[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6749010,"mediaKeyId","2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f","parentId",2324268,"title","Friends group seeks $50,000 grant to build Unity Tree interpretive trail in Unity Park","audioSeconds",1331,"startMs",588000,"endMs",1919000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f&start=588&end=1919","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f/thumbnail_588000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6749010/Texas/Friends-group-seeks-50000-grant-to-build-Unity-Tree-interpretive-trail-in-Unity-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749010-809defdfcb340ca229d1179d4f80f848/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090407&Signature=JOLuvi64~W8~bA0hL1tHOyOxbsCwlY3ROFXR9diQjdIO9A5sxEaBlewR001uUH3qDbyxb5cexqZdKHEQj1~i-K4P5URlauZ2E3bGqL9aQIYUaqV9rMllFiZYzEKysjH3dBt5AhO-7igo9zyzkdrxVp1by-mRjmyI6Q26hknTqfnAfkuq41u5Fm~PU1zHGXtP6vsR2uR-nLQ1kEwbLOGVxfDmjJZtwsrVh76uhVPNYSGp2zMVoc8bk1to8PBX3owGLLckc3lLmJrMbtDWaXi8kSsP2NvzvGgCII~YmJOxxG~P-hi4Xxnag96a0MuRjo2aJ~a3GNuedxICRLZBJ61E6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-02-17T00:00:00Z","article","Kevin Fenderson, president of the Friends of Highland Village Park Foundation, told the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Feb. 17 that his group wants to build an interpretive trail and signage around the Unity Tree in Unity Park and will pursue a T‑Mobile Hometown grant to pay for it.

\"The T‑Mobile grant will fund this project up to $50,000,\" Fenderson said, describing a plan that includes a decomposed‑granite path, five interpretive signs, a monolithic stone marker and audio/QR enhancements for additional content. He said the foundation has planted trees across the city and wants to add an educational component that tells the tree’s history in roughly 40‑year increments.

Fenderson said inflation has pushed up construction costs since the project was first scoped and that the foundation is working with McAdams to re‑engineer some elements to reduce expenses. He said the foundation is also pursuing letters of support from the Community Development Corporation, the mayor and former Mayor Diane Costa and will apply in the next T‑Mobile funding cycle if the application is complete.

The group plans to hire or secure an inspection by Tammy Geer, a certified arborist, to produce a current health assessment of the Unity Tree and evaluate whether the existing six‑foot metal fence should remain. \"At a minimum we know there are some deadfall limbs that need to be cleaned out,\" Fenderson said; he added that the foundation will seek to place the tree on the Texas Big Tree Registry.

Board members asked about additional funding and sponsorships; Fenderson said the T‑Mobile award is a straight grant but that T‑Mobile welcomes partnerships and that local sponsors such as Datco and Walmart have supported past foundation projects. He asked the board and staff for letters of support and said the foundation would welcome city participation on elements such as fence replacement at a later date.

Next steps the group described include updating the design and cost estimates with McAdams, completing the arborist inspection, assembling five letters of support and filing a complete T‑Mobile application in the next quarterly cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - Feb 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Friends of Highland Village Park Foundation presented plans for an interpretive trail and signage around the historic Unity Tree, seeking support and up to $50,000 from the T‑Mobile Hometown grant. The foundation says it will secure arborist inspection, letters of support and adjust designs to reduce costs before applying.","taxTitle","Highlands City Council, Highlands, Harris County, Texas","taxId",72997,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6748994,"Highland Village schedules teen bonfire for March 7; attendance capped at 100",391,5285000,5676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f&start=5285&end=5676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f/thumbnail_5285000.jpg","/articles/6748994/Texas/Highland-Village-schedules-teen-bonfire-for-March-7-attendance-capped-at-100","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748994-9da80a9ee30dfde62c86e6f6842c2cc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090407&Signature=OQ~IhmXxyKiVruRe9tTkCiflDpcfdEsgsjR2fn2-zYFqGIuyu2dR4OPIKhXRcD4TlgNEEFpfiscBBC2I9lMhX4FTDoyFsxR0BrL3Gp03bWWiu3il~Y9Pa4dRoITEXsUT7WoL2fwAG16IqgnNUefU4qJvt18vKEIIcM3Bxofa~7iqrhEGoUVmYSahJNqLVKNnjqFxoL1cWperZxqPQscOBiD0ZW1dUG-HF3hUmLadKrrNDUeiQb7MNwSuyRaiJurPly-JYs9BHuoZKcjrTAs0rf63OQcLlGOujFcEOjVZg~~aeYPanGdGDeJoy8QGRQDYbAEt9nrbQ~AGL9DLasSNxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Highland Village Parks and Recreation Department confirmed a free teen bonfire event on March 7 at Copperas Branch Park for ages 13–18, running from 6 to 9 p.m., and capped at 100 participants for safety.

