Norhill Esplanade

2026 Starts With A Blowout! /  by Michael Graves

Early on January 1st Carl Sorenson (WHCA Co-Dir of Security) reported a ten-foot geyser of water on the east side of the Norhill esplanade. Apparently, overnight, some new year’s celebrants somehow toppled the protective housing for the backflow preventer that’s part of the irrigation system. Unfortunately, that protective wire cage was not secured. So, the passing miscreants accidentally snapped off the 1-inch PVC supply line to the irrigation system.

While these passersby may have been seeking a place to sit for spell, I’m willing to bet they were surprised! Also, they very likely got drenched.

In the morning, when the problem came to light, Norhill neighbors Tiffany Tyler and Charles Kuffner managed to find the shutoff for the city water and get it turned off. Many thanks to them for taking action to end the Bellagio-esque display. It was shut off by the time I passed by to take this picture of the damage.

As of this writing, another neighbor is venturing out to see about making a repair. It’s PVC so it may be quite simple, but supplies may be difficult to get on New Year’s Day.

WHCA aims to do these things cost effectively. If we can enact a DIY solution, that’s our preferred approach. However, as Harry Callahan once quipped, “…a man’s got to know his limitations.” While I have some skills with tools, I am no plumber.

In the time that it took me to write this, Jonathan Moore, husband of Julie Moore (WHCA Dir of Deed Restrictions,) managed to successfully make the repair.

WHCA is all about neighbors doing things!

This is Gonna Be Treemendous! /  by Michael Graves

WHCA at Work Amongst the Trees

This is another in a series detailing some of the largely unseen things that WHCA does for the neighborhood. This time we’ll consider the case of the trees on the Norhill Esplanade. It’s been noted that they are in need of trimming. WHCA has officially adopted the Norhill Esplanade, which means we’re responsible for its maintenance. The fact that we’re well into hurricane season gives some people a sense of urgency about this.

You’d think this a simple matter. Call a contractor. Get it done! Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, takes charge of the matter, getting a quote from an arborist. Alas, that quote comes in at around the price of a good used car!

At this point it’s good remind you that the WHCA is a Civic Association. Not a Homeowners Association. Membership in a civic association is voluntary, and the membership dues are small, just $20-50/household/year. In contrast, membership in an HOA is mandatory and their fees are significant, often more than $1k/household/year. The natural consequence of this is that WHCA simply cannot afford to spend $20k+ on trimming trees. We must find another way.

While not well-resourced, we are resourceful. We reach out to the office of the city forester at the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. They are charged with supporting the trees across the entire city. They routine engage contractors to trim trees. Ryan, Stella & I meet with one of the forestry staff on the esplanade to survey the situation.

He agrees that it needs to be done. They will put the Norhill Esplanade in their queue. We also agree upon the nature of the work, to ensure that the trees are appropriately trimmed. On this basis, HPARD will, at some point in the future, have a contractor trim the trees.

But wait! We’re not done yet! There are two CenterPoint power lines that traverse the Norhill Esplanade. By law, HPARD staff or contractors cannot trim near power lines. So naturally, we reach out to CenterPoint. A flurry of emails ensue.

Tim Yurick, Manager of Vegetation Management, reaches out to Onyekachi Ejim, Senior Forester, who advises that “…4 spans of tree trimming needed for this location. We will address as soon as we have a work order available.”

At this point, we’ve done all we can. We wait.

To their credit, CenterPoint acted swiftly. They had Trees, Inc do the work only a week of two following this initial engagement. We’re still waiting and hoping for HPARD to take care of the rest.

PS – Thanks to neighbor and former WHCA board member Stacey Kmetz, who works at CenterPoint, for connecting us with the right people at the company.

WHCA 4th of July Festivities /  by Lori Bigler

Hey Neighbors!  Please come join our community celebration of American Independence at the Norhill Esplanade on the 4th of July.  Kids can decorate their bikes to join in the parade, and families can stick around afterward to enjoy music, refreshments, bounce houses and more.  Festivities are open to all and begin at 9 AM with the parade, and will continue until noon.  Can't wait to see you there!

National Night Out /  by Guest User

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Together, we are making that happen.

Come join your neighbors October 6 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on the Norhill Esplanade for National Night Out. Food trucks, beverages, and family-friendly fun. Get to know your neighbors and take part in a great Woodland Heights community event.

Norhill Esplanade Improvements /  by Guest User

Several weeks ago work was completed at Norhill Esplanade to improve the green space. As more events are held at this neighborhood gem, it is important that it be properly maintained. A landscape company aerated and added organic fertilizer and compost to the grassy areas.

The improvement to our green space was provided by Woodland Heights Civic Association and is a direct result of your membership dollars at work and WHCA’s commitment to keep Woodland Heights green.

Questions or comments? Contact the Beautification Committee.