|
|
|
Get out and explore your beautiful precinct as we continue to develop new trails and events to enrich your life. Mercer Botanic Gardens visitors now have miles of new trails to discover along the Timber Lane Hike & Bike Trail at Cypress Creek.
We also kick off the Christmas holiday early this year with our Holiday Wonderland festival at Burroughs Park. Enjoy real snow along with crafts and plenty of other activities.
Read on to learn about these events and more in this edition of E-Corner.
As a reminder, you can access past issues of
Commissioner's E-Corner
on the
Precinct 4 website.
Visit Precinct 4 online and learn more about the road projects taking place, as well as the upcoming events at Precinct 4's community centers and parks, and Senior Adult Program activities through Fun4Seniors.
Sincerely,
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
Harris County Precinct 4
|
|
|
Timberlane Hike & Bike Trail Opens
|
 |
|
|
New trails open near Mercer Botanic Gardens.
Photo credit: Timber Lane Utility District. |
An exciting new mobility project along Cypress Creek is serving as an example of what communities can do to make their neighborhoods more walkable.
The Timber Lane Hike & Bike Trail gives hikers and bikers a new path to Mercer Botanic Gardens and Timber Lane Park.
The project includes 2.5 miles of paved trails with nine trailheads and a bridge spanning Cypress Creek. Precinct 4 contributed to the bridge construction in partnership with the Timber Lane Utility District and a grant from TxDOT. In addition to the new hike and bike trail, the utility district encompasses six parks along with the Cypress Creek Hike & Bike Trail.
The trail's opening marks an important phase in the Cypress Creek Greenway Project. Precinct 4 has been working with municipal utility districts (MUDs) and other partners to connect communities and parks along Cypress Creek. MUDs such as Timber Lane Utility District will play a key role in the project's completion.
The Cypress Creek Greenway will eventually connect a series of parks stretching from west of Hwy. 290 eastward to the Spring Creek Greenway at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center near Hwy. 59. The greenways will create natural floodplain buffer zones, contiguous trail connectivity, and linear wildlife habitat.
|
 |
|
Senior Adult Event Registration Now Available Online
|
|
|
|
| Online registration is now available for senior adult events. |
|
It's now possible to register for Precinct 4's senior adult trips online!
Visit the mobile friendly web page to search events by
type, date range, and area.
Anyone 50 years of age and better can sign up for an event by clicking on the "make reservation" button at
apps.hcp4.net/sapevents. If an event is full, senior adults may add their name to the waitlist.
Registered users will receive a confirmation letter by email and a trip overview.
Events fill up fast, so be sure to register in advance. Anyone who needs to cancel a registration can contact
|
|
Precinct 4 Hosts Holiday Wonderland
|
|
|
|
Precinct 4 presents Holiday Wonderland. |
Kick off the holiday season with fun for the entire family during Precinct 4's Holiday Wonderland Saturday, Nov. 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
Burroughs Park in Tomball.
Enjoy a variety of festive activities including snow, crafts, a petting zoo, holiday movies, and more. And no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from the big guy in red, so don't forget your camera to get a "selfie with Santa!" Share photos using #P4Snaps.
Burroughs Park is located at 9738 Hufsmith Road in Tomball. For more information, please visit www.hcp4.net or call Harris County Precinct 4's Special Events Division at 281-893-3726. Some events are available only to children ages 12 and under. These activities have limited supplies that may not extend the entire event.
|
| Road & Bridge Department Update |
|
|
|
| Precinct 4's Road & Bridge Department maintains roadways. |
|
Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle's Road & Bridge crews recently completed maintenance projects in the north Harris County subdivisions of Enchanted Oaks, Oaks of Devon Shire, and Mirror Lake.
The repairs took place from Kuykendahl Road to Enchanted Oaks Drive along Cypresswood Drive from Sept. 28 through Nov. 4 as a cost-efficient way to extend the life of the roadways.
Concrete breakout and repair projects include replacing worn sections of roadway with new portions.
