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Accolades
Awards Received by The Woodlands Township
The Woodlands Township lifeguards brought five teams to compete in the Gulf Coast Guard Games competition held in Jersey Village this past Monday, July 17, 2023, and the teams ended the competition with first, second, third, sixth and seventh place finishes. The events tested skills in First Aid/CPR, Water Surveillance and Rescue, and Spinal Management. This marks the fourth time since 2019 that The Woodlands Township has taken the top spot in the Gulf Coast Guard Games. Read the press release.
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement non-profit organization, designated The Woodlands Township as a Gold Star Affiliate in recognition of its efforts to maintain and improve the environment. Gold Star recognition is the highest status membership recognition any community affiliate can achieve. Under the auspices of Keep The Woodlands Beautiful, directed by the Township Environmental Services department, programs have been implemented to clean up litter, reduce and recycle waste, educate residents, and beautify and enhance The Woodlands. These programs drew more than 1,800 volunteer participants in 2022. Volunteers spent more than 6,000 hours working to keep local waterways, neighborhood pathways, and parks and green spaces healthy, promoting the Township’s vision to live in harmony with nature. Read the press release.
The Woodlands has been named #1 by Niche.com as the Best City in the United States to buy a house, according to its newly released survey of 2023 Best Cities to Buy a House – Niche.
- The Woodlands placed a solid #3 ranking by Niche.com as Best City to Live in the United States this year and has been in the Top 5 over the past several years.
- The Woodlands is defined as a township but considered a “city” since it has a population of 115,716 (greater than 100,000), according to the Niche.com rankings.
- The Woodlands earned an A+ grade for its public schools, job opportunities and family-friendly environment. Montgomery County ranked second on Niche.com’s list to raise a family and third on the best to live. Read the press release.
Visit The Woodlands received a Gold and Platinum AVA Award, as well as two honorable mentions, in the 16th Annual AVA Digital Awards Competition. This international competition honors excellence in digital creativity, branding, and strategy, recognizing creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communications. Read the press release.
The Woodlands Township was named Best City to Live in America by Niche.com for the second year in a row. The Woodlands is also ranked in the top 10 by Niche.com in 2022 for the following:
- Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)
- Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)
- Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)
- Best Cities to Retire in America (#6 of 228). Read the press release.
Every 2 years, The Woodlands Township contracts an independent survey company to survey residents about how they feel about Township programs and services. The surveyor noted that the Township’s results were some of the highest, if not the highest, their research department had ever seen in 37 years of work. The 2022 Resident Survey showed the following:
- Residents ranked Township communications, including The Woodlands Community Magazine, the Township website and Township Facebook page as the number one source to stay informed about the Township, higher than any other local publications, social and digital platforms.
- The Township received its highest customer service rankings ever.
- Increases in high resident satisfaction in nearly every category.
- Most services rated 96% or higher.
The Woodlands Township has received the prestigious 2022 Outstanding Public Education and Outreach Award by Keep Texas Beautiful for The Township’s Recycle Right program. The Beautify Texas Awards recognize the best efforts of working to enhance their community and protect the Lone Star State. The Recycle Right program is led by Township Environmental Services with the goal of keeping the recycling stream clear of contaminants. The program, launched in 2020, has reduced contamination of curbside recyclables by 30 percent (24.5 percent in 2019 to 17.2 percent in 2021). Recycle Right provides simple, straight-forward guidelines for residents of The Woodlands, clarifying what belongs in curbside recycle carts and, more importantly, what does not. Read the press release.
The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division was named Agency of the Year (Class 1, Population of 75,000+) by the Texas Public Pool Council. The Agency of the Year designation recognizes exceptional efforts in providing aquatics facilities, programs and services to The Woodlands Township. Read the press release.
Texas TreeVentures was awarded “Innovative Program of the Year” from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region. Texas TreeVentures is a challenge by choice aerial adventure course located in The Woodlands, Texas on the campus of the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. The course is directly adjacent to the expansive 1,800 acres of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, which is home to abundant wildlife, several miles of wooded trails, and Spring Creek. Visit Texas TreeVentures.
The Woodlands is selected as one of ‘The Best Suburban Neighborhoods You Should Totally Move To’ by Thrillist.com. Read the article.
The Woodlands Township earned second place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2022 National Night Out Campaign. The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies. For more than 30 years, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has provided award-winning crime prevention programming to all neighborhoods in The Woodlands.
The Woodlands Township was recognized with the 2022 Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Award for Outstanding Community Forestry Program. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, or municipalities that promoted community forestry through a program that significantly engages, educates or enhances the community.
The Woodlands Township earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
- The Woodlands Fire Department is officially classified as Public Protection Class 1 (ISO 1), the highest classification possible, according to the Insurance Services Office, and one of very few in the nation to achieve this level of certification. The Woodlands Fire Department is committed to providing superior emergency service and life safety education to the community, utilizing a highly-skilled, professional workforce demonstrating care for our citizens and each other.
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The Woodlands Township was named Best City to Live in America by Niche.com.
The Woodlands also ranked in the top 10 for the following categories:
- Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)
- Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)
- Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)
- Best Cities to Retire in America (#7 of 228).
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The Woodlands Township achieved the highest bond rating in the State of Texas for an unincorporated community and second highest rating possible within Standard & Poor’s criteria. The announcement from Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings puts the Township in an elite group for its outstanding financial management. Only 53 of 1,216, or 4%, of cities/towns in Texas hold an AA+ rating. Read the press release.
