Trail Amenities
MUD 365 is excited to announce that we are currently in the process of making significant improvements to our trail system. Our trail system is shared with MUD364 and is divided into three areas: the “T loop” (T- Shape by Sampson Elementary school) the main loop area (around the detention basin and connected channels), and the “dog tail” (small channel that runs behind Bowden Creek Drive) offering all most 5miles of pedestrian trails. Currently MUD365 is repairing our trails by adding a new top layer and in some cases, completely redoing areas of the trail that have significant damage.
Our Board is working hard to ensure that the trail system is safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for all visitors. Another way we are doing that is by repairing and maintaining the trails amenities. This includes replacing benches and trash cans to make sure they are functional and visually appealing. Finally, we are making significant efforts to make our trail amenities more accessible by ensuring they meet ADA compliance standards. New concrete pads have been added under trash cans, drinking fountains and benches so the items will last longer but it’s also a smooth transition to them from the trail. Additionally it creates a buddy seating at the benches, so those in a wheelchair, walker, or stroller can be seated in the same row as those on the bench. With these improvements, we are confident that our outdoor trail system will provide an excellent experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, this offers something for everyone. We hope you’ll come visit us soon and experience the beauty of our outdoor trail system!
Trees For Houston
Harris County MUD 365 recognizes that trees provide countless benefits including cleaning the air, mitigating water run-off, providing shade to cool the surroundings, and beautifying our district. For more than 6 years, MUD 365 has partnered with Trees For Houston ( https://www.treesforhouston.org/) to increase the number of trees in our district.
Over the past six years, Trees for Houston has provided MUD 365 with an average of 125 trees per year at no cost. These trees are native to the area, and MUD 365 follows the recommended planting schedule for each tree -Typically this is in the early spring after the last freeze. If any of the past trees are dead or diseased, they are replaced before new areas are planted. MUD 365 spends an average of $30 per tree for transportation, soil prep, planting, watering, and staking.
When selecting a location to plant these trees, MUD 365 considers several factors, including where shade is needed and gaps where trees have been removed. One of the reasons we plant trees in early spring is to reduce the need for irrigation. In places that don’t have existing sprinklers, or where the sprinklers do not provide enough water, we utilize water bags and even hand watering. We understand that not every single tree will thrive, and expect to lose a few trees each year. Unfortunately, the severe drought we experienced in 2022 resulted in an unusually high number of new and existing trees dying or becoming diseased. We are hoping that will not occur again with this year’s trees.
Smart Meter Project
MUD 365 is investigating a conversion to the use of smart water meters as part of its water conservation and water accountability initiatives.
Smart meters allow both residents and operators to know where every drop of water goes on daily basis, enhancing the MUD’s ability to detect leaks and confirm accurate water billing.
Detention Basin Park
MUD 365 is considering additional enhancements to the detention basin. These include a dog park, deep-water lake, bird and wildlife habitat and additional natural spaces. Our goal is to make this necessary facility an amenity that our residents can enjoy while increasing detention to help flooding issues. We would love to hear your thoughts. Please attend an upcoming meeting or reach out to the board using the contact form.
Water Reuse
The district is currently evaluating the feasibility of building a water reuse system to provide a new source of water for irrigation in common areas such as parks and esplanades. Currently, treated water leaves our wastewater treatment plant and flows in to Dry Creek, then in to Cypress Creek. The re-use system would divert a portion of that outflow to a plant for further treatment. That water then would be delivered to area irrigation systems via a new, total separate system of pipes.