September 2018
Greetings!

Last month’s historic vote ushered in a new era for our region, as voters approved the issuance of $2.5 billion in bond funds to improve our flood control system. 

The funds give Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) the ability to make significant improvements to our flood control system in a shorter time frame. While some projects may take years to complete, my colleagues and I have taken immediate steps to advance 14 flood-control projects recommended by HCFCD. We plan to continue advancing priority projects in the coming months. You can learn more about some of those projects here

In Precinct 4, my team and I work every day to improve drainage along our roadways. Precinct 4’s Road & Bridge crews work hard to keep ditches clear of debris, while our Capital Improvement Projects division regularly oversees drainage improvement projects along our roadways. You can read more below about a drainage improvement project coming to Champions Drive. 

I hope you’ll read more about some of the many upcoming events and activities we have in store for you this month. 

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.
Harris Co. Precinct 4 logo - R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner
 
Featured Articles
New Parks Planned for Humble, Champions Areas

Two new parks are coming to Precinct 4! Edgewater Park, slated to open beginning mid-2019, will feature a concrete boat launch, parking lot, entry roads, and trail access to the Spring Creek Greenway.

Champion Forest Park, opening by the end of the year, is a seven-acre property featuring soccer fields, picnic tables, a walking trail, and restrooms. Together, both parks add nearly 100 acres of green space to Precinct 4’s vast parks system and provide connectivity to the Spring Creek and Cypress Creek greenways.

Read more about some of the exciting amenities the parks will feature here .

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Answer to Your FAQs: What's the Role of a County Judge in Commissioners Court?

Local government can be confusing. Terms such as county judge and Commissioners Court may sound like your elected officials are conducting trials when, in reality, their duties couldn’t be more different.

So, what does a county judge do, and what is Commissioners Court? Teachers teach. Preachers preach. Doctors doctor. And, the members of Commissioners Court commission. In Harris County and counties throughout Texas, a county judge and four county commissioners govern the county through regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meetings and approve the funding of critical county services.

You can learn more about the duties of a county judge here. Read about Harris County Judge Ed Emmett here .
Disc Golf Course Opens at Spring Creek Park in Tomball

A new six-hole disc golf course is now open at Spring Creek Park. The new disc golf course, built by Boy Scout Carter Monrad as an Eagle Scout project, is the first disc golf course in a Precinct 4 park. 

Visitors are invited to try out this fun hobby played like traditional golf, but with discs and metal baskets instead of clubs and holes. All you need are discs and the ability to throw to participate. 

Drinking water, mosquito repellent, and comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Extensive walking may be required.

Spring Creek Park is a 114-acre park located at 15012 Brown Road in Tomball that features an archery range, covered pavilion, playground equipment, trails, and historical features. 
Reserve a Speaker for National Night Out

Planning a National Night Out event? Schedule a speaker from Precinct 4! Members of our outreach division are available to answer all your questions about Precinct 4 parks, roads, and programs.

This year's National Night Out takes place Tuesday Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to promote community involvement and neighborhood camaraderie.

To schedule a speaker, click here
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve Offers Free Activities and Amenities

Where can you participate in free canoeing, free fishing, free archery, and free overnight camping? Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve!

This Precinct 4 park provides activities every week along with premium amenities, such as fully functional restrooms, dog watering stations, and free water along the trails. All equipment for activities is also provided. 

Explore the park on your own seven days a week or check out a listing of upcoming activities here .
Host an Event for Free at Big Stone Lodge

Looking for a venue to host your event? Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park has extended hours to accommodate employee trainings, workshops, and other work-related functions Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Businesses, school districts, and organizations can reserve Big Stone Lodge’s grand hall and kitchen up to two times per year on a limited, space-available basis at no cost. Big Stone Lodge is perfect for annual or biannual employee trainings, team building exercises, and meetings.

Reservations for private events such as weddings, wedding receptions, anniversaries, parties, or corporate functions may be made on Fridays and Saturdays for a fee.

For reservations or more information, please contact Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029 or click here to learn more.
Champions-area Drainage Improvement Project Scheduled to Begin

Major flood bond projects aren’t the only ways to help reduce flooding. Even small or routine projects can make a difference!

Precinct 4’s latest improvement is a new drainage system under Champions Drive between FM 1960 and Cypress Creek. The project is part of an overall plan to upgrade Champions Drive between FM 1960 and Cypress Creek from a two-lane asphalt roadway to a two-lane concrete pavement section.

Benefits include maximizing drainage and reducing future maintenance costs by replacing the asphalt roadway with concrete pavement.

Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 24. Harris County Precinct 4 and Champions Municipal Utility District will fund the $13.26 million project jointly.
Upcoming Events
Lakeside Library at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve
Join Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve staff in the outdoor classroom, overlooking the lake for a nature-themed story and activity Tuesdays, Sept. 18, Oct. 2 and Oct. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Kids of all ages are welcome to join in this educational and free program! Please note activities are subject to change based on the weather. For more information, please call 713-274-4299 or click here .
First Friday Friends at Jones Park
Seniors are invited to join Jones Park for First Friday Friends Friday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. This month’s topic is the Texas pioneer family and how their life struggles influenced clothing choices. The abundance or scarcity of supplies played a large role in what a family wore and how they wore it. Enjoy a paper doll craft to take home to your grandchildren. For more information, call 281-446-8588 or click here .
Pumpkin Patch Costume Dance
Wear a costume and enjoy live music from the Bayou City Playboys during the Pumpkin Patch Prom Costume Dance Wednesday, Oct. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble. Costume contest prizes will be awarded in the following categories: spookiest, funniest, best couple, and best overall. The menu includes chicken pot pie, rolls, and dessert. No alcohol is permitted. Transportation is available for individuals ages 50 and better. Click here to register.