Historic Woodland Heights /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

By Estella Espinosa

Recently, as we were considering sites to relocate the Woodland Heights Historical Marker in Travis Elementary's playground area, we received an email from a neighbor, offering the site in front of his home as a potential site. While the marker had already been relocated by then, we appreciated his offer as his home was the site of one corner of what used to be the entrance gate to Woodland Heights. At the same time, his suggestion sparked the idea of a continuing storyline about the history of the Woodland Heights neighborhood. To start that line off, we'll begin with the gates, which used to be the entrance to the neighborhood.

First, a little background, in 1907, the William A. Wilson Realty Company created a new "streetcar suburb" in Houston called Woodland Heights. They offered 600 lots for sale, ranging in price from $300 to $750, complete with many amenities, including piped water, sewers, graded streets and sidewalks, and green space planted with shrubs, oaks, and sycamores.

Mr. Wilson added entry gate piers at the Houston Avenue and Bayland intersection, right where the Houston Electric Company's streetcar terminated before returning to downtown. The gates framed the entrance to Woodland Heights on what was then and is today one of the subdivision's premier streets.

The neighborhood began to fall into disarray in the sixties, and the original deed restrictions lapsed during this time. However, in 1988, legislators passed a state law that allowed homeowners to reactivate lapsed deed restrictions and determined neighbors took advantage of this opportunity to reactivate their lapsed deed restrictions (which include things like Minimum Building Line (MBL) ordinances, which regulate front setback, and lot size ordinances  In 2011, the Woodland Heights Historic District was approved by the City of Houston, its footprint is slightly different from the Woodland Heights neighborhood boundaries.

Over one hundred years later, while the entrance gates have long gone, many of the original Wilson homes, some now over 100 years old, offer their spacious porches, proximity to downtown, and abundant green spaces that made this "streetcar suburb" attractive to the first residents are still offering up the charm to today's residents who chose to live in Woodland Heights this 'small town near downtown since 1907' that so many chose to live in.

For preservationists, architectural enthusiasts, and homeowners who enjoy these old homes, this is an added bonus to living in the Woodland Heights.

2026 Houston Home Tour Call for Home Entries /  by Michael Graves

By Megan Mastal

The WHCA Home Tour is the neighborhood's biggest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour-goers.

If you have a historic Woodland Heights Home you would like to be considered for the 2026 Home Tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com. The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. The goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome. 

 Early this fall, we will look for "a few good neighbors" to help on the committee with event planning and management. It's a fun way to meet more neighbors and support your community. If interested, please let Louise or Megan know if you'd like to be part of making it happen. All talents and interests are welcome.

Next spring, we'll expand the volunteer opportunities as more than 150 docents are needed for the home tour weekend—that call will go out in early 2026. Interested in sponsoring? Just let us know! Welcome spring!

Yard of the Month - 915 Omar /  by Ryan Taylor

Kristen Bannister and Gareth Jones

Kirsten Taylor, Gareth Jones, and their son Arran have lived at 915 Omar for 14 years.

“When the house was built in 2010, we had St. Augustine grass edge to edge. We ripped much of it out and have been experimenting with a wide variety of plants and trees ever since…”

Today, their garden includes many native plants, including Eastern Purple Coneflower, multiple varieties of Black-eye Susans, Autumn Sage, Fall Aster, Esperanza, Bluebonnet, Rockrose, Coreopsis, Indian Blanket, Mealy Sage, and Milkweeds.

“Wildflowers are my favorite plant – they show up throughout the year on their own schedule and location and pleasantly surprise us with incredible colors…bluebonnets, blanket flowers, salvias.  My new discovery plant is the almond verbena – it smells magical, loves full sun, and brings in a huge crowd of bees.”

Kristen continues, “I love being outside.  I’m a geologist, but I have an office job…so maybe that’s how I discovered gardening. My favorite part of gardening is seeing new plants pop up. My least favorite part of gardening is seeing the damage from a hard freeze and waiting for signs of life to signal that all will be okay again. I have some poppies that came from my grandmother. My mom sends me seeds every year, and I believe many of those came from her mom – calendula, poppies, phlox of sheep, sunflowers.”