The next area to receive concrete repairs will be the Lexington Woods
subdivision near Old Town Spring.
Repairs are made as needed throughout Harris County Precinct 4 by Precinct 4's Road & Bridge Department. To request a repair, contact the Community Assistance Department at 281-353-8424 or visit
www.hcp4.net/assistance/CAD
.
|
| GeoChallenge Continues Across Precinct 4 |
|
|
|
Precinct 4's GeoChallenge continues across the precinct. |
Take advantage of the holiday season to experience Precinct 4's GeoChallenge!
Perfect for families, technophiles, and nature enthusiasts, the GeoChallenge
includes 101 geocaches hidden in locations with a wide variety of difficulty and terrain levels. All you need to participate is a GPS-capable device.
This rewarding activity will take you through Precinct 4 parks and introduce you to historical landmarks such as the Bevil Jarrell Bridge in Humble as well as natural wonders such as the Spring Creek Greenway and Buffalo Bayou.
Each geocache contains a collectible bottle cap and four-digit code that can be redeemed to earn pathtags. Those who collect 25, 50, or 75 bottle caps can earn bronze, silver, and gold level pathtags. Those who find all 101 geocaches can earn a collectible Precinct 4 geocoin. For instructions on how to participate, visit the Precinct 4 parks page at
www.hcp4.net/community/parks/geochallenge and download a passport.
Only one bottle cap from each location is allowed per registered user. To claim a prize, either mail your completed passport with all necessary contact information or hand-deliver your passport and/or bottle caps to the Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Office, located within Dennis Johnston Park at 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring, TX 77373.
|
|
| HCFCD Testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems |
|
|
|
| HCFCD tests unmanned aircraft to gather flood data. |
|
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is testing the use of small, remotely guided
aircraft to make gathering flood data more efficient.
Currently, the HCFCD uses ground crews to monitor more than 2,500 miles of open and closed channels across nearly 1,800 square miles.
According to the HCFCD, inspectors could use the aircraft to monitor land remotely, eliminating the need
to enter dangerous areas. Inspectors could also
cover more ground in a work day and
identify contractor performance issues more easily.
Testing began in September
to measure basins and drainage channel easements on White Oak Bayou in central Harris County.
The
329-acre
area spanned three stormwater detention basins located between Fairbanks North Houston Road and North Houston Rosslyn Road.
The aircraft, which weighs less than six pounds, was able to hover, take off, and land vertically.
HCFCD joins a wide range of government agencies - from public works and parks departments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - that use unmanned aircraft to more safely and efficiently i
nspect infrastructure, c
ollect geo-spatial data, and c
onduct plant and animal species surveys.
According to project flight rules, the aircraft only fly over and collect data for flood control district-owned property and right of ways.
Updates about the district's UAS program are available at
www.hcfcd.org/uas
. If members of the public have questions or comments, they may call the HCFCD Project and Study Information Line at 713-684-4040, or email
[email protected]
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Playground at Burroughs Park
Burroughs Park now features updated playground equipment for children ages 2 to 5. Earlier in the year, two playgrounds at Burroughs Park were removed to make space for updated equipment. By the end of the year, a second playground for children ages 5 to 12 will be added.
Burroughs Park is located on a 320-acre site located at 9
738 Hufsmith Road in
Tomball
.
Amenities include sports fields, a seven-acre fishing lake, five playgrounds, over eight miles of nature trails, picnic areas, an observation deck and boardwalk, rest room facilities, a dog park, and an award-winning barbecue pavilion that seats over 250 people.
|
Old-Fashioned Christmas
Experience the holiday season as celebrated by 19th century Texas settlers on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa's workshop, live manger scene, caroling by candlelight, and lighting of the tree, are a few of the re-created scenes from yesteryear. Reservations are required beginning Wednesday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 25 for Harris County residents and Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Friday, Nov. 25 for out-of-county residents.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming November/December Activities
|
|
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
|
Tree T's.
Sat., Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.
