Westchase District is installing 13 new monument signs in esplanades throughout the area, marking the District's boundaries. These 10-foot signs are made of aluminum and a high-resistance acrylic, mounted on a reinforced concrete base. They'll be lit with the same color changing features that are programmed on the existing monument signs throughout Westchase District. So far, about half of the new signs have been installed.

As Westchase District builds more parks and trails – and as it adds additional capital assets like bus shelters and lighting – maintenance becomes a bigger priority in the District's portfolio. Once a month, Projects Manager Evelyn Martinez and Field Services Director Ruben Perez take an early morning drive through the District to check all those assets and see what needs attention.

They follow up on tips that have been provided by area residents regarding underpass lighting that is not working. Then they drive the length of Westheimer and Walnut Bend, checking all the pedestrian lighting. They check out all bus shelters in the area to identify any inoperable lights, then they finish up at Camden Park to check all the predawn lighting to make sure the bulbs are operating and the timers are accurately programmed. Once they return to the office, Martinez will compile a full repair list and send it off to the various contractors or agencies (CenterPoint Energy or the City of Houston) who are responsible for the repairs.

You might spot one of SEAL Security's new vehicles on patrol in Westchase District. SEAL recently upgraded its fleet from sedans to the Ford Bronco Sport. Ofc. Hernandez and Ofc. Quinones are pictured here with a brand new 2025 Bronco Sport, specially equipped for SEAL's work as part of the Westchase District Patrol.

SEAL's Vice President of Strategic Development Erica Rocha says the vehicles are specially equipped for SEAL's K9 partners, including special cages that have a breathable mesh that allows the vehicle's air conditioning to keep the dog cool in the back. And the officers have food and water to offer the K9 while he's on duty.

Rocha says SEAL has 110 vehicles in its fleet throughout Houston. "We buy new ones all the time, but we typically don't retire them until they have about 200,000 miles on them," said Rocha.

Westchase District is happy to host a Farmers Market with live music every Thursday between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Market vendors will be set up at 4 p.m. and live music will begin at 6 p.m. Come early for best selection at the market. New and different vendors will be there every week. While all vendors have not been confirmed, we do expect to have seasonal produce, bread, meat, jams, baked goods and pre-made meals – ready to eat onsite or take home to cook and enjoy.

Some of Houston's favorite live performers, including Dave Gomez Texas Music, the Charly Rose Band and Casella Crossing will be performing on the H-E-B stage.

Meanwhile, the programming schedules at both Camden Park and Woodchase Park change after Labor Day in anticipation of the return of daylight savings time when nightfall will come earlier. Some summer activities are no longer offered and other fan favorites make their fall return. Samba, Zumba and children's bingo all return to Woodchase Park. Samba, chess club and children's ballet classes return to Camden Park and the Houston Public Library's story time moves to 10 a.m. on Thursdays. Visit camdenparkwestchase.com and woodchasepark.com to review the updated calendars.

Westchase District Projects Manager Evelyn Martinez accepted an additional volunteer job when she agreed to chair the Run Club that meets weekly at Camden Park. They meet under the Pavilion for some warm-up exercises and stretching, then take off running the Westchase District trail system. The 5k (3.1 mile) route is challenging for Martinez, who acknowledges that she's not a strong runner. "I only started running about two months before the run club started," she said.

She sometimes lags back behind stronger runners because she's tired and has to walk. "The rest of the team waits for me at the end," she says with a laugh. Martinez will also slow to match the pace of other runners who lag behind. "We have runners of all levels and I don't want anyone to be left behind," she adds.

Running the trails is appealing to Martinez who prefers to be out in nature, rather than running a treadmill at the gym. Martinez also notes that the route is safer than running along roadways, because all but one of the street crossings are underpasses that allow the runners to avoid encountering motor vehicles on their route. "The trail is a challenging run, because of the elevation changes," said Martinez. "But I enjoy watching the change of seasons as we run. The wildflowers are constantly changing." She's also enjoys spotting wildlife, especially the medium sized brown rabbits that inhabit the area.

The group has had as few as three runners and as many as 13. Martinez hopes more runners will return or join the group this fall as cooler temperatures return to Houston. She communicates with club members through WhatsAPP. "I need accountability and this group gives me that," said Martinez.

If you'd like to participate in the Run Club, just show up at Camden Park any Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Want more information? Email emartinez@westchasedistrict.com.