While they both have a few favorite spots in their garden, they especially like the small flagstone patio in the backyard with its bubble fountain surrounded by different plants and the surprising results of their front garden.

As with many gardeners in our neighborhood, Kristen enjoys having Buchanan’s and Joshua’s close by. But her gardening inspiration comes from “all of you who put time and energy into your yards—so many of my plant choices came from visually exploring the gardens of this neighborhood. Some of you have even brought me extra plants or seeds from your yard, and I enjoy hoping I can make you smile by watching your plants grow in my yard.

“It’s how I wind down after a long work week – I can easily spend 3-4 hours at a time and not even realize it. I’ve learned through making many mistakes – and forgiving plants – and friends and family offering advice (and praise) and even sharing plants with me. My grandmother was a prolific gardener.  She could grow anything and had a bright green thumb – perhaps she shared a bit of her talent with me.”

Another advantage of native plants in such a beautiful garden, “We are frequently visited by monarchs, Gulf fritillaries, and black swallowtails. We have lots of bees and ladybugs. Birds frequent the water fountain in the backyard, and in winter, we put out suet seed rolls for them.”

And in terms of Houston’s extreme weather and gardening, “Generally, most of what you’ll find seems to survive, even if above ground completely dies back. For things that survive with minimum maintenance, I’d suggest any of the plants you’ll find in the front by the street.”

As for being recognized as April's Yard of the Month, Kristen says, “This neighborhood is brimming with outstanding gardeners.  It feels amazing to be recognized – thank you!”

Lemonade Day Houston - May 17th /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Every little thing you do sends ripples through the universe … sometimes the ripples are good and continue beyond your imagination. One such ripple for me started in 2007, in a previous life when I worked for the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. A colleague of mine and I were asked to meet with Michael Holthouse with Prepared 4 Life. He had an idea for a program to empower youth through lemonade stands that he wanted to begin with the parks department’s support. The idea was to recruit young people to set up little “businesses” to sell lemonade. Prepared4Life would provide all the materials and instructions to help these young entrepreneurs learn how to own and run their own business, a lemonade stand. I

n that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.

Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).

If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.

In that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.

Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).

If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.

Highland Street Truck Thieves Caught Thanks to AirTag and Constable Patrol /  by Michael Graves

Reader’s Story Contribution By Anne Galbraith

We've been collecting stories about how the WHCA Constable Patrol impacts the neighborhood. Here is one from a neighbor on Highland, who, after multiple stolen trucks on that street, followed her neighbor's lead, signed up for the Constable Patrol, and invested in an AirTag as well.

"YEAH, SO THE F150 GOT STOLEN. Second truck now. They got in via an iPad, and an app that runs code until it hits your truck, then pulled that wire on the last photo, and recoded the ignition so they could drive it. My key no longer worked. I tracked this one with the AirTag I had hidden in the truck. I gave the constables the location; they were parked there waiting for us. The thieves parked it before the next crew of a**holes picked it up. It looks like kill switches are about to be installed in both trucks," - Anne Gallbraith.

One other suggestion from Anne is, "Report street lights that are dead. The one outside of our house has been dark for months. EVERYONE should check their poles with street lights to ensure they are lit. Get the pole number that is tagged onto the pole and report the outage via a call to CenterPoint or by using their online portal at https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/pages/changeservicearea.aspx?requesturl=/en-us/residential/services/electric-utility/outage-center/street-light-outages."

And the WHCA Constable provided follow up after the incident, stopping by to personally meet with Anne regarding the incident and how to be pro-active about safety,

“We discussed different ways to keep the neighborhood aware of criminal activity in order to protect ourselves and others. He was very motivated and responsive!”

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /  by Beth Sorensen

Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Here’s our most recent security report. As always, we want to keep our community informed and safe. Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor—like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through. Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.

