Daikin and Astros Foundation Launch 'Cooling Communities' with $55,000 HVAC Upgrade for Harris County’s Bayland Community Center
A $55,000 HVAC upgrade is bringing a new level of comfort to Harris County’s Bayland Community Center thanks to the launch of “Cooling Communities,” a new partnership program between Daikin and the Astros Foundation.
The Cooling Communities program, introduced this summer, will deliver advanced, energy-efficient HVAC systems to facilities serving Greater Houston neighborhoods. Bayland Community Center, located in Harris County Precinct 4’s Sharpstown area, is the program’s inaugural recipient, chosen for its role as a hub for youth sports, senior activities, and local clubs.
Kristi Pittman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Daikin, said the donation reflects the company’s dual focus on innovation and community impact. “Innovation drives us, but community defines us, and we're proud to give back by putting our world-class technology to work right here in Harris County,” she said. “Through the Cooling Communities program with the Astros Foundation, we're not only enhancing comfort with our advanced HVAC systems, but we're also investing in the neighborhoods our employees and customers call home, starting in Precinct 4.”
Daikin, a global HVAC leader with a strong presence in the Houston area, has invested more than $1 billion locally, including more than $500 million at its Daikin Texas Technology Park near Houston. In addition to residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC solutions under the Daikin, Goodman, Amana®, and Quietflex brands, the company has partnered with the City of Houston to bring advanced air conditioning and heating technology to low-to-moderate income households.
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The $55,000 investment will equip Bayland with Daikin’s advanced inverter technology, designed to deliver reliable climate control while improving energy efficiency. This upgrade enhances year-round comfort for the thousands of residents who use Bayland for exercise classes, club meetings, youth events, and emergency response services during weather emergencies.
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones emphasized how critical the improvements will be for the Sharpstown community. “Located in Sharpstown, where temperatures can be approximately 10 degrees warmer than other parts of Harris County, the Bayland Community Center serves as a refuge and resource during the hottest days of summer and in times of disaster,” Briones said. “The new HVAC system, with the existing backup generator, at Bayland will significantly enhance our resilience to extreme weather, creating protection for our most vulnerable neighbors. Thanks to the support of tremendous organizations like Daikin and the Astros Foundation, we stand ready to serve our residents before, during, and after any storm.”
The Astros Foundation, the official team charity of the Houston Astros, has a long history of using the power of baseball to benefit underserved communities. Its programs include youth baseball and softball initiatives, military support, childhood cancer awareness, and homelessness prevention. Known for its dedication to youth sports development, military appreciation, and community outreach, The Astros Foundation, sees the Cooling Communities initiative as a natural extension of its mission.
“Working with Daikin on the Cooling Communities initiative allows us to make a lasting impact where it's needed most,” said Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation. “By improving comfort at places like Bayland, we're helping ensure that every Houstonian has access to welcoming spaces.”
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As part of the celebration, Bayland residents will be hosted at Daikin Park during Air Conditioning Appreciation Days (through August 15), a national observance highlighting the importance of cooling in safe and healthy environments.
The next Cooling Communities project will take place this fall when Daikin and the Astros Foundation host a youth sports clinic at Daikin Park, which became the home of the Houston Astros in 2025 through a 15-year exclusive naming-rights partnership.
With this first donation, the Cooling Communities initiative is helping ensure that Greater Houston residents have access to safe, comfortable spaces that bring people together and support resilience—no matter the weather.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