Participants are invited to bring a clean white t-shirt and create a colorful autumn top using fallen leaves and fabric paints. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wed., Nov. 9.
First Saturday Birding. Sat., Dec. 3 at 7:45 a.m.
Early birds get to see the birds! Join Jones Park volunteer Al Barr for a bird walk in Jones Park, located on the Texas Coastal Birding Trail, to see and hear local land migratory species. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
Second Saturday Settlers: Homestead Holiday. Sat., Dec. 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join park staff and volunteers as the Redbud Hill Homestead comes to life with Christmas cheer. Enjoy the yuletide celebration with a warm cup of wassail and old-fashioned treats, and children can have their picture taken with jolly old Saint Nicholas.
Second Sunday Pickers. Sun., Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sing or strum along with the Second Sunday Pickers as they bring the Nature Center to life with acoustic music, including country-and-western, bluegrass, folk, rock-n-roll, and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along, or bring an instrument to join in the fun.
Critter's Christmas. Sat., Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
Decorate a tree outdoors to welcome critters to the yard this holiday season! Learn how to make an edible treat for birds and other wildlife. Visitors of all ages are invited to attend.
|
Winter at Mercer Botanic Gardens.
Sat., Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Enjoy a festive winter day in the gardens with a variety of activities perfect for the entire family! To receive additional information, or to register for the workshop, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
- Garden Tour: Enjoy a stroll along the garden paths led by knowledgeable tour guides.
- Crafting Holiday Trees Workshop: Assemble and decorate a natural holiday tree. Registration required by Wed., Dec. 7.
- Children's Critter Craft: Build a pinecone feeder for the wildlife visiting your yard this time of year.
- Gift Shoppe: Don't forget to visit the Gift Shoppe to browse unique gift selections for your favorite gardener or that family member that seems to have everything.
Lunch Bunch: Christmas Crafts Using Natural Materials.
Wed., Dec. 14 from noon to 2 p.m.
Enjoy a festive afternoon with garden friends by crafting take-home ornaments to liven your house this holiday season. For ages 12 and up. To register or receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Christmas Bird Count.
Sat., Dec. 17 at 8 a.m.
Meet at the west-side parking lot for the Spring Creek Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Census information gathered will be submitted to the National Audubon Society along with counts from around the world. For more information or to participate in the Christmas Bird Count at Mercer Botanic Gardens, email [email protected]. For additional meeting points and times, e-mail [email protected].
|
|
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park:
|
Trip Sign-Up. Fri., Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Transportation is provided for individuals 50 and better through Harris County Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program. A Harris County Precinct 4 bus will pick up and drop off participants at Spring Baptist Church, located at 633 E. Louetta Road in Spring Wed., Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. for a Christmas Holiday Tour at Community Centers in Harris County. The cost is $2 per person. Lunch is on your own at the Huffman Shopping Center.
Thanksgiving Blessings Luncheon. Fri., Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Big Stone Lodge invites the community to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving lunch complete with all the trimmings with entertainment by Stella at the Piano. Ben's Chuck Wagon will provide turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and dessert. A $9 per person suggested donation is requested and payable in advance when you register. Tickets are available at Big Stone Lodge Mon. through Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wed., Nov. 16.
Holiday Grief Support Seminar. Thurs., Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. Join Andrea Sams with the Grief Recovery Center of Houston as she leads a grief healing discussion at Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnston Park. In this discussion, Sams will share tips for coping with the holiday blues. To register for this free seminar or to receive additional information, call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029.
Stuffed Stocking Exchange. Tues., Dec. 6 at noon. Celebrate the holiday season by joining Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnston. To participate, fill a pair of glitzy new socks with treats and trinkets (not exceeding $10), tie the socks together, and bring it to the lodge for a white elephant exchange. Call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029 to register.
Holiday Craft Class. Wed., Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. Crafters of all skill levels are invited to spend the afternoon making holiday crafts at Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnston Park. Participants will be able to create several projects just in time for the holidays. To register for this free class or to receive additional information, call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029.
