As I write on this absolutely glorious day in May 2025, I am reminded of why our City Council, Parks Board, Patrons for Bellaire Parks, the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, the Environmental Sustainability Board, the Nature Discovery Center, the Culture and Arts Board, and our new We Are Evergreen Committee, as well as the many volunteers and supporters, put so much time into improving the quality of life in our City. No doubt, glorious days like today showcase the real benefits of being outdoors and why we make such efforts.
Was it a harbinger of things to come or just a coinkidink (not a real word, but you understand)? But, while outdoors, I saw a mourning dove yesterday for the first time in a while, as well as a bright red cardinal, both in my backyard. So, I wondered, maybe we are on the right track with all our efforts? My point is that we are working hard in this town to make living here not only safe but enjoyable to be out and about. It will be hot soon, but everything has its time, e.g., the effort to redevelop Evergreen Pool to address our summer heat, the planting of more trees to create more shade and rejuvenate our tree canopy. Heck, we piloted a food waste program this spring that recycles food waste, which also saves the City money by reducing the weight of the material we dump in the landfill.
At the same time, while the State of Texas has reprised the Don’t Mess with Texas campaign, I continue to trumpet our Don’t Mess with Bellaire campaign by encouraging everyone to pick up the trash that you see when you’re out. Take a plastic bag with you on your walk and a glove, if you need, and pick up some trash. Of course, you didn’t put it there, but it’s our town, and if we don’t care, who will? Look up the Broken Windows theory, and you will understand. I could segway to the lawn guys who create most of the litter as it flies out of their trailers or those that blow their leaves and grass clippings in our sewers but won’t today. We’ll get to that soon enough. Where I am going with my quality of life theme is our discussion of what to do with the WWTP. For the haters of acronyms, me being at the top of the list, it means Wastewater Treatment Plant.