February 2020
Greetings!

When I envision the future of our great precinct, I see communities connected by trails, waterways, and greenspaces that provide recreational opportunities and reduce flood risk, protect lives and property. Achieving that goal now requires the Harris County Flood Control District to buy the Raveneaux Country Club in Champion Forest.
 
This country club served as a beloved amenity over the past 40 years. However, two years ago, this amenity garnered attention as a potential site for a private, multi-family housing facility. Now, with the funds available from our flood bond, HCFCD has the opportunity to preserve the space from development and, in cooperation with Precinct 4, create a beautiful space that will provide massive relief from flooding along the Cypress Creek corridor. 
 
HCFCD estimates the project could reduce flood risk for more than 1,000 homes. If the project moves forward, the Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department will commit to partnering with HCFCD to ensure the property not only protects us through the tough times but also serves as a beautiful park space that everyone may enjoy in sunny times. I encourage you to learn more about this important issue in the article below. Read about how the project may benefit the area and HCFCD’s next steps.

This issue also contains information about temporary trail closures at Collins Park, a mobile health village coming to Mangum-Howell Center, and much more.


As a reminder, you can access past issues of Commissioner's E-Corner  on the  Precinct 4 website.   Visit Precinct 4 online to learn more about our road projects and upcoming events available through our community centers, parks department, and Senior Adult Program.
 
Featured Articles
Harris County Flood Control District Seeks to Acquire Raveneaux Country Club

The Harris County Flood Control District is expected to close on its purchase of the Raveneaux Country Club in Champion Forest at the end of January, protecting the area from unsightly future development and perhaps leading to the creation of a flood mitigation project that includes a variety of community amenities.

If the project moves forward, the basin will help alleviate catastrophic flooding in communities throughout the Cypress Creek watershed, including Champion Forest, which has been affected by three major floods since 2015. The basin may also include recreational amenities and trails resembling those of the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve in the Vintage, which also lies along Cypress Creek. 


Harris County Toll Road Authority Opens Tomball Tollway Phase II

Northwest Harris County residents may see improved commute times thanks to the opening of Phase II of the Tomball Tollway in December.
 
The new segment extends from just north of FM 2920 to Spring Creek in Tomball, connecting to the Montgomery County portion of the tollway. Motorists traveling along Texas 249 and the Tomball Tollway can now avoid stoplights from Montgomery County to Beltway 8.
 
The Harris County Toll Road Authority began construction on the segment in March 2017 and opened frontage roads in mid-2018.
 
Like the rest of the Tomball Tollway, tolls must be paid electronically via EZ TAG, the EZ TAG Express app, or BancPass EZ TAG, which allows drivers to purchase the tag and reload it with cash at participating retailers.
 
For more information, click here.

State Parks Dept. Delivers Thousands of Trout to Precinct 4 Parks

Holiday gift-giving continues in Harris County Precinct 4 after the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department delivered 7,500 rainbow trout to six Precinct 4 parks recently to keep local fishing hotspots amply supplied during the otherwise slow winter season. Rainbow trout were delivered to the Precinct 4 parks below:

  • Bane Park, 9600 W. Little York Road in Houston – 1,071 trout.
  • Burroughs Park, 9738 Hufsmith Road in Tomball – 1,431 trout.
  • Dennis Johnston Park, 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring – 1,428 trout. 
  • Meyer Park, 7700 Cypresswood Drive in Spring – 1,071 trout.
  • Pundt Park, 4129 Spring Creek Drive in Spring – 1,428 trout.
  • Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Drive in Houston – 1,071 trout.
Mobile Health Village Coming to Doss Park  

A “pop-up” mobile experience is coming to Harris County Precinct 4 on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
Residents of all ages are invited to Harris County Public Health’s Mobile Health Village at Mangum-Howell Center in Doss Park, 2500 Frick Road in Houston.
 
From playing interactive virtual games and shopping at the farmer’s market to receiving free medical or dental checkups, families can enjoy a day of fun and healthy activities while benefiting from a wide variety of free health services.

Click here to see the activities.

Precinct 4 Announces Temporary Trail Closure at Collins Park 

A trail segment at Precinct 4’s Collins Park will be closed for six to eight months to allow the Harris County Flood Control District to complete a bank stabilization project along Cypress Creek.

The $3.5 million project will include repairing the eroded bank, reinforcing the bank with rip rap, and removing exposed pipelines. 

The trail segment running from the parking lot near the picnic area to the entrance of the off-road mountain bike trails will be inaccessible while the bank is under construction.

Heritage Festival Showcases Unique History of Tomball

Join Harris County Precinct 4 for a celebration of Tomball’s unique history during the Spring Creek Park Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spring Creek Park in Tomball.

Wander the park grounds as storytellers and historical reenactors bring history to life. View a Civil War reenactment, participate in historical activities, and learn about the diverse cultures of Tomball. Featured activities include cultural demonstrations and self-guided tours of an African-American cemetery. 

“Precinct 4’s Heritage Festival highlights some of Tomball’s earliest residents, from indigenous tribes to the first Texas settlers,” said Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “By taking a look at the past, we can continue to learn, grow, and make progress.” 

Mercer Botanic Gardens Celebrates National Invasive Species Awareness Week

Celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week at Mercer Botanic Gardens by participating in two fun events starting Feb. 25.

Make a positive impact by participating in invasive plant species removal in Mercer’s West Side Arboretum on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and Thursday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon. While you work, learn to identify invasive species and why invasive, non-native plant species pose a threat to the local ecosystem. Tools and gardening gloves are provided. Participants should dress for the weather and bring a refillable water bottle and gardening gloves. 

Take a break by learning about common invasive plant species in the Texas Gulf Coast region on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Upcoming Events
Woodworking for Nature 
Craft a walking stick to use on your next outdoor adventure on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dennis Johnston Park, 709 Riley Fuzzel Road. Experienced hikers use walking sticks to clear spiderwebs, part thick grass, or lend support during long hikes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 10 and older. Registration required at www.hcp4.net/tap .
Spring Fling Carnival
The warmer, longer days of spring mean Precinct 4’s Spring Fling Carnival returns to the Humble Civic Center with carnival games, live performances, and a petting zoo. Those older than 50 are invited to attend Wednesday, March 18, from noon to 3 p.m. Register online or call 713-274-4050 for assistance.
Family Fun Walk at Pundt Park
Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day with Trails As Parks on Monday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Pundt Park, 4129 Spring Creek Drive in Spring! Enjoy a leisurely guided walk in one of our favorite Precinct 4 parks to commemorate this special day. Meet at the pavilion near the restroom.