Please note: We've seen an increase in truck thefts in our neighborhood, as well as across the Houston Heights area.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Truck Theft (and theft from trucks):

  1. Always lock your doors – Even in your driveway.

  2. Remove valuables – Don’t leave bags, tools, or electronics visible inside.

  3. Hide or remove key fobs – Thieves often target trucks with push-button start and nearby key fobs.

  4. Use a steering wheel lock – A simple but strong visual deterrent.

  5. Consider GPS tracking, a kill switch, or a hidden AirTag – AirTags have recently helped recover two stolen trucks in Woodland Heights. 

  6. Park smart – If possible, park in well-lit areas or in a garage. Backing into your driveway can also make theft harder.

  7. Install security cameras or motion lights – These are a great deterrent and can help capture important footage.

Thanks to everyone for staying alert and keeping Woodland Heights a safe and connected community!

WHCA Board: Help Wanted /  by Michael Graves

Spring is here. Though it’s already April, I’m reminded of the March Hare from Alice in Wonderland. Yes, it’s definitely rabbit season. Time is short! There’s much to be done. To be honest, we need some help!

More specifically, we’re still seeking a few neighbors to fill positions on the WHCA board of directors. The board is comprised of nine neighbors, all members of the WHCA, who guide the activities of the civic association.

Each position has a specific role, and a two-year term. Only around half of the board is elected each year, ensuring a rolling continuity of management. This year we have five positions to be filled;

  • Treasurer*

  • Secretary

  • Director of Infrastructure*

  • Director of Membership

  • Director of Deed Restrictions

Happily, two of the existing board members* are intending to return, leaving us three positions that must be filled. The election will be held at our next Member’s Meeting, Tuesday, May 13th at Zion Lutheran Church.

 Most people are blissfully unaware of what the WHCA does. A lot of it is behind-the-scenes. I could go on a length about how we spend our time, and why it’s important. I’m sure that would be as dull for me to write as it would be for you to read.

I’ll keep it simple. If you love this neighborhood…would like to see it protected, thrive and prosper…we need your help to see it done.

All it takes is a willingness to engage. No experience necessary. On-the-job training is available. In fact, there’s a very impressive group of neighbors who have previously served. They continue to believe in the organization, providing help and advice when called upon. We have a depth of history, what we’re trying to address is the bench.

Interested? A nomination form is available on our web site. If you have questions, please get in touch. I’d be more than happy to talk with anyone who genuinely wants to help. I’m available at president@woodland-heights.org.

Update on Short Term Rental Regulations - Committee Meeting Monday, April 7th /  by Michael Graves

The following message was received from the office of CM Castillo via SN15. It pertains to new regulations that may impact short term rental, such as Air B&B, in the City of Houston. If you have concerns about such potential rules, here’s your chance to get informed about what’s coming.

I know parts of your Super Neighborhood are disproportionately impacted by Short Term Rentals (STRs). An ordinance to better regulate STRs came before City Council today but was tagged. It will now go before the Quality of Life Committee on Monday, April 7th for further discussion.

Attached is the language that will go before the Committee. If anyone from your Super Neighborhood would like to speak on the item, here are the details:

President's Report - March 2025 /  by Michael Graves

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.

In Recognition of an Artist 'Houston' - Mac Whitney (1936 - 2025) /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Earlier this month, I heard from a neighbor that Mac Whitney had passed away. Why, you may ask, is that relevant? It is because his art is a piece you may walk by when you visit Stude Park.

The 50,000-pound, 50-foot-tall abstract monument titled 'Houston' stands tall on a hill above White Oak Bayou, visible from I-10  toward downtown. The piece was completed and installed in 1982 and was one of the first public artworks commissioned by the City of Houston.

Mac Whitney was born in 1936 in Manhattan, Kansas. He grew up on his parents' farm and learned to weld in High School. He went on to attend the College of Emporia and then studied at the Kansas State Teachers College and Kansas University. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas in 1968.
 
