Fall Clean-up Yields 2000 Pounds of Trash

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped us clean up Woodland Park on Sunday, November 12th, and especially for the Emerald Oaks Girl Scout Community for organizing the event. We had 175 people help us remove 2000 pounds of trash from Little White Oak Bayou. Our last 2023 clean-up is happening this Saturday, November 18th from 9am-12pm! Come join us!

For the 3rd year in a row, volunteers will have pulled over 10000 pounds of trash out of Little White Oak Bayou in Woodland Park, and we are now totaling over 625 tires pulled out of the bayou as well.

Thanks to Girl Scout Troops 122201, 122329, 122279, 122221, 122286, 122327, 122033, 122213, 122195, 25365, and I’m sure there are more! Plus, volunteers from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart and Incarnate Word Academy Environmental Clubs, the Hogg Middle School National Jr Honor Society, Boy Scout Troop 30, and Cub Scout Pack 88! So many friends and neighbors too!

Most unusual Item winner was Gaby Godfrey from Girl Scout Ambassador troop #122247 for finding this moon snail shell.

Mother Nature is so very grateful for all of your help!

Please consider joining Friends of Woodland Park to keep these efforts going! We have annual memberships starting at $25 and lifetime memberships as well. Find out more at https://www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/shop....

Christina DeHaven Named 2023 Best Friend of Woodland Park

Christina and her family live near Woodland Park and developed a strong connection with it during the challenging days of the Covid pandemic, particularly after they found heir beloved dog there, Milo, who now shares their park adventures.

In the midst of the pandemic, Friends of the Park (FWP) sought to share the park's beauty with a broader audience despite the restrictions of social distancing. Recognizing Christina's exceptional videography skills, they reached out in the hopes of FWP funding a short video about the park. She enthusiastically agreed and captured the beauty of the park, interviewed board members and even got a drone out for some amazing aerial footage. Christina truly went above and beyond - interviewing board members and using drone technology for some amazing aerial footage. She ultimately created four remarkable videos for FWP, with a fifth in progress, all as a voluntary contribution.

These videos have resonated with countless online viewers, amassing thousands of views. Christina's work skillfully captures the park's beauty and its thriving ecosystem. Through her business, Haven Creative, she's contributed to many high-profile events like the Houston Rodeo and collaborated with institutions like Texas Children's Hospital - Christina's expertise is unquestionable.

The Award was accepted by Christina’s son, Jack, and her husband, Matt. As her husband Matt commented, “Christina knows how to tell a story,” and we are so grateful for her helping FWP to share ours.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, Christina’s work is truly priceless. 

About the Award: In 2022, the Board of FWP created the “Best Friend” of Woodland Park Award” as a special recognition for an individual or group to be given each year at the Annual Meeting.  The Award is given by the FWP Board to show appreciation for those who generously dedicate their time and labor to Woodland Park, with contributions that greatly advance our mission - “.Preserving the park's natural habitat along with its unique historical significance to the City of Houston, and to providing for the enjoyment and education of all who visit.”

TODAY! FWP Annual General Meeting with Guest Speaker Andrew Groocock

FWP will hold its Annual General Meeting, open to all, on October 17th. We are honored to have Andrew Groocock, professional historian and tour guide, joining us as Guest Speaker. We will have tables from local organization as well as plenty of Woody the Turtle and FWP merchandise!!

• 5:30 - Come by and meet our guest organizations and enjoy a cold beverage

• 6:00 - Meeting Start and address from the Board of FWP, including honoring the “Best Friend of Woodland Park”

• 6:30 - “History of Woodland Park and Surrounds” with Guest Speaker Andrew Groocock

Meet Andrew!

Originally from England, I have lived in Houston for more than 30 years and consider myself a Houstonian.

In a city which has no zoning, has grown overnight and attracted a population from around the world there is much to surprise and delight. 

I served as president of The Professional Tour Guide Association of Houston from 2014-2016, and since 2015 I have been a guide on the historical boat tours offered by The Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Commemorative Mural Getting Some TLC

We are so excited to be working with Sandra Jacobs, the original artist of the beautiful art on the side of the Woodland Community Center, on a restoration project of the mural. Jill Whitten, art conservation specialist, is also providing input and advice.

Sandra was part of the educational department at MFA, and she created the murals in Woodland Park and Hartman Park on Houston’s east side. The children in HPARD’s Summer Enrichment Program at Woodland Park were all given the opportunity to be involved in the art project.   Nine of the kids (ages 6 to teens) were more serious about painting and worked on the mural.  Sandra selected the theme representing how one’s life ambition begins with a seed and grows with knowledge to accomplish one’s career goal. 

 Each child painted their own area representing their career goal (sports, medicine, astronaut, lawyer, etc.). The painting was done in the craft room with the 3 panels placed on the floor or leaning up against the wall.  HPARD installed the mural. The City of Houston funded the project which took 2 weeks to complete. 

We will be looking for 2-3 volunteers to help with the restoration, timing of which is to be determined. Please contact FWP Board Secretary Louise Moss for more information.

Mark Your Calendars! Fall/Winter 2023 Events

The FWP Board takes the summer off but we ALWAYS hit the ground running for Fall/Winter event planning! Scroll down for FWP Events, Community Center Schedule info, and a few important events from our strategic partner organizations. There are more events to come so stay updated by subscribing and following FWP on Facebook and Instagram. Use the ICS and/or Google links below each event description to automatically add to your calendar!

