Construction is underway at the Sam Houston Tollway’s South Toll Plaza, located just south of Deerwood. This initiative is part of the Segment 3 - South Plaza project, spearheaded by the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). The primary objective is to eventually transition the South Plaza into all-electronic tolling (AET). This will also include AET conversion for all toll exit/entrance ramps from Deerwood Rd. to Bellaire Blvd.

In the initial phase, currently in process, a fourth EZ tag lane is being added adjacent to the existing three EZ tag lanes at the South Toll Plaza. Additionally, all former cash lanes will be permanently closed off using concrete traffic barriers.

Looking ahead, phase two is currently in the design development stage. This phase will involve the conversion of all former cash lanes to all-electronic tolling, with plans to replace the existing toll plazas with new structures.

Stay tuned for further updates as this project progresses towards completion.

(Left) Large curved steel beams will support the staircase leading up to the rooftop terrace of the porch building. (Right) A rendering of the porch building with staircase. The right side of the porch building will have a long ramp leading to the rooftop for increased accessibility.

(Below) See the complete rendering of the Camden Park layout compared to the most recent drone footage of the park site.

Buying locally-grown food is becoming increasingly desirable in today's world. Not only does it support local farmers and businesses, but it also has numerous environmental and health benefits.

• Fresher produce: When you buy locally-grown food, you are getting produce that has been recently harvested. This means that it has not been sitting in storage or transported over long distances, which can cause it to lose some of its nutrients. Fresher produce is generally more nutritious and flavorful.

• More nutrient-dense produce: Studies have shown that produce that is grown locally and allowed to ripen naturally on the vine or tree is often more nutrient-dense than produce that is picked early and transported long distances to reach the market. This is because the longer produce stays on the vine or tree, the more time it has to absorb nutrients from the soil.

• Reduced use of pesticides and chemicals: Local farmers often use fewer pesticides and chemicals on their crops than larger commercial farms. This means that you are less likely to be exposed to harmful chemicals when you eat locally-grown food.

Visit the Westchase District Farmers Market every Thursday starting at 3 p.m. to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, jams, honeys, tamales, ready-to-eat meals, and more!

Woodchase Park has been buzzing with excitement lately, and it's not hard to see why!

Spring break week was an absolute blast, drawing more than 3400 guests (a record-setting number) who soaked up the fun from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From the wonders of the Houston Museum of Natural Science to the whimsy of balloon artists and face painters, there was something for everyone.

But the fun didn't stop there! The park's first-ever Easter Celebration on March 23 was a hit, with more than 500 guests joining in on the festivities. From free photos with the Easter Bunny to live music and Easter-themed crafts, it was a day filled with fun.

And now, mark your calendars for another unforgettable event: a solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pack a lunch and join us at the park. We’ll have complimentary solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), Eclipse-themed popsicles from Popston (free to the first 50 guests), and a whole array of activities including a photo station, solar-themed coloring sheets, and lawn games. 

Don't forget, the peak of the eclipse is expected around 1:40 p.m., so come catch this celestial spectacle with us at Woodchase Park!

Get all the event details, and read about how to view a solar eclipse safely, here.

Registration for Camp Quillian is now open, offering an exciting line-up of activities for children aged 5 to 14. The camp, which has been a Westchase staple for 29 years, runs for 10 weeks from June 3 to August 9 at the Quillian Recreational Center.

Parents can select which weeks work best for them, with full-day and half-day options available. Full-day campers can be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and picked up as late as 6:30 p.m. on the way to and from work, making it a convenient option for parents employed in Westchase.

Each week of camp features its own theme with fun-filled surprises. Programs include indoor and outdoor sports, enrichment classes, arts and crafts, special events, guest speakers, games, VBS and so much more! The facilities include a full gymnasium, two swimming pools, indoor climbing wall, game rooms, athletic fields and playground.

Teen camp for ages 13-14 features a "Counselor in Training Program" and

multiple weekly field trips and community service opportunities around Houston. 

Register in April and receive an early registration discount! Register and get more information here.