In 1969, he moved to Texas and became associated with a Dallas group called the Oak Cliff Four. Around 1983 Whitney bought a 22.5-acre property on forested Red Oak Creek in Ovilla, outside of Midlothian, south of Dallas, on the northeast Texas prairie. He built his studio on this property and continued to produce artwork that has been called

"dynamic sculptures and extensive career have become a recognized part of Texas' rich cultural environment. His abstracted raw steel sculptures portray the primary forces of tension and resolution while instilling a sense of monumentality. The freestanding sculptures are both prodigious and lyrical- heavy metal seems effortlessly bent, unfolding toward the sky." – Gallery Sonja Roesch
 
Mac Whitney's work has been shown nationally and internationally and is part of many public collections, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Fort Worth Museum of Art, the Art Museum of South Texas, the University of North Texas Museum, and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas. It is worth recognizing, and you can see one of his many pieces when you take your morning or evening walk through Stude Park.
 
Additional information on Mac Whitney and his art is found at the following links.
Glass Tire - https://glasstire.com/2025/03/13/mac-whitney-1936-2025/
Glass Tire - https://glasstire.com/2025/01/08/mac-whitney-man-of-steel/
Houston Chronicle - https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/article/Paintings-expand-meaning-of-sculptures-by-Whitney-4294878.php#photo-4226173
Gallery Sonja Roesch  - https://www.gallerysonjaroesch.com/mac-whitney
Kirk Hopper Fine Art - https://www.kirkhopperfineart.com/whitney.html
Mac Whitney Art - https://macwhitneyart.com/

To find a list of Art in Parks located throughout Houston visit
Houston Parks & Recreation Department Art in Parks - https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/artinparks/pdfs/Houston.pdf

District H Final Town Hall Virtual Meeting /  by Michael Graves

Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, will hold his final Town Hall for this year on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. It will be a virtual meeting, and you are requested to RSVP for the event at wkf.ms/4hlmuaq, or you can scan the QR code on the invite.

This is your opportunity to meet your council member and his team, ask questions, offer comments, and hear updates coming in 2025. In addition, you can find out more information regarding available city resources.

Solid Waste Management - Heavy Trash /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department announced two service changes that took effect on March 9 and 10, 2025, regarding Heavy Trash Pickup and Neighborhood Depository Hours. (Read COH SWMD's press release)

Heavy Trash Removal Change

The all-inclusive heavy trash removal has been changed to a tree waste only collection. Residents will need to take any waste outside of this guideline to one of the City's 6 Neighborhood Depositories.

Neighborhood Depository Hours and Requirements

All six City Neighborhood Depositories will operate under new hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Mondays). When dropping off heavy trash at a depository, each user must provide proof of residency, including a valid Texas Driver's License or other ID, along with a current utility bill or city property tax receipt. Citizens may use the depositories four times per month and are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to allow adequate unloading time.

Note that some items are accepted at neighborhood depositories, and some are not. Download a copy of SWMD Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Centers Standard Operating Rules and Regulations before your visit to be sure you have all the items required to use the depository sites and that your items will be accepted at the sites.

Neighborhood Depository Locations - Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

2026 Home Tour Gears Up With Call For Homes /  by Michael Graves

2026 Home Tour Gears Up With Call For Homes

The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. Our goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome. If interested in having your home considered for the tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com.

The home tour is the neighborhood's biggest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour-goers.

Early this fall, we will look for "a few good neighbors" to help on the committee with event planning and management. It's a fun way to meet more neighbors and support your community. If interested, please let Louise or Megan know if you'd like to be part of making it happen. All talents and interests are welcome.

Next spring, we'll expand the volunteer opportunities as more than 150 docents are needed for the home tour weekend—that call will go out in early 2026. Interested in sponsoring? Just let us know! Welcome spring!

April - Go Fly A Kite /  by Michael Graves

In my past life, I flew many kites—many different kites—small kites, large kites, kites with one, two, or four strings, kites that stayed still or danced in the air, and even some that were used for fighting! Kites are a novel way for both young and old to get outside and engage with one of the most awesome forces of nature.

