Before and after: Synthetic turf has been installed around the exercise stations in Woodchase Park.

The exercise stations at Woodchase Park have reopened after being closed the past three weeks while crews completely removed the grass around the equipment and replaced it with synthetic turf. Houston's wet climate and 50 inches of annual rainfall just weren't conducive to growing natural grass in that environment. Park guests who enjoy the exercise equipment will certainly appreciate the upgrade to turf.

If you're an exercise enthusiast who enjoys the fitness equipment, you may also be interested in one of our weekly fitness classes, including Zumba on Wednesdays and Boot Camp on Saturdays. Check out our full calendar of events for the month of February.

Today (Wednesday, February 1) is the day that certain businesses may begin applying for recovery grants offered by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. The Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant program provides one-time grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted during the pandemic.

Read more to find out if your business is eligible for the grants.

Team players: Texas Academy of Soccer and Real Madrid Foundation have brought international soccer to Westchase District. Pictured left-right are: Nelson Salazar, TAS Operations Assistant; Rinell Ponceleon, TAS Director of Operations; Andres Muntaner, RMF Director; Ricardo Negrin, TAS CEO; David Gonzalez, RMF and TAS Academy Director; and Francisco Meza, TAS President.

Westchase District is fortunate to have the Quillian Recreation Center within its boundaries and Quillian is fortunate to have the Texas Academy of Soccer setting up shop at Quillian to offer soccer skill workshops to area youth.

Texas Academy of Soccer is the domestic partner of Real Madrid (yes, THAT Real Madrid) and they've brought some of the most renowned international soccer coaches to train area students (ages 5-16) on the fundamentals of soccer. The effort is led by David Gonzalez Hidalgo, a UEFA Pro-certified coach with more than 20 years of experience.

TAS offers classes at Quillian Center Mondays and Wednesdays between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Customized classes are available Tuesdays and Thursdays for students who want to keep working on their soccer development separately.

Visit the TAS website for information on pricing and registration. TAS also accepts student athletes on a walk-in basis.

"We're pleased to have the most prestigious professional soccer team bringing their knowledge and skills to Quillian Center," said Tom Gaden, director of Quillian Center. "It's a great partnership because we have top-of-the-line soccer facilities and equipment. TAS has the professional talent to enhance young students' skills. I hope area families will take advantage of this tremendous opportunity."

Read more about Texas Academy of Soccer from our recent newsletter.

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Thursdays @ 3 p.m. *Rain or shine* St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church

10503 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042 (at Rogerdale, one block west of Beltway 8)

New Year; New Layout

Fruit basket turnover: The vendors at the Westchase District Farmers Market have moved closer to Westheimer to give them greater visibility from Westchase's busiest roadway.

You know how the grocery store regularly changes its layout to force customers to search for their favorite items on rows with previously undiscovered products? We're doing the same at the Westchase District Farmers Market. Rest assured that all your favorite vendors are still at the market, but we've brought them closer together near Westheimer so customers don't have to walk so far between vendors. While you're looking for your weekly favorites, you might stumble across a new vendor.

Last week, we welcomed Papabubble to the market with their artisanal candies. (It's not too early to be thinking about Valentine's Day!) Join us this week to shop your long-time favorites and check out what's new. It's a new market every week!

EV Charging Stations Popping Up Throughout Westchase

The right fit: The FreeWire EV chargers are a popular addition to the fueling options available at OnCue, 10612 Westheimer.

According to Forbes, EV sales accounted for 5.6% of the total auto market in the second quarter of 2022 -- up from 2.7% in the second quarter of 2021. As electric vehicles gain popularity and market share, retailers are working to meet the demand for charging stations.

Charging stations have been installed at the Robinson-Westchase Library, 3223 Wilcrest. And Tesla has a dozen superchargers located at its gallery at 9633 Westheimer. More recently, charging stations have been installed by the owner of the retail center at 2550 CityWest Blvd (at Westheimer) immediately in front of Cava.

Office building owners are getting into the act as well, installing charging stations that can be used by their tenants while they're at the office. Read more.

The Houston Westchase Rotary Club's Soup'er Bowl and online auction is back this year after a two-year pandemic-imposed break. Businesses and individuals from throughout West Houston will be cooking up their favorite soup recipes to compete for prizes in the Soup'er Bowl, which always coincides with the National Football League's championship game weekend. The Soup'er Bowl will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, February 10th at Quillian Center.

It's not too late to sponsor a cooking team at the event. Supporters may also donate items to the online auction or come out and sample soups. A $5 donation to the event gains access to an all-you-can-sample soup buffet, plus a ballot to vote for your favorite culinary delights.

For more information or to become a sponsor, email club member Stephen Guerra.

Westchase District's Public Safety Dispatch line is 713-701-7800.

About Westchase District

Westchase District is a municipal management district funded by local property owners in a 4.2 square-mile area centered on Sam Houston Tollway between I-10 and US-59 on the west side of Houston, Texas. 

The district promotes growth by enhancing: 

• Mobility
• Beautification
• Public Safety
• Planning and Development

Have District-related news? 

Send it with your contact info to: sfox@westchasedistrict.com  

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