\"We're gonna cap it at 100 people just for safety reasons with the lake right there,\" Andrew, recreation staff, told the board on Feb. 17. Staff said the event elements include a bonfire, hay bales, inflatables (described as an inflatable mechanical‑bull), s'mores and other activities. Police and fire will be present to assist with safety and logistics.

Promotions will include the city water bill insert, the city website, Instagram and Facebook and targeted emails to school principals in Highland Village. Staff said bandit signs will be placed on trails and near schools to reach scooter‑ and trail‑using teens.

If more than 100 people arrive, staff said police will post signage stating \"event full\" and monitor entry. Parents may drop off or remain at the event; staff said the gate under the bridge will be used for parking and an officer will count attendees.","The Parks and Recreation Department confirmed a free teen bonfire for ages 13–18 on March 7, 6–9 p.m., at Copperas Branch Park. Staff said promotions will run through the water bill, social media and direct school contacts; police, fire and park staff will monitor the event and attendance will be capped at 100 for safety.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6749000,"City staff: signed agreement with Halff & Associates for FM 407/Veil project; kickoff expected in March",294,4092000,4386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f&start=4092&end=4386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f/thumbnail_4092000.jpg","/articles/6749000/Texas/City-staff-signed-agreement-with-Halff-Associates-for-FM-407Veil-project-kickoff-expected-in-March","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749000-221a5cce0c18bfbba038e36fc6c124f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090407&Signature=YZ2T6VZrunqkdPwBPsmdBBFjxNTRxL0w5qNFyKnfM9rI9mYGX1sTH49MmRhBaz1JiF1P61w1XSY21BowjB7PZMWjk1f1XJJYY5iQIvP-X1OH4REqdDEl3BUUr8lOyNMwAdt~PL3K5oWHUe-Pw5sAG1ZecWATTlgEKDkje4JCRYSwc6xxSxYhAK~uCo5RMJu2QgSuOU3QBOhiYbweceFYBXh0Rsczs5-c73TzBFaymusjMv6RCUtyAEvKWhenbIfl0k3HnvQBVZndIgM7EqVZ6kdEMbmBxj~-42f0bzRo4MMkWZqAPG03ab7xWRIyKJ7WvDL2jX~v77l4VRnM-2IDiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phil, Parks and Recreation staff, told the board on Feb. 17 that the city now has a signed agreement with Halff & Associates for the FM 407 Village Connection (Veil) project. He said the project is a city priority and that Public Works Director Scott Christian will lead right‑of‑way matters where Halff work falls in Public Works jurisdiction.

\"We have an agreement that if anything lands in his right of way, I stay out of it because that's his area,\" Phil said, explaining the division of responsibilities between parks staff and public works. He said Halff anticipates a kickoff meeting the week of March 3 and that updates will be provided to the Community Development Corporation because the project intersects trail planning.

Phil invited board members to attend CDC meetings and said staff will circulate project updates as the Halff scope and schedule are established.","Parks staff reported a signed contract with Halff & Associates for the FM 407 Village Connection/Veil project and said a kickoff meeting is expected the week of March 3. Staff said the project will be coordinated with Public Works and the Community Development Corporation because of trail and CDC impacts.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6749005,"Highland Village board discusses arts‑in‑parks program, suggests low‑cost pilots and mural projects",1549,2155000,3704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f&start=2155&end=3704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f/thumbnail_2155000.jpg","/articles/6749005/Texas/Highland-Village-board-discusses-artsinparks-program-suggests-lowcost-pilots-and-mural-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749005-bf5ef601594d497736b55a5a020b12c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090407&Signature=Vz~yeAJEZvTyYQx0cqvYrQg-KzgOoNrMkRKjCBVmJwJTD3PhFhk5o~s3JdZJxjWReTA2wfMXMSgHoBoDvysV~AxsndiX2SM60q43qG2FHxFRWQuNGAVlvqqxxfzkkKLXcsw16y7QNl-P7tFlaG2X3UrQ7NS21~xHmJVtAGXeNZ62hsLZJTU2jQXlM-e3KtxQOQu5XiScdtH9rJ-nB-ObbOQ3iz9-8nkp-jSMvvrImr-2Jx3XJb-bYOFq8O7UbMn0PCee~s9NHT7hqDHSNJP64y~WgRYftBSQhj5MDBRxheuLsbDqWClxi7epOH5gQ3NXu54ICBC4EPXNz5GStGr-ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phil, Parks and Recreation staff, presented a slide deck and examples on Feb. 17 to guide the board on an arts‑in‑parks initiative. He described interactive, functional and site‑specific public art as a way to boost visitor experience and local economic activity and suggested pilot projects and school partnerships.