Kite flying can be a very calming activity. Or not! Depending upon the kite and the wind, it can be very sedate. Or require constant vigilance to keep the kite aloft. It can demand an intensity of focus that forces you to set aside the day's worries and concentrate on the task.

I once worked as a staff editor for Kite Line, the world's leading kite magazine at the time. To this day, I remain a card-carrying member of the American Kitefliers Association. This is how I know April is National Kite Month, which is also one of Houston's best times of year.

If you're looking for something novel to do, get yourself a kite and find a wide-open space in a nearby public park. In fact, ping me, and I may join you.

By the way, our local kite club is the South Houston Area Recreational Kiters (aka S.H.A.R.K.) They most often get together down on the beach in Galveston or at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake. Kites Unlimited in Galveston is the nearest kite store.

In Answer to Your Questions /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

We have a few updates to pass on to questions we've received from neighbors. They are regarding a water leak near the Norhill Esplanade, the repair of the sign and retaining wall at the corner of greenspace at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive, and the status of repairs to the bollards and large rocks at the entrance to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usener Streets. Also, you might see new signage around the neighborhood courtesy of Harris County Constable  Alan Rosen, Precinct 1 office.

The Water Leak near the Norhill Esplanade

originally identified and reported on  February 20, 2025, was fixed on March 19, 2025. We understand that many, including the WHCA Board, would have liked this to have been addressed at a more rapid pace, but we have received information indicating that the repair was basically triaged in terms of the many other repairs throughout the city that were more serious. In the end, the City of Houston Public Works did make the repair, and we are all thankful.

The Retaining Wall Repair at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive

We still have not received an update from the Greater Northside Management District (GNMD) regarding when they will begin repairing the signage at the parkette at White Oak and Houston Avenue. We will continue to reach out to the GNMD until we receive a timeline for this repair. Again, thank you for your patience.

The Watson Street Esplanade

The damage caused by the February 13 two-car collision to the Watson Street Esplanade bollards and boulders has been fixed. Many thanks to Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, and his volunteers for addressing the damage and working to repair it. The esplanade looks beautiful with its new coat of paint and brand-new larger than ever boulder. As always, the Beautification Team is looking for more volunteers to help beautify the greenspaces across our neighborhood. They'd love to hear from you and welcome you into their ranks; email beautification@woodland-heights.org.

New Signage Comes to Woodland Heights

You may have noticed the new signage that Harris Country Precinct 1 has installed across our neighborhood. We've got 8 to 10 new signs throughout the neighborhood, letting the public know that Harris County Precinct 1 Constables are on patrol throughout Woodland Heights.

Beautification Update /  by Ryan Taylor

It's Spring, and everything is in bloom ... that also means the Beautification Team is busy making repairs and planning ways to beautify our neighborhood. Here's a report on what we've been up to recently.

Watson Street - New Boulders and Curb Dressing have brightened the corner of Watson at Usener Streets. The Beautification Committee and its volunteers spruced up the plants, fixed the damaged irrigation system, got a bigger and better boulder (the one there previously was demolished in the February accident), reset the bollards, and painted the concrete surround for the esplanades. Many thanks to everyone who pitched in to make all the repairs and upgrades: Pat Rutledge, Pat Schaper, Pat German, and Louise Moss; you guys are amazing! 

Historical Marker - The historical marker that used to be located at Travis Elementary at the corner of Beauchamp and Highland is temporarily in storage. It was moved before the renovation of that corner of Travis Elementary's play area. If you have never had a moment to read the sign, it details some of the historic roots of our neighborhood. Mark it as a good read for future reference once we've relocated the signage to a new spot in the neighborhood. We'll update you on that location shortly.

