Convenience Big Store: Woodlands opens $1.5M 'destination splashpad' at Bear Branch Park

How many people experience homelessness in The Woodlands? A new task force will find out.

How many people are experiencing homelessness in The Woodlands?

That's what a new township task force will look to find out. The township's board of directors recently approved a new homelessness task force to quantify the "landscape of homelessness" in the township, identify existing resources in the community, coordinate with law enforcement to reduce encampments in certain areas and promote better access to services for those experiencing homelessness, according to its charter.

Some homelessness advocates worry that the task force will focus more on "shooing" those experiencing homelessness away rather than providing resources. Board member Cindy Heiser, who proposed the initiative, said compassion is a priority and that they will cooperate with both law enforcement and local nonprofits to tackle the issue. Read the full story here.

No solutions have been thought out yet, Heiser said. Instead, the task force will start by quantifying the number of people experiencing homelessness specifically in The Woodlands.

What do you think about the task force? Let me know at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com.

Claire Partain, Suburban reporter producer

Claire.Partain@houstonchronicle.com

Growing Woodlands

Levi Palomino, 4, plays in the new Bear Branch Sprayground during the opening of the new feature at the park on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in The Woodlands. The $1.5 million, 4,000-square foot splashpad is up to five times the size of The Woodlands' six existing splashpads, Parks and Recreation Director John McGowan said, adding that it features 36 animal and nature themed water features for residents to cool off in the Texas heat. The water park will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, starting March 1, through Oct. 31.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Woodlands opens $1.5M 'destination splashpad,' at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park's new "destination sprayground" debuted in The Woodlands Thursday as facilities open for spring. It is also working on a new park playground.

This rendering shows the design of the new veterans' memorial in Shenandoah. The $2.4 million project is part of a larger project to create a park at the Vision Park Pond.

Photo by: City Of Shenandoah

New $2.4M park memorial to honor Shenandoah, Tamina veterans

A new $2.4 million veterans' memorial is taking shape in Shenandoah, with city council getting its first look at the design that pays homage to all branches of the military.

Need to Know

Bus riders depart The Woodlands Express at the park and ride location near Gosling Road, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2022, in The Woodlands.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Township moves forward on Woodlands Express fare increase

Fares on The Woodlands Express to Houston will increase for the first time since 2016 as the township looks to cut costs and adjust to COVID ridership dips.

Openings and Closings

The polls are open for this year's primary election day today! Check out our Voting FAQ here.

Shout out

This year's James Beard Award semifinalists include the chefs behind Old Town Spring's Belly of the Beast. Check out our guide to eating from Houston's nominated chefs here.