Park

Visitors to Figure Four Lake may not know that the lake is operated by Fort Bend Municipal Utility District No. 118 (MUD 118). While the lake serves as a detention/retention area to help manage storm water and prevent flooding, it is also utilized as an amenity for the community providing natural areas, manicured green spaces, walking trails, and numerous fishing opportunities.

In the first quarter of 2021, MUD 118 completed a survey of the lake habitat and is now implementing a fish stocking program to improve the overall quality of fishing in Figure Four Lake.  To conduct the survey, fish were collected from the lake and evaluated. After recording observations about the fish including the size, weight, and species, each fish was returned safely to the lake. The observations recorded were then utilized to evaluate the health and population density of the various fish species found in Figure Four Lake.

The quantity and species of fish to be released for the planned stocking was determined by the findings of the survey and is expected to help balance the habitat and ensure a healthy and stable population of fish. The stocking is scheduled to take place in March of 2021. MUD 118 plans to continue to monitor and improve the natural habitat and fishery of Figure Four Lake to maintain a heathy and productive amenity for years to come.

Fisheries Survey (PDF)

Residents of Fort Bend County MUD No. 118 may have noticed that the recent freezing weather has caused some non-native fish species to die. The species impacted most were primarily Plecostomus and Tilapia. Both species are non-native tropical fish which have a significantly lower tolerance of prolonged exposure to low water temperatures compared to native species of fish. As water temperatures drop, their metabolism slows, and immune system becomes weakened. Once this happens, the chances of these fish expiring increases significantly. Even as air temperatures rise into the 70s, water temperatures can remain in the 50s. This prolongs the stresses of cold temperatures on the fishery resulting in fish succumbing to the elements several days after the freezing weather has ended. This is referred to as delayed mortality. Because of this delay, observers are often confused by the timing of the deceased fish’s appearance at the surface.

To alleviate this nuisance, the District is working to remove as many deceased fish from the lake as possible, but unfortunately not all fish will surface at the same time and park goers will continue to see deceased fish in the lake and along the lake shore until all fish of susceptible species have surfaced.

Fort Bend County MUD No. 118 is continuing to monitor developments related to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. In accordance with state and local reopening guidance, the splash pad and playgrounds will reopen on Wednesday, July 01, 2020. However, please be advised that park and playground equipment is not disinfected; use is at your own risk.  Further, the District encourages all residents to continue to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and all local public health officials for the most up-to-date information.

Park Use Guidelines

The District appreciates your cooperation in exercising good hygiene and best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce ways the virus is transmitted. Visitors to District parks should adhere to the following guidelines.

• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks – wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use parks or trails and facilities if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
• Individuals should maintain 6 feet of separation from others outside the individual’s group and from homeowner fences. A group is defined as no more than 10 persons including the members of the household and those persons who traveled together to the park.
• All District playground and splash pad equipment, picnic tables and other commonly touched surfaces are open but not disinfected; use is at your own risk.
• Warn other park users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance, and step off trails and sidewalks to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
• Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
• Consistent with the actions taken by many individuals across the state, consider wearing cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) when within 6 feet of another person who is not a member of the individual’s group.

Fort Bend MUD #118 is actively monitoring developments around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it is and may impact District parks. The District is asking residents to adhere to all guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local public health officials for the most up-to-date information. To maximize the safety and health of all Fort Bend MUD #118 residents, visitors to District parks should adhere to the following guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails – wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use parks or trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
• Avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more.
• Residents should avoid utilizing playground equipment, picnic tables and other commonly touched surfaces.
• Observe at all times the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
• Warn other park and trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance, and step off trails and sidewalks to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
• Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.

While District Parks remain open, we ask that all residents visiting these public spaces to exercise good hygiene and best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce ways the virus is transmitted.

Useful Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Fort Bend County Health and Human Services
• Office of the Texas Governor