Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | April 2024

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Lake Houston Humble

Kingwood Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12 APRIL 23MAY 21, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Riding the wave

Entertainment businesses boom in Lake Houston area

Anticipated to open in Generation Park in 2025, HTX Surf—a 6-acre simulated surng lagoon—is one of several entertainment options coming soon to the Lake Houston area.

RENDERING COURTESY MCCORD DEVELOPMENT

standpoint, they add employment opportunities plus sales tax and ad valorem tax revenue that directly benet the area,” Linabury said. “Having these options close to home and work is a big plus when making decisions of where to live and do business. It also creates destination locations—I know it has for us in East Montgomery County.”

believes the recent inux of entertainment-related businesses is a natural next step, following the area’s recent residential and commercial growth. According to American Community Survey ve- year estimates, the Lake Houston area’s population grew by roughly 68%, or nearly 78,500 residents, between 2017 and 2022. “Entertainment-related businesses are becom- ing more popular here, and from an economic

BY HANNAH BROL & WESLEY GARDNER

Water parks, batting cages, arcades and tram- poline parks are among the many entertainment options that have opened in the Lake Houston area since 2019, with more—including simulated surng attraction HTX Surf—on the way. Mark Linabury, president and CEO of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber, said he

CONTINUED ON 19

Also in this issue

Impacts: Flying Biscuit Cafe opens in Kingwood (Page 6)

Government: Kingwood Diversion Ditch project under design (Page 9)

Election: Humble City Council candidate Q&As (Page 12)

Business: Wet Nose Lodge & Spa oers real-life training (Page 22)

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

1485

1314

Impacts

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

494

3 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The dessert shop offers more than 40 Italian ice flavors and soft-serve ice cream. • Opened April 16 • 4920 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.jeremiahsice.com

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

FORD RD.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

N O R T H P A R

Coming soon

RUSSELL PALMER RD.

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

4 Cordovan Art School This art school will offer art classes, paint-your-own pottery, summer camps, art workshops and parties. • Opening May 15 • 18455 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita • www.cordovanartschool.com 5 Dirty Dough Cookies Owned by Shawn Finch, the cookie store will offer layered and filled 4-ounce cookies. • Opening in May • 4562 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.dirtydoughcookies.com 6 The Residences at Kingwood Construction is nearing completion on this High Street Residential development that comprises 240 apartments, 49 townhomes and a slate of amenities. • Opening this spring

Kingwood

TOWNSEN BLVD.

LAKE HOUSTON

UPPER LAKE DR.

1960

KINGS GLEN DR.

1960 BYPASS RD.

HOUSTON AVE.

F I RST ST.

1960

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

TIMBER FOREST DR.

Humble

ISAACKS RD.

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

Atascocita

GREENS RD.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

• 6519 Kings Glen Drive, Humble • www.residencesatkingwood.com

ALDINE BENDER RD.

ASSAY ST.

7 Reserve at West Lake Construction is also underway on the second phase of the High Street Residential development, which will offer 109 townhomes and 72 apartments. • Opening summer 2025

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Abbott’s Frozen Custard The store sells frozen custard, milkshakes, flurries and floats as well as pints and novelty items, such as frozen bananas. • Opened April 4 • 17630 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita • www.abbottscustard.com

Now open

• 6518 Kings Glen Drive, Humble • www.highstreetresidential.com

1 H-E-B Madera Run The new 117,000-square-foot grocery store features a fuel station and a pharmacy with a drive-thru, and offers home delivery and curbside pickup. • Opened March 6 • 16000 Woodland Hills Drive, Humble • www.heb.com

In the news

8 Redemption Square Renovations on the lawn began April 1 and are expected

Expect more from your bank. Personalized service at your disposal whenever you want.

1213 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, Texas 77339 Tel (281) 359-6468 themint.bank Let’s Connect!

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

to wrap up by May 1. In the meantime, several recurring events—including Zumba on the Lawn, Beginner Boot Camp and Bingo on the Lawn—have temporarily been canceled; Run Club will continue as scheduled. • 250 Assay St., Houston • www.redemptionsquare.com 9 Deer Springs Apartments Originally built in 1984, this 128-unit 55-plus senior living community was sold in February from Alphil Investments to Myan Management Group. • 98 Isaacks Road, Humble • www.myanmanagement.com/property/35 10 Dunkin’ Construction on a new Dunkin’ in Humble is projected to wrap up in November, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. The restaurant serves a variety of coffee drinks, doughnuts and food items. • 8300 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble • www.dunkindonuts.com 11 Family Promise of Lake Houston Based in Humble, this nonprofit celebrated its 15th anniversary in March. The organization serves low- income families that become homeless due to an unfortunate circumstance by providing daily support and education programs. • 1590 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble • www.fplh.org 12 Northpark Animal Hospital Renovations to expand the veterinarian office’s lobby and exam rooms began March 18. Officials said the renovations aim to provide a more modern, comfortable and convenient experience for pets and pet owners. • 3022 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.northparkvet.com 13 The Nathaniel Center Renovations on the performing arts venue in Kingwood were completed Jan. 12. Officials noted the renovations included interior and exterior painting; the installation of new tile in the entry lobby, hallway and auditorium; a refinishing of the hardwood dance floors; and remodeled serving kitchen and bathrooms.