Christmas in the Pines Open House. Sat., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Experience the true joy of the holiday season with friends around the fireplace during a Christmas in the Pines Open House at Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnston Park. Take in the sights and sounds of the season inside the cozy lodge among the pines and enjoy a special visit from Santa as Leo Carville and Doris Vadas enchant the lodge with classic Christmas ballads. Sign up at the Center to participate in the cookie exchange or call 281-350-1029 for more information.
Lindy's Famous Cake Balls. Mon., Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. Visit Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnston Park for a sweet gourmet baking presentation as Lindy Maze of Lindy's Country Cupboard Cake shares her tips for making these delightful cake treats. To register for this free seminar or to receive additional information, call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029.
|
|
Mangum-Howell Community Center:
|
Happy Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Tues., Nov. 15 at noon.
Mangum-Howell Center invites the community to enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration. The menu includes traditional turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, pecan and pumpkin pies for dessert along with unlimited iced tea and coffee.
2016 Santa's Workshop. Fri., Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and delights of the holiday season direct from Santa's Workshop at Mangum-Howell Center in Doss Park. Activities include a holiday craft, games with a chance to win prizes, and a hayride. Holiday music, carols, decorations, and refreshments add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to bring your own camera for a picture with Santa! Center staff will not take photos.
"All Wrapped Up" Luncheon. Tues., Dec. 13 at noon. Before you get "all wrapped up" with shopping, make your way to Mangum-Howell Center's luncheon to enjoy wonderful holiday food, sights, and sounds without all the work. For those who can't get enough holiday turkey, Ben's Chuck Wagon is catering their crowd-pleasing holiday menu of turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls, pecan and cherry pie, and unlimited iced tea and coffee.
|
I Can "Bearly" Wait for Christmas Luncheon.
Fri., Dec. 2 at 11:30 a.m. Celebrate the holiday season during an afternoon of fun and fellowship with entertainment provided by the Houston Chamber Ringers. Take this opportunity to help area children who receive little or nothing for Christmas by donating a stuffed bear. Register online at
www.hcp4.net.
Dickens on the Strand.
Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With a nod to the ghost of Dickens past and an eye towards the future, Galveston's world famous Victorian holiday festival returns to the island! This annual holiday street festival, based on 19th century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers.
Register online at
www.hcp4.net
.
Houston Zoo Lights.
Thurs. Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. In only its fifth year, Zoo Lights has already become a favorite Houston holiday tradition. Zoo Lights features over two million twinkling lights, lighted animal sculptures, and holiday projections at the Houston Zoo. Holiday lights would not be complete without the sounds of the season! Enjoy strolling carolers and performances by local school and church choirs.
Register online at
www.hcp4.net
.
54th Annual Candlelight Tour. Sat., Dec. 10 from 3 p.m.to 9 p.m. The 54th Annual Candlelight Tour in Sam Houston Park is a family friendly event full of fun activities and entertainment hosted by The Heritage Society in Houston each year. Carolers, musicians, re-enactors, and skits throughout the park help tell stories of Houston's past customs, culture, and early residents. Before the tour, enjoy dinner with the group at Spaghetti Warehouse. Register online at www.hcp4.net.
Liberty Opry. Sat., Dec. 10 at 3:45 p.m. The Liberty Opry originated in 1993 and is still going strong! Come prepared for an evening of exceptional live entertainment featuring classic oldies from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s. The Liberty Opry Band along with special guests, including Liberty's own Booger Lee, will take you back to the good ole days. Register online at www.hcp4.net
All Wrapped Up Luncheon. Tues., Dec. 13 at 11:30 a.m. Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program invites all senior adults 50 years of age and better to a luncheon with live, musical entertainment from the Houston Chamber Ringers. Celebrate the festive holiday season during this afternoon of fun and fellowship. Blanket donations will be accepted at the luncheon and later distributed to those in need to keep them warm through the winter. Register online at www.hcp4.net.
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
