West U Fourth of July event canceled; non-essential services on hold starting July 3

The city of West University Place has canceled its Fourth of July celebration, citing safety and vendor concerns, and has also suspended nonessential services beginning July 3, the city announced.

Before the cancellation, West University Place had planned a bike, walk or run through Judson, Weir, Colonial and Huffington parks for July 4.

In addition, West University Place Parks & Recreation Department programs and classes will be canceled starting July 4, which includes all camps and aquatic, children and adult classes, according to the city’s webpage.

Meanwhile, the weight room and pool will remain open at West U’s Recreation Center, though max occupancy is 50%, residents need to make reservations through the city’s website, and the locker area will be closed.

Colonial Park Pool, meanwhile, will also remain open by reservation only, and the shower and locker room areas will remain closed. Max occupancy is 50%.

West U's service adjustment comes as Bellaire scaled back its own nonessential services beginning June 29.

As of July 1, West University Place has eight active COVID-19 cases, with 19 confirmed cases total since the pandemic came to Houston, including 11 recoveries, according to Harris County Public Health. No deaths have been reported. Bellaire, meanwhile, has 18 active cases out of 42 confirmed total since the pandemic reached Houston, with 24 recoveries and zero deaths.