median madness Archives - Reduce Flooding

Median Madness Volunteers De-Vine Another Section of Northpark

11/16/25 – Dozens of Kingwood volunteers – young and old – turned out yesterday for Round 4 of Median Madness. Armed with lopping shears, muscle, determination and smiles, they de-vined another section of Northpark Drive just east of West Lake Houston Parkway.

They cut, pulled and stacked mountains of vines that had been creeping out into traffic and reducing visibility. City of Houston Parks Dept. and HPD assisted the effort organized by City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s District E office.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

The work was exhausting, but fun. In a matter of hours, an ad hoc group of volunteers eliminated an eyesore and helped restore one of the worst sections on one of the major arteries in Kingwood. The pictures below tell the story.

*The registration team from City Council Member Fred Flickingers District E office.*

*City Council Member Fred Flickinger set the tone for the Vine-Wrestling Championship.*

In the end, the vines were no match for the volunteers…

…or the Houston Parks Department.

Many thanks to the sponsors: Chick-Fil-A, Trees for Kingwood and Houston Parks Department. Also to Council Member Fred Flickinger for organizing the event. And let’s not forget HPD who kept the volunteers safe from traffic as they worked.

Finally, thanks also to all the Greenbelt Guardians, who were well represented.

The Result

The volunteers proved once again that making a difference can be fun and rewarding.

I took the shot below this morning. A day after the event, no more vines or branches were intruding on the roadway! As one of the volunteers said, “I’m so proud of our team! Citizens 1. Ugly Vines 0.”

She can’t wait for the Median Madness Round 5. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” she said.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/16/25

3001 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Save the Date: Median Madness Round 4 Scheduled for November 15

11/6/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger has scheduled another round of Median Madness for November 15. The focus this time will be a stretch of Northpark near the Kroger at the intersection with West Lake Houston Parkway.

Median Madness events not only beautify Kingwood medians, they improve traffic safety by improving visibility and removing roadway incursions.

Carrying On a Tradition of Community Involvement

The Median Madness initiatives bring together volunteers of all ages, city departments, and community partners for clean-up and beautification efforts. The first three events have been resounding successes.

The November 15 event will make up for one last May that had to be rescheduled because of rain.

How to Sign Up

Flickinger invites residents to join in continuing these efforts to keep District E beautiful. Those interested in volunteering can contact the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to get involved.

Said Flickinger, “Your teamwork and commitment continue to make a tremendous impact on our community medians and the overall appearance of our city.”

Thank You to All Supporters

Flickinger also thanked the Houston Police Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Houston Toolbank, Council Member Julian Ramirez and generous sponsors for helping to make this upcoming event a success in the spirit of past events.

Sponsors for this event include Chick-Fil-A, Trees for Kingwood and Houston Parks and Recreation.

Read more about the community’s efforts and see photos from the last event here:

Median Madness Volunteers Made a Huge Difference Again.

And Don’t Forget…

Please bring water, gloves, and shears. And wear closed-toed shoes. All ages are welcome, but those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/6/25

2991 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Median Madness Volunteers Made a Huge Difference … Again

10/19/2025 – Yesterday, dozens of volunteers from across Kingwood joined together to make a huge difference in Median Madness Round 3. Young and old, male and female, Republicans and Democrats, they all worked side by side. For the good of their community, they attacked a stretch of Northpark Drive where vines and tree limbs had encroached on the roadway, reducing visibility and interfering with traffic.

An HPD officer described the problems. Drivers trying to cross Northpark had problems seeing oncoming traffic without pulling out into the road. Also, large trucks using the inside lane of Northpark next to the median would often swerve into the other lane to avoid overhanging limbs that would scratch their vehicles. The sudden swerves endangered traffic in the outside lane. But that’s no longer a problem. At least in this area near Woodland Hills Drive.

How Area Looks AFTER Clean Up Effort

Thanks to the volunteers and the help of the City workers who gave up their Saturday morning, visibility has radically improved. So have the aesthetics of Northpark Drive!

*“After” photo taken on Sunday 10/19/25. Note the broad cleared area next to traffic.* *Quite an improvement!*

Team That Made the Difference

*Approximately three dozen volunteers joined members of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and City Council Members Fred Flickinger and Julian Ramirez (far right) for the effort.*

After a brief orientation, they spread out along Northpark. Some trimmed back vegetation while the others piled up the limbs and vines for disposal. I don’t have the names of all those who participated. But we should all thank them for their efforts.

Team Goes Into Attack Mode

It was a miracle to watch as the pictures below show. Everyone did what needed doing. With a smile. After the orientation, they immediately assaulted the offending limbs and vines with a passion. (See pictures below.)

*Professionals from Houston Parks and Recreation handled work high in the trees with special equipment.*..

