After some drift, the WHCA is transitioning to a more normal cadence for member meetings. These would normally be the second Tuesday of odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep, and Nov) Recently, a requirement to gather specific guests to address important topics has forced some flexibility in scheduling. That had the knock-on effect of pushing this most recent meeting later in the month. Be that as it may, we had a good turnout at this week’s meeting, once again held in the Great Room at Zion Lutheran Church.
Friends of Woodland Park
The Friends of Woodland Park occupied the top of the batting order. They presented their 15 for 15 Project, an ambitious project that details the launch of 15 projects they will launch this year as part of FWP's 15 Anniversary Celebration.
Jennifer Oslind, FWP Board Member, led the presentation by recalling Woodland Park's significant role in her life in Woodland Heights. Her presentation is one that many residents can relate to, as so many residents use the park with their families.
Pat Rutledge, Treasurer and founding FWP member, noted that FWP was created as a result of the success of the WHCA Centennial Committee in raising funds for park improvements. He went on to describe the design of the Great Lawn, which is part of the park's Master Plan. The 15 for 15 projects work in conjunction with the Woodland Park Master Plan and vary in terms of fundraising and completion timelines.
However, the goal of all 15 projects is to improve the park for residents and visitors. Notable projects include the establishment of a Great Lawn (Phase 1), which would involve relocating picnic tables, benches, and grills to a shadier section of the park while creating a central open space for events and programming and adding landscape improvements.
Kelli Fereday, FWP President, further detailed additional projects that are part of the 15 for 15 Project, including improved signage and a historical marker for the park, a bayou overlook project designed to study the feasibility of "Bird Watching Platform" accessed from Houston Ave side of the park to allow more people the opportunity to visit the natural areas of the park without having to navigate stairs and trails, this study would include design and cost estimates for construction, and a Trash Weir Feasibility Study to address the installation of a weir system to catch debris from the bayou before it washes into the park along the waterways.
There are several other projects on the Friends of Woodland Park's 15 for 15 Project list, and they will be launched throughout the year. Stay tuned in to FWP for more information and to become involved in helping them improve Woodland Park for the entire neighborhood. For more information, visit FWP 15 for 15.
2026 WHCA Home Tour
Louise Moss spoke at the evening's meeting to send out a call to those with historic homes who would like to be considered for the 2026 WHCA Home Tour. This bi-annual event is the leading fundraiser for the WHCA and is an exceptionally popular event, drawing neighbors and visitors from across Houston to admire the iconic old homes.
The Home Tour planning committee is seeking nominations and will begin viewing potential homes in June of this year. All homes need to be vintage, with renovations and additions welcome.
Additional opportunities to help with the committee on event planning and management will open up in the fall, and volunteers and docents for the Spring event will be sought in early 2026. If you are interested in having your home considered for the tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com.
Constable Patrol Update
Beth Sorenson arranged to have Lieutenant McClerkins and Deputy Constable Suggs update members on the status of the WHCA Constable Patrol and the types of activity they have seen recently in the neighborhood. The deputies noted several activities, including a porch pirate and a suspicious vehicle they'd been watching in the area.
However, they noted that it would be more helpful if neighbors consistently reported issues they face, even if the incident is small. For example, a package stolen from a porch. Reporting the incidents to Precinct One Dispatch allows them to cross-reference events occurring in other neighborhoods in addition to Woodland Heights. This allows the Deputies to build a stronger case against individuals they catch and can help in identifying criminals who visit multiple neighborhoods.
The deputies stressed how important it is that even minor crimes are reported to the authorities. A porch pirate caught on camera here in Woodland Heights may match similar incidents in other neighborhoods. Citing a pattern of criminal activity makes for a stronger case against the thief.
Who You Gonna Call?
In a real emergency, please dial 911 (life and death situations).
Call the constable dispatch office for anything less urgent, such as something damaged or stolen or minor fender benders! They’ll respond faster, and they can file the police report that you need for insurance purposes. That number is Precinct One Dispatch Office at (713) 755-7628
If you wish to remain anonymous while making a report, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (713) 222-TIPS.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of WHCA Directors reporting on topics that are mostly detailed elsewhere in this issue. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.