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The Woodlands Township earned First Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2021 National Night Out Campaign. Since 1991, The Woodlands Township and predecessors has garnered the #1 ranking in nine different years. The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Neighborhood Services program, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies. Read the press release.
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Riva Row Boat House was awarded "Innovative Program of the Year" from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region. Riva Row Boat House is centrally located within walking distance from Town Green Park, Market Street, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Rental options include single and tandem kayaks, single and tandem pedal kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, elliptical stand-up paddle boards, water bikes, and swan boats. Visit Riva Row Boat House.
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The Woodlands Township lifeguards concluded another successful lifeguard competition season with a first-place overall finish at the Gulf Coast Guard Games. The Woodlands Township brought five teams that competed in events testing their skills in CPR/First Aid, Water Surveillance and Rescue, and Spinal Management. All five teams placed in the top three of every event and one team won first place overall in the competition. Read the press release.
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Visit The Woodlands won multiple awards at the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau Idea Fair Awards.
2. First Place for Convention Promotion
3. First Place Video for promotion of destination
Media Accolades
50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure, May 27, 2021
9 Suburbs Near Houston You Should Absolutely Visit
Thrillist.com, March 23, 2021
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The Woodlands Township Community Relations Department was selected as a 2020 dotCOMM Gold Award Winner for the Township Together Brand Awareness Campaign.
The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch earned Third Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000, from The National Association of Town Watch, for their 2020 National Night Out Campaign. Read the press release.
- The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation won the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Innovative Program of the Year Award relating to Recreation Facility Design for Texas TreeVentures. Read more from TRAPS.
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The Woodlands Township received the 2019 National Gold Medal Award Grand Plaque for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), awarded this honor to The Woodlands Township live during the Opening General Session at the Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Read the press release.
- The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department was selected as the award recipient for the 2019 Texas Gold Medal Award, Class II. The Gold Medal Award is presented by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) to one agency in the state in each population category who stood out above all others to exemplify commitment and dedication in the field of recreation and parks. Read more from TRAPS.
- The Township’s Parks and Recreation Department was also selected by TRAPS as the award recipient for the 2019 Promotions and Marketing Excellence Award, Class II. This award is in recognition of the department’s high- quality marketing program for the aquatics programs and services.
- The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department was selected as the award recipient for the 2019 Texas Gold Medal Award, Class II. The Gold Medal Award is presented by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) to one agency in the state in each population category who stood out above all others to exemplify commitment and dedication in the field of recreation and parks. Read more from TRAPS.
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The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed first in the nation in the Category 2 population category (100,000-300,000) for its 2019 National Night Out programming. Read the press release.
- The National Association of Town Watch announced that the State of Texas placed first in nation, in the state category, with The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch contributing to the effort.
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The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals honored The Woodlands Township Facebook Page with a MarCom Gold Award in its international award competition.
- The Woodlands Township received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ended December 31, 2016 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Township’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
- The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department received the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Arts and Humanities Award and Lone Star Programming Award.
- Niche.com ranked The Woodlands as the #1 place to live in Montgomery County and the #2 place to raise a family in America.
- The Woodlands Township named the number one spot to live for the rest of your life, according to the website GoodCall.com
- The Woodlands Township Aquatics Program earned the distinction of being named to Aquatics International Magazine's Best of 2017 list. The magazine recognized the Township’s innovative approach to addressing lifeguard staffing. Read the article
- Lone Star Programming Award from Texas Recreation and Parks Society (East Region) for Rock the Rock live concert series.
- Innovations in Parks and Design Award from Texas Recreation and Parks Society (East Region) for the Waterway Arts Bench Program.
- The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed first in the state of Texas for its 2016 National Night Out programming.
- The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed second in the nation in the Category 2 population category (100,000-300,000) for its 2016 National Night Out programming.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
A bronze Telly Award for “Welcome to The Woodlands Township” online video.
Award of Merit from the Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) for “Welcome to The Woodlands Township” online video.
A Gold SIAA award for the August 2014 edition of the Action Guide.
The Communicator Award of Distinction (silver statuette) for the August 2014 edition of The Woodlands Community Magazine, featuring the Action Guide.
National Landscape Award of Excellence for Rob Fleming Park from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
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The Woodlands Fire Department earned the prestigious ISO rating of 1 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), Inc.’s Public Protection Department.
The Communicator Award of Distinction was awarded to The Woodlands Community Magazine from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.
The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners (ISCPP) recognized The Woodlands Watch as the Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year (category 1: over 100,000 population).
The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed fourth in the nation it its new population category (100,000-299,000) for National Night Out.
The Association of Aquatic Professionals recognized The Woodlands Township with the Special Event of the Year award for its 2013 Splash Day Event.
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The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the LEED Gold certification to The Woodlands Township Town Hall building.
The Association of Marketing and Communication Processionals honored The Woodlands Community Magazine with a MarCom Gold Award in its international award competition. (October 2013 issue - Magazine/Special Edition category).
Fire Chief Magazine awarded the grand prize (Gold Award) to The Woodlands Fire Department in the Career Fire Station Design category, for the construction of the Central Fire Station.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to The Woodlands Township.
The Texas Turfgrass Association presented The Woodlands Township with the admired Soccer Field of the Year award for Bear Branch Sports Field 7.
The Texas Public Pool council honored The Woodlands Township with the Agency of the Year award for its the dedication and commitment to the aquatics division.
The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners (ISCPP) recognized The Woodlands Watch as the Community Based Crime Prevention Program of the Year (category 1: over 100,000 population).
The National Association of Town Watch announced that The Woodlands Township placed ninth in the nation it its new population category (100,000-299,000) for National Night Out.
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