Phil said interactive pieces — such as lighting, moving elements or interpretive panels with QR codes — can make parks \"Instagrammable\" and help connect visitors to nearby businesses. He showed precedent projects (Discovery Green, millennial installations, tunnel murals) and recommended six candidate locations in Highland Village, including Kids Castle, the City Trail at Briar Hill/407, DoubleTree Ranch Park, Lakeside Park, the City Trail at FM 2499 and City Hall.

Board members repeatedly recommended beginning with low‑cost, high‑visibility pilots such as a mural in the FM 2499 tunnel, a chalk art festival and school art projects that rotate on trail segments. Phil noted that budget planning begins in March with a target to finalize fiscal inputs by June, and he recommended a work session to align the board’s priorities with the master plan and the budget calendar.

The board asked staff to provide digital copies of the slide deck and the communications one‑pager; staff agreed to circulate the materials and to schedule a workshop to prioritize pilot projects and identify likely funding sources.","Staff presented ideas for an arts program to increase trail and park activation, including interactive installations, tunnel murals at FM 2499, school partnerships and rotating exhibits. Board members suggested starting with low‑cost pilots and scheduling a work session to align with the city budget cycle.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6748989,"U.S. Army Corps asks Highland Shores HOA to notify residents to remove illegal boat docks by June 1",262,5595000,5857000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f&start=5595&end=5857","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2324268-24f911c26198af3290f448365b902d0f/thumbnail_5595000.jpg","/articles/6748989/Texas/US-Army-Corps-asks-Highland-Shores-HOA-to-notify-residents-to-remove-illegal-boat-docks-by-June-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6748989-8016275d99448e1f35642058f412607c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090407&Signature=M0x9xds45V3WYHpFzxqz0SS75PFepkF5eIGj9zZmWLANKKcs-SXaiwIbtGzz4BYt163eLRczZTmlX0Fw2StwYag-~QQs5b2JxfeIpnicn2hwtdyO1ydeYUGp3c~U5WlLRL-PEjIbVEnde0-bpeOSDKlNSKg9NZZ5NnPmpB6zVhU05-qYoSpsC-vx92j97~ncaXJfDx1JQYj8JyuArTDwTN8dAU4R~Q1zdrdRRYaPdGrdYrSt11Tk6hCdn7aWtXzDllh-jh7FKgQvWu4-LzuhvYFe7Ie~e21NU85atCIjMkSUBIKeA5VkgFxfASkOFtQgX-awltYdQx4Zr0ojcyYwpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phil, Parks and Recreation staff, told the board that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has contacted the Highland Shores Homeowners Association and requested that the HOA place a notice in its February newsletter asking residents to remove illegal boat docks by June 1.

\"They asked for the cooperation in removing them by June 1,\" Phil said, noting the Corps is starting the process through HOAs and that individual notice and follow‑up are possible next steps. Phil emphasized that the Corps enforces the lake shoreline — which is federal — and that the city does not have direct authority to remove docks on Corps land.

Board members asked whether the Corps planned further direct notifications or enforcement; Phil said the Corps had indicated it would follow its process and that removal work would not be quick. He also said Corps staff had cited shoreline erosion caused by wake and that no‑wake buoys previously placed had been stolen in some locations.","City staff reported the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has asked Highland Shores HOA to include a notice in its February newsletter asking residents to remove illegal boat docks by June 1. Staff emphasized the Corps enforces lake property and shoreline rules; the city does not have jurisdiction over Corps land.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Friends group seeks $50,000 grant to build Unity Tree interpretive trail in Unity Park

Highland Village schedules teen bonfire for March 7; attendance capped at 100

City staff: signed agreement with Halff & Associates for FM 407/Veil project; kickoff expected in March

Highland Village board discusses arts‑in‑parks program, suggests low‑cost pilots and mural projects

U.S. Army Corps asks Highland Shores HOA to notify residents to remove illegal boat docks by June 1