Wildflowers Growing - Houston Avenue Esplanade - Wildflowers are growing on the Houston Avenue Esplanade. Half of the esplanade was accidentally mowed by a landscaping group hired to maintain I-45. They've been contacted and have removed that esplanade from their list. Signage indicating the esplanade was adopted by the WHCA and will come from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department on April 9, so we should not have a problem with mowing again. This year, the lack of rain has affected the sprouting of wildflowers, but we will be reseeding again this fall and looking for volunteers to help us. Stay tuned in September when we send that call out. Suppose you or your business is interested in supporting this Wildflower Planting Project by contributing to buying seeds in the fall or supporting a watering program. In that case, we'd love to hear from you! Businesses, individuals, and those who like to beautify our neighborhood, we'd love to hear from you. Email beautification@woodland-heights.org.

Volunteers Always Welcome - It takes a village to handle things, and we appreciate all the volunteers who keep things going. If you'd like to join the WHCA Beautification Crew of volunteers, we'd love to have you! Individuals, businesses, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc., are welcome. You just need to be willing to take the time, dig in, and enjoy volunteering to make a difference in our neighborhood. It'll be fun, rewarding, and a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends.

If you're interested in joining our crew, email me at  beautification@woodland-heights.org.

Lemonade Day An Entrepreneurial Experience /  by Michael Graves

Since 2007, young people have taken lemons and turned them into more than just lemonade—they've been turning them into an entrepreneurial experience. One that aims to empower youth through learning programs that teach them how to start, own, and run their own businesses. The sweet success began in Houston and has grown from 2,700 kids to 55,000 kids in Houston alone.

Originally founded by Michael Holthouse to empower youth to become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, the program has expanded to become a national program. However, throughout the years, its goal has remained the same. Every child interested in becoming a Lemonade Day entrepreneur registers and receives free materials that teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day. They learn how to create budgets, set profit-making goals, serve customers, repay investors, and give back to the community. All while acquiring goal-setting and problem-solving skills and gaining self-esteem. They get to keep the money they make while being encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some.

For more information on Lemonade Day, visit https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child will be setting up a lemonade stand in the Woodland Heights neighborhood, be sure to send us a note. We will get the word out via WHCA social media, andemailcommunications@woodland-heights.org.

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /  by Beth Sorensen

At Tuesday night's WHCA Member Meeting, the WHCA Constable Patrol Deputies provided the following information regarding key incidents they have addressed in our neighborhood over the last month, including:

  • 900 Block of Ridge - A 17-year-old was arrested after being found passed out in his car. He was in possession of cocaine, mushrooms, marijuana, marijuana vape pens, a narcotics scale, and small plastic baggies used for packaging drugs. He was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

  • Law Office on Byrne - A man was arrested after being found high on meth and attempting to use the law office's hose to bathe.

  • Watson Street - An intoxicated driver was arrested.

  • McDonald's Incident - A man was having a mental health crisis and waving a knife around near McDonald's. Deputy Suggs was on scene within minutes and was able to get him the help he needed.

  • Euclid Street - The driver of an 18-wheeler who was detouring through our neighborhood because of I-10 construction was ticketed for hitting parked cars on Euclid Street.

New Families Support the WHCA Constable Patrol Program

We are grateful to welcome 62 new families to the WHCA Constable Program in 2025! Your support helps keep our neighborhood safe by funding dedicated law enforcement patrols in Woodland Heights.

  • 2025 decals and yard signs are being delivered! Thank you for your patience. Our previous decal and sign vendor retired, and after some research, we've found a great new partner—LP Printing, the same company that helps with the Home Tour signage. 

  • Thank you to Woodland Street neighbor Becky Brown for helping with sign deliveries! 

  • New "Patrolled by Precinct One" street signs have been installed throughout the neighborhood. There are eight in total, so be sure to look for them as you're out and about!

Sign Up or Renew Today - Price Change Coming April 1

Consider joining the Constable Patrol Program. Now is a great time! The current annual membership rate is $350, but it will increase to $420 on April 1. Don't miss the chance to renew or sign up at the lower rate!

A huge thank you to all our new and returning members - your participation makes a real difference in keeping Woodland Heights safe!