Parks & Recreation

The Woodlands Township is unique in many ways, and it is never more evident than in its parks and recreation facilities and amenities. The Parks and Recreation department offers residents opportunities for recreation and socializing, with 100% of the community’s homes located within a 10-minute walk of a park, pathway and/or open space. Carefully designed and located in all villages throughout The Woodlands, the parks are connected by nearly 220+ miles of hike and bike pathways for non-motorized use, a number continuing to grow every day.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department Operates, Maintains and Programs:

  • 220 miles of hike and bike pathways
  • 220 miles of streetscapes
  • 4,445 acres of open space equating to 38.3 acres of open space per 1,000 residents (74% above the national average, National Recreation and Parks Association)
  • 151 community parks containing various amenities equating to one park per 788 residents (155% above the national average, National Recreation and Parks Association)
  • Texas TreeVentures
  • 95 playgrounds
  • 80 tennis courts
  • 19 dedicated pickleball courts
  • 70 lakes and ponds
  • 74 pavilions
  • 43 sportsfields
  • 37 basketball and volleyball courts
  • 14 community swimming pools
  • Eight spraygrounds
  • Two Boat Houses
  • Two Recreation Centers offering numerous programs annually
  • More than 60 annual special events

We invite you to explore everything that The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation department has to offer!

Parks & Pathways

With over 150 parks and more than 220 miles of pathways, The Woodlands offers abundant green spaces and trails for relaxation, play, and exploration throughout the community.

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Recreation Programs

The Woodlands Township provides a wide range of recreation programs for all ages—from youth camps and fitness classes to enrichment workshops and adult sports leagues.

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Pools & Aquatics

Cool off and make a splash at one of the Township’s 14 pools, including the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, with seasonal swim programs, and family-friendly amenities.

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Special Events

Celebrate all year long with Township-hosted events, including festivals, races, concerts, and holiday gatherings that bring the community together.

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Attractions

Discover unique local attractions like Riva Row Boat House, Texas TreeVentures, The Ice Rink, and Town Center—offering adventure, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences.

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Plans & Projects

Learn how the Township plans, develops, and maintains community assets through award-winning initiatives that support long-term growth, safety, and sustainability.

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Forest Management

Preserving the natural beauty of The Woodlands is a priority. The Township’s forestry efforts focus on tree health, invasive species control, and environmental stewardship.

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Streetscapes

The Streetscapes Division enhances the visual appeal of The Woodlands by maintaining landscaped roadways, cul-de-sacs, and public right-of-way easements throughout the community.

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FAQ

Have questions? Our FAQ section offers quick answers to commonly asked topics about parks, recreation, facilities, policies, and more.

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Department Director

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John McGowan

John McGowan serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation for The Woodlands Township, overseeing more than 150 parks, 220 miles of pathways, and a wide range of recreational programs and amenities. With a strong background in public parks management, John leads efforts to maintain and enhance community spaces, ensuring high-quality services for residents and visitors.

The Woodlands Township has long recognized the benefits of parks and recreation and facilitates the provisions of its services through three pillars of service (equity, conservation and health and wellness). Examples include the following:

  • The Department has provided $60,000 in program scholarships since 2015, ensuring access for residents regardless of financial status.
  • Through assisting with the Veggie Village program, 4,000 pounds of fresh organic produce is harvested in the community gardens, donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry and distributed annually to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
  • The Department facilitates fitness and wellness through a myriad of facilities and programs which assist in combating sedentary lifestyles, including fitness memberships, Township Signature Race Series, Walk-to-School program, Bike The Woodlands Month and more. The success of these efforts is demonstrated by only 5.5% of residents having diabetes and 2.8% having Coronary Heart Disease (below the state average of 14% and 4% respectively, Montgomery County Community Health Assessment).
  • Access to well-maintained facilities has correlated to a positive impact on home values, as recent surveys have indicated residents attribute 16% of their home’s values to parks and recreation services.
  • Annual support and sponsorship of numerous sports events in the parks generates approximately $20+ million of economic impact including Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas, The Woodlands Marathon and soccer, lacrosse, rugby and flag football tournaments.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department has won numerous accolades by leading organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association, Texas Recreation and Park Society, Texas Public Pool Council, Aquatics International and the Association of Aquatic Professionals. Awards include:

  • National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Grand Plaque Winner(PDF, 816KB) (2019) and Innovation in Conservation Award (2020);
  • Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) – Gold Medal (2002, 2008, 2012, 2019);
  • Aquatics International – Best of Aquatics (2007, 2010, 2013, 2020);
  • SWNRPA Outstanding Park/Facility Design Award Class II;
  • National Aquatic Council Award of Excellence (2007); and
  • TPPC “Agency of the Year Award” (2007, 2013).

 

Contact Us

The Woodlands Township
Town Hall

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.  

The Woodlands, TX 77381

 

Call 281-210-3800

 

John McGowan, CPRE, CPSI

Director of Parks & Recreation

 

Mitch Hall, CPRP, CPSI

Assistant Director Parks and Recreation

 

Pamela Woods, CPRP, AFO

Assistant Director Parks and Recreation

 

Cynthia Roberts, CPRP, AFO

Aquatics Superintendent

Email Aquatics

 

Lauren Miller, CPRP

Recreation Superintendent

Email Recreation

 

Jenni Hendrix, CPRP

Special Events Manager

Email Special Events

 

Michelle Betcher, CPRP, CPSI

Project Manager

 

Jared Davis, CPRP, CPSI

Parks Superintendent

 

Mark Honore, CPRP, CPSI

Streetscape Superintendent

 

Trohn Trabona, CPRP

Town Center Superintendent


 

General inquiries are handled during normal business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Connect With Us

Follow The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation on social media for important notices, details on upcoming events and everything you need to know about the hundreds of programs the Township coordinates for residents.

 

Parks and Recreation

Texas TreeVentures

Riva Row Boat House

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