundation to bring comfort and reliability to Houston neighborhoods. The program involves upgrading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems where they are needed most across the Greater Houston area, according to a July news release on its launch.

The Bayland Community Center was the first recipient of the program in 2025. The center, which is a hub for youth sports, senior programs and local clubs, received $55,000 in HVAC upgrades. According to the Dec. 17 news release, the system is powered by Daikin's advanced inverter technology and provides the center with a "reliable, energy-efficient indoor climate control that adapts to the needs of the space."

“Daikin is proud to invest in Houston and strengthen the spaces where our communities come together,” said Kristi Pittman, senior vice president of human resources at Daikin. “Through Cooling Communities and our partnership with the Astros Foundation, we’re turning teamwork into real impact, starting here at Bayland Community Center. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited expand our program next year.”
Daikin is a company that provides advanced, high-quality air conditioning units. In 2024, the company bought the naming rights to Minute Maid Park and renamed it to Daikin Park. (Courtesy Harris County Precinct 4)
Daikin is a company that provides advanced, high-quality air conditioning units. In 2024, the company bought the naming rights to Minute Maid Park and renamed it to Daikin Park. (Courtesy Harris County Precinct 4)
Why it matters


Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, said that Bayland Community Center is a lifeline for many families in Precinct 4 and even serves as a refuge and resource during the hottest days of the summer in times of disaster.

“The new HVAC system at Bayland will significantly enhance our resilience to extreme weather, creating protection for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Briones said in the release. “Thanks to the support of tremendous partners like Daikin and the Astros Foundation, we stand ready to serve our residents before, during and after any storm.”

The local impact

Briones has been focused on enhancing the Bayland Community Center and Bayland Park, as well as nearby Burnett Bayland Park all year.
  • In May, Briones' office unveiled an official master plan to transform Bayland Park, a project that also includes upgrading the Bayland Community Center.
  • In July, a groundbreaking event was held at Burnett Bayland Park to advance long-awaited investments in the park's green space, a project that includes expanding the parks footprint and recreational facilities.
“Bayland has a special place in our hearts," Briones said during a May community event at Bayland Park. "We have been wanting upgrades, renovations and improvements, whether it’s with regard to drainage, connectivity or transit."
Bayland Park is located in Precinct 4’s Gulfton area. (Melissa Enaje/Community Impact)
Bayland Park is located in Precinct 4’s Gulfton area. (Melissa Enaje/Community Impact)
Going forward


Daikin and the Astros Foundation are expected to continue with the Cooling Communities program in 2026.

“Comfort and community are at the heart of this program,” said Emelda Douglas, senior vice president of community affairs for the Houston Astros and executive director of the Astros Foundation. “By teaming up with Daikin, we’re ensuring that spaces like Bayland Community Center are not only welcoming but comfortable for the families who depend on them. We look forward to building on this success in 2026 and continuing to make an impact in the Houston community.”