Fishing at the Kemah Crossing community pond has always been one of the most meaningful and community‑building activities in our neighborhood. Families have taught their children how to cast a line, neighbors have bonded over quiet mornings by the water, and residents of all ages have enjoyed a peaceful, healthy outdoor hobby. The sign at our entrance even proudly invites us to “Enjoy the Pond and Trails.”

But recently, fishing activities at the pond were suddenly banned by MMD1, without any notice, resident input, or opportunity for discussion. This decision was made behind closed doors, despite the fact that residents pay dues to maintain these shared amenities and have used them safely and responsibly.

This petition is about more than fishing. It’s about fairness, transparency, and preserving the activities that make Kemah Crossing a strong, connected community.

 
Fishing Is One of the Safest Activities at the Pond

Residents were told the ban was due to liability concerns. But the facts simply do not support that explanation.

Widely accepted liability assessments rank common neighborhood activities from highest to lowest risk based on injury severity and potential legal exposure. The order is consistent across multiple sources:

1. Swimming pools (highest risk)
2. Electric scooters and bikes
3. Traditional biking
4. Firepits
5. Running
6. Fishing from the bank (lowest risk)

Fishing is at the bottom of the list. Minor hook‑related injuries can occur, but they are far less severe — and far less legally risky — than injuries associated with pools, bikes, scooters, or firepits. Many states, including Texas, also have strong recreational‑use protections that limit landowner liability for nature‑based activities.

Meanwhile, higher‑risk amenities like the pool, firepits, and bike paths remain open without restriction. If liability were truly the concern, fishing would be the last activity to be banned — not the first.

 
Fishing Has Never Been a Problem — It Has Only Helped Our Community

The pond has always been a clean, well‑maintained space. When occasional litter appears, responsible residents — including those who fish — pick it up. Fishing has not caused damage, safety issues, or complaints.

Instead, it has brought meaningful benefits to Kemah Crossing:

• Encourages kids and teens to spend time outdoors instead of on screens
• Strengthens family bonds through shared experiences
• Builds community by bringing neighbors together in a peaceful setting
• Supports mental well‑being, offering stress relief and quiet time in nature
• Promotes environmental stewardship, as anglers often help maintain the pond area
• Enhances property values, since outdoor recreation is a major selling point
• Provides an inclusive, low‑cost hobby for residents of all ages and abilities

Removing fishing takes away one of the few wholesome, accessible activities that benefits everyone in the neighborhood.

 
The Real Issue: Lack of Transparency

What concerns residents most is not just the ban itself, but how it was implemented.

A major change to a shared community space was made:

• without notifying residents
• without asking for input
• without a vote
• without presenting evidence
• without transparency

This is not how decisions that affect daily life in our neighborhood should be made. Residents deserve to be included in discussions about the amenities they pay for and use every day.

 
What We’re Asking For

We, the residents of Kemah Crossing, respectfully request that:

• Fishing be reinstated for residents, with reasonable guidelines if needed
• MMD1 and the HOA commit to transparent decision‑making for all shared amenities
• Residents be included in future discussions that impact our community spaces

Fishing has always been a safe, positive, community‑building activity. There is no compelling reason for it to be banned, and every reason for it to be restored.

 
Why Your Signature Matters

Your signature shows that residents care about:

• fairness
• transparency
• responsible use of shared spaces
• preserving the activities that make Kemah Crossing a great place to live

By signing, you’re helping ensure that decisions about our neighborhood are made with the community — not without it.

Please sign to help reinstate fishing at the Kemah Crossing community pond and restore a valued part of our neighborhood.