Holiday spirit permeates Woodchase Park with Smart Financial’s Christmas Celebration on December 2.
It was a windy, sunny fall day when Woodchase Park officially opened to the public before a large crowd of special guests, some of whom were instrumental in the park’s development. On October 28, 2021, Woodchase Park opened and Parks Programming Director Louis Jullien was feeling excited anticipation as he turned his focus to a massive community event only three days away.
Jullien marveled over the task of distributing 20,000 pieces of candy to kids coming for the park’s Trick or Treat event, its first large-scale public gathering. So much so, that he purposely brought the candy to the park two hours prior to Trick or Treat to avoid melting the chocolate goodies.
He and Guest Service Attendants poured equal portions into 10 large jack-o-lantern buckets stationed around the park. Since the inaugural Halloween event drew more than 800 attendees, Jullien doesn’t want to run out of candy. This year he’s upped the ante: candy sponsor HEB is providing 25,000 pieces!
The fall programming calendar is anchored by two holiday events. Trick or Treat is scheduled for October 31 and Christmas Celebration sponsored by Smart Financial will be held on December 2. This season, Woodchase Park has lined up new characters, partners, games, and food trucks for each event.
The Houston SaberCats taught rugby to kids.
Houston SaberCats, Houston Humane Society and Hoops Fest add variety to Fall
“As more people have learned about the park, organizations have reached out to us to host events this fall as well,” said Jullien. The Houston SaberCats, a professional rugby team led an introduction to the sport on September 16 for kids ages 6-14 (no experience needed). Families looking for a four-legged addition can find a new best friend during the Houston Humane Society’s Adopt-A-Dog event on September 29. On November 18, the park is transformed into b-ball central with Hoops Fest presented by Smart Financial. Fans can shoot on portable basketball goals, score giveaways, enjoy food trucks, and get selfies with the NCAA Championship trophy.
Something for everyone
“Tai Chi, Zumba, and Boot Camp have grown in popularity and have steady attendance each week. We will continue those programs into the fall/winter and likely keep on the schedule year-round,” said Jullien.
Whereas fitness programs draw adults, Jullien adds that every major event the park hosts is aimed at families. “We take into account the school calendar for nearby Alief and HISD schools when developing programming, knowing that the families who attend those schools are a target audience for Woodchase Park,” said Jullien. The park will continue weekly programming with fitness classes, pop up soccer, children’s bingo, arts and cultural workshops from Young Audiences of Houston, chess club, and bark in the park.
Stay in the know
With so much happening, Jullien says the best way to keep up with the park is by staying connected. “Stay plugged in to Westchase District’s various media outlets,” said Jullien. “Subscribe to our monthly parks email and the Westchase Wire. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and watch for updates to the calendar on woodchasepark.com. These will keep you in the know of our free programs and events at the park. We are always thankful for our community partners and sponsors support in making our programs free.”
Visit woodchasepark.com for more information.