(Note: Details may change without notice. Check the FWP website for updates.)

October 7th:

American Rivers/JPMC Clean-up Day

Contact Board Treasurer Pat Rutledge if you would like to volunteer.

October 10th:

Member “Hike & Slice”

Easy hike for all current members followed by pizza in the community center. Click here to RSVP and to Join FWP. Contact Board President Kelli Fereday for more details.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

October 17th:

Annual General Meeting

Open to All! Bring your own chair! Andrew Groocock, professional historian and tour guide, is joining us as Guest Speaker. Check out local organizations, news from the Board, the Best Friend of Woodland Park award, and more Woody the Turtle merchandise! Contact Board President Kelli Fereday for details.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

October 21st:

Audubon Bird Survey

Monthly on every third Saturday. Also November 18th and December 16th. Contact Mary Goldsby to be added to the email list.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 7th:

Board Meeting

Contact Board President Kelli Fereday if you would have a concern or would like to suggest item for the Board’s agenda.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 9th:

Community Concert

Join us on November 9th at 6pm (doors open at 5:30) for rockabilly from Billy Folchi, plus comedy from Travis Elementary alumnus Henry Coffman! ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! Contact our new Music Director, Loreta Kovacic, for more info.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 12th: Scout/Community Cleanup Day

Contact Board Member Lauren Lindsay for details or to volunteer to help.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 28th:

Member Happy Hour

Members are invited to join the FWP Board at the home of Board Member Lauren Lindsay. Not a member? Its easy to join as an annual or lifetime member, and memberships start as low as $25.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

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Community Center

Schedule

Open weekdays Noon-8pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Check out this article for program info or contact Center Manager Rob Messa for more information on activities or to book the craft room

Other Community Events: FWP partners with many other organizations to promote shared interests - put these on your calendar too!

• October 7th: Tour de Northside Bike Ride and Festival sponsored by the Greater Northside Management District

• October 7th and 9th: Block-walking and Picnic for Fair for Houston, advocating for Proposition B (a non-partisan initiative supported by the FWP Board - learn more here) on the upcoming election.

• October 17th: Houston Parks Board 2023 Annual Luncheon

• October 19th: Scenic Houston Annual Dinner

• October 20th: Houston Heights Association Battle of the Boards Charcuterie Event

• October 20th: Pots for Plants sponsored by the Bayou Preservation Association. Come out to recycle your plastic plant pots and keep our beloved watersheds clean!

• November 3rd: The Official Lights in the Heights Bash - Pints in the Heights! sponsored by Woodland Heights Civic Association

• November 14th: White Oak Bayou Association Annual Meeting in the Historic Heights Firehouse

• December 9th: Lights in Heights 2023 sponsored by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Woodland Community Center Youth and Adult Activities

There is so much on offer at the Woodland Park Community Center this fall/winter. Center Manager Rob Messa is running multiple programs for young and old in the building at 212 Parkview St. Note that programs may change without notice due to one-off events.

After-School Enrichment

10 Spots Remain as of Oct 1st! The After-School Enrichment Program (AEP) is a recreational and cultural enrichment program for youth ages 6 - 13. The program is FREE of charge for all participants, but registration is required. Youth participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration and instructional sports.

Volleyball

The indoor court is set up for volleyball from 6-8pm on Monday and Wednesdays. Monday nights tend to be all adults, and Wednesdays are a good mix of tweens, teens, and adults. Be sure to sign a waiver when you arrive, or complete one for your kiddo. One responsible adult must stay with minors.

Pickleball

Pickleball is now on from 10:15am to 1:45pm every Saturday. All ages and levels welcome!

Bring your equipment or use the equipment purchased by FWP for HPARD. You can even check out a set from the center to use outdoors once the basketball court refurbishment is complete.

Basketball

There is a long history of basketball in the Woodland Community Center. The courts are set up for “shooting hoops” on Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm.

FREE CONCERT SERIES RETURNS NOV 9th IN COMMUNITY CENTER

FWP is thrilled to host the second show in our Community Center Concert Series!

Join us on Thursday, November 9th at 6pm (doors open at 5:30) for rockabilly from musician Billy Folchi, plus an opening comedy act by former Woodland Heights resident and Travis Elementary alumnus Henry Coffman!

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! Free snacks will be provided. (And. . .look for details to come of the Afterparty at a local restaurant/drinking hole!)

Billy Folchi is a singer songwriter originally from Missouri City, Texas. He started out learning blues and rock and roll in the 1980s while at school in Austin and then went on to play in bands in many different places including a 20 year period in France, evolving through styles of blues, rockabilly, surf and garage rock, all the while writing and performing as a solo folk singer alongside his other pursuits. Since  returning home to Texas in 2018 he has worked mainly as a solo artist, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar or singing with electric guitar over homemade backing tracks. Although Billy still enjoys playing in all the roots-based idioms he grew up with, his compositions for the past decade have focused upon themes of spiritual uplift and the evolution of the planet towards a new era of global harmony and cooperation.

Thank you to our new Music Director, Loreta Kovacic, and HPARD for supporting this free musical event.