The Woodlands Township board votes Thursday, Oct. 22, on a $231,600 contract to study a new indoor sports and recreation facility near Bear Branch Park.
The three-phase feasibility study, proposed by Conroe-based Burditt Consultants, would examine whether and how to build the facility. The board set aside $600,000 for the research process during August budget workshops, according to Community Impact Newspaper, which first reported on the upcoming vote.
Two potential sites are on the table: the Bear Branch Sports Fields and the Bear Branch Park area next to the existing Woodlands Recreation Center, according to the task order proposal posted in agenda documents. Both sit on township-owned land between College Park High School and The Woodlands High School.
The money would be spent in three stages. Phase 1, at $92,000, covers a review of township plans and stakeholder needs. Phase 2, at $100,000, would produce up to three building scenarios varying in size and amenities. Phase 3, at $39,600, delivers an operational and revenue analysis for whichever option the board selects. An optional $18,000 add-on would fund 3D renderings.
The task order lists what the facility could include. Options range from indoor turf fields of roughly 50 to 100 yards to courts, fitness spaces, walking and jogging areas, spectator seating, concessions and multi-purpose rooms. Potential programming includes soccer, football, lacrosse, leagues, tournaments, camps and community events.
Township staff have already met with Conroe Independent School District (CISD) to explore whether the district's athletic programs at College Park High School and The Woodlands High School could use the facility, Community Impact reported. Board Chair Brad Bailey raised the concept during an Aug. 20 budget workshop.
"I just think [a multiplex sports facility] is going to get a lot more use and with [Chief Operating Officer] Chris [Nunes] and his team able to program an indoor, artificial field, soccer, football, lacrosse, band, as a partnership with CISD, I think [that] would be a moneymaker for this board, and we like revenue," Bailey said at the August meeting, according to Community Impact.
The task order states that public surveys, town halls and extensive public-engagement programs are not included in this phase of work. Stakeholder engagement would happen through focused staff and stakeholder meetings.
If the board approves the contract, a budget amendment would fund the work this fiscal year. The $231,600 comes from the township's parks needs assessment reserve, according to agenda materials.
The board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the township's website.
