More Fitness | WESTCHASE DISTRICT

Residents-Rec-&-FitnessFrom dawn to dusk, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and pedestrians regularly use Westchase District’s trail system, which begins at Westheimer immediately east of Houston Community College’s Hayes Road campus. This .6-mile trail is built in the powerline corridor and terminates at Richmond, with a mid-block crossing at Meadowglen.  Users can connect to the 1.35-mile Library Loop trail by following the existing sidewalk to Wilcrest, where the trail continues along the Harris County Flood Control ditch immediately north of the Robinson-Westchase Library, 3223 Wilcrest Drive. This trail continues east toward Rogerdale Road. Parking is available at the Library and at West Houston Assistance Ministries (10501 Meadowglen).  An underpass connects the Library Loop Trail at Richmond to the Brays Bayou Connector Trail, which runs south from Richmond Avenue to Bellaire Boulevard. This trail features additional underpasses at Westpark Drive, Westpark Tollway, Harwin, and Bellaire, allowing trail users to enjoy the 1.92-mile trail entirely off-street. They’ll be able to start their route in Westchase District and connect all the way to Art Storey Park and Harris County’s trail network. Here is a map of the entire trail network, illustrated to show current and planned trails.

A four-piece exercise station is installed on the north side of the Library Loop Trail, about a quarter-mile from the eastern trail entrance on Rogerdale. A second exercise station is located on the Brays Bayou Connector trail just south of Harwin. Watch a series of how-to videos on using the equipment.

Butterflies add beauty

Immediately adjacent to the exercise station on the Library Loop Trail, Westchase District has cultivated a butterfly garden brimming with flowers and plants that create a habitat where butterflies can lay their eggs and feed. The garden features milkweed, hamelia, dwarf lantana, salvia, butterfly weed, and verbena. Some are host plants (food source for larvae) and some are nectar plants (food source for adult butterflies.) The river rock bed and moss boulders provide a place for butterflies to perch and stay warm.