…*while the volunteers with lopping shears handled the rest.*

*People just did whatever needed doing.*

*Humble ISD* *board member Elizabeth Shaw (center with long dark hair)*

*No one consistently carried bigger loads than City Council Member Julian Ramirez (At-Large Position #1).*

*There is Ramirez again in the background, hefting another heavy load.*

*Addie Vincent came representing a group called the Greenbelt Guardians. They patrol Kingwood trails to pick up trash, report downed trees and keep trails clear.*

*Council Member Flickinger (center) with Greenbelt Guardians* *Addie Vincent (l) and Blaise Paw*lak (r).

It was gratifying to see the next generation of Kingwood residents taking as much pride as their parents did in keeping Kingwood beautiful.

*Debra Knebel of Hunters Ridge (l) and another happy volunteer.* *Knebel is also a board member of the Bear Branch Trail Association.*

*Houston Parks and Recreation Department employee Janet Curtis* *strikes a happy pose as her debris pile became taller than she is.*

About the Greenbelt Guardians

According to Knebel, the Greenbelt Guardians are students from Kingwood High School, who volunteer to work on greenbelt beautification projects. They clear greenbelts and pick up debris for the various community and trail associations in Kingwood.

The Greenbelt Guardians are available to meet with the community and trail associations to discuss volunteer opportunities.

The leaders of the organization are Broderick Rosello, Blaise Pawlak, and Addie Vincent at Kingwood High School.

Reach out to them if you have time to give. They have an Instagram account: @kw.greenbelt.guardians.

Special Thanks

Thanks to everyone who turned out for Round 3 of Median Madness. You made a huge difference! And you are an inspiration!

Special thanks to Council Member Fred Flickinger for sponsoring the event and to his Deputy Chief of Staff Demari Perez for helping to organize and promote it.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/19/25

2973 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Reminder: Join Median Madness Saturday 8:30 to 12 on Northpark

10/17/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger wants to remind the entire Kingwood Community about Median Madness Round 3.

The event will be held on Northpark from 8:30am to noon on Saturday, 10/18/25 between Forest Bluff and Bassingham. That’s just east of the commercial area around Northpark and Woodland Hills.

Parking

For parking, HPD will block off both the east and westbound lanes closest to the median. Kingwood Family Dentistry has kindly volunteered to let people use their parking lot as well. And a third option is next to the drainage ditch immediately east of the dentist.

Please remember to bring water and gloves. Also wear closed-toe shoes. All ages are welcome, but adults should accompany anyone under 16.

*Chick-fil-A has joined the list of sponsors. Please support them.*

Please register here for additional information: MEDIAN MADNESS SIGNUP. And don’t forget to pack a smile.

Media Madness volunteers — *Team Photo from Median Madness I* *in 2024* *along Kingwood Drive*

Weather

There’s a chance of rain tomorrow increasing from the single digits in the morning to double digits at noon. But don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm. Cloud cover can make working conditions more enjoyable.

Hope to see you there. Previous Median Madness events have brought together volunteers from across Kingwood. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie were inspiring.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/17/25

2971 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Median Madness Round 3 Coming October 18

10/9/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger has scheduled another Median Madness event for Saturday October 18 from 8:30 to noon along Northpark Drive between Forest Bluff and Bassingham Drives.

Join District E, Trees for Kingwood and Houston Parks for a community cleanup of the medians in Kingwood!

It will involve picking up trash and trimming underbrush along the curb line to enhance aesthetics and safety.

To ensure your safety, the inside lanes of Northpark Drive will be closed for parking and cleanup.

The work area stretches from slightly east of Woodland Hills Drive for two blocks. See below.

Sign Up Now

Please confirm your attendance by signing up now. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with a waiver and helpful tips to prepare for the event. Be sure to complete the waiver and bring a printed copy with you on the day of Median Madness, October 18th.

What to Bring, Wear

And please remember to bring water, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be available for use, but organizers encourage you to bring your own tools if possible. All ages are welcome, though those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Long-Range Weather Forecast Beautiful

Previous Median Madness events focused on Kingwood Drive. One scheduled last Spring for Northpark was cancelled because of weather. But the long-range forecast for the 18th indicates the weather should be sunny and seventy.

The Power of People Working Together to Improve Their Community

The first two Median Madness events drew huge crowds of volunteers from all over Kingwood who had had enough of unsightly vines encroaching on traffic and narrowing lanes. Their efforts can still be seen today.

Vine cleanup on Kingwood drive and the power of people working together — *Kingwood Drive Median Madness event in November 2024.*

Despite the hard work and sweat, you saw nothing but smiles as volunteers worked side by side and tore into the vines. So mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/9/25

2963 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Median Madness Event Rained Out, Will Be Rescheduled

5/2/25 – Because of heavy rains on Friday, City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Median Madness event on Saturday 5/3/25 has been cancelled and will be rescheduled. A new date is not yet available.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 5/2/25 at 10 PM

2802 Days since Hurricane Harvey

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