• 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • https://thenathanielcenter.com

Now open

14 Chick-fil-A Deerbrook Mall officials announced Jackie Echard took over as owner of the Chick-fil-A in the food court on April 1. The fast-food chain is known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. • 20131 Hwy. 59, Ste. 2106, Humble • www.chick-fil-a.com 15 LashKind Construction on a new Kingwood location is projected to begin in May and wrap up in August, according to a TDLR filing. The business will offer hair removal, brow shaping and tinting, and lash extensions and lifts. • 4625 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 600, Kingwood • www.wearelashkind.com

16 Flying Biscuit Cafe Officials celebrated an April 1 grand opening for the franchise’s new Kingwood location. The Atlanta- based eatery has more than 30 locations across six states and offers a southern-inspired menu of comfort food with breakfast, lunch and brunch options. • Opened April 1 • 4329 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.flyingbiscuit.com

Worth the trip

El Rey De Las Tortas Located in The Food Zone, this food truck offers a variety of Mexican dishes, including tortas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and gorditas. • Opened Feb. 15 • 23242 FM 1314, Porter • www.thefoodzonehtx.com Foodholic HTX Located at The Watering Hole in Dunn Right RV Park, this food truck offers a fusion of Mexican, Asian and Cajun dishes. • Opening March 30 • 23325 Owens Road, Ste. 101, Porter • Facebook: Foodholic HTX LLC Hotworx Located in Valley Ranch Town Center, this studio offers virtually instructed exercise programs conducted inside infrared heat saunas. • Opened Jan. 13 • 21383 Valley Ranch Blvd., Ste. 400, New Caney • www.hotworx.net

Popshelf Now open in Valley Ranch Town Center, this Dollar General subsidiary sells a variety of items at discounted prices, including home decor, beauty items and toys. • Opened March 1 • 21336 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.popshelf.com J&R’s Ace Hardware Owned and managed by Jeff Peterson, this local hardware store celebrated its fifth anniversary on March 23. J&R’s Ace Hardware offers a variety of services, including paint color matching, sharpening services, key cutting and U-Haul rental, among others.

• 23678 FM 1314, Porter • www.acehardware.com

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Government

BY HANNAH BROL

Flood Control recommends $54.5M project for Kingwood Diversion Ditch

Funding the project

While the construction cost of Project Alternative 3 is $54.5 million—$3 million more than Project Alternative 1—HCFCD ocials said it was selected as the recom- mended option as the maintenance cost is nearly 36% less than that of Project Alterna- tive 1. Project Alternative 2 was deemed the least viable option as it had the least benet to structures compared to Project Alterna- tives 1 and 3. HCFCD ocials said the project’s design is being funded with a $1.9 million alloca- tion from the 2018 HCFCD bond program, as well as a $1.6 million grant from community-directed federal funding through the Environmental Protection Agency. The grant requires a $500,000 local cost share and must be used for design only. Ocials noted there is no funding allocated for construction of the project, and funding options will be identied after costs are rened and nalized during the design stage.

of the channel and 150-195 feet at the top of the channel • Incorporating design features intended to mimic natural channel conditions in certain sections with shallower sections that reduce the stormwater speed in the channel • Adding a new outfall, or discharge point, of the Kingwood Diversion Ditch to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River According to the HCFCD, Project Alternative 3 would remove approximately 69 structures and 223 acres from the 100-year ood plain. The proposed project is also expected to expand the area’s natural habitat for wildlife, improve erosion resistance and improve ltration of solids in the water due to the natural stable channel design features.

The Harris County Flood Control District hosted a virtual community engagement meeting for the Kingwood Diversion Ditch Flood Risk Reduction Project on March 6. In the preliminary engineering stage, the Kingwood Diversion Ditch project aims to reduce the risk of structural ooding associated with the Bens Branch Channel. While the project team is evaluating three project alternatives, HCFCD ocials said Project Alternative 3 is the recommended option and would entail: • Replacing the Kingwood Drive, Walnut Lane and Deer Ridge Estates Boulevard bridges as well as the Greenbelt Trails pedestrian bridge • Widening the Kingwood Diversion Ditch to a proposed width of 10-80 feet at the bottom

Kingwood Diversion Ditch Flood Risk Reduction Project

Project area

What’s next

Kingwood Diversion Ditch

HCFCD-maintained drainage ditches

“Flood mitigation projects are a high priority in Precinct 3. That’s why ood risk reduction

Drop structure

LAKE VILLAGE DR.

projects like these are important and must be seen to completion.” TOM RAMSEY, PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER

The drop structure will create a new outfall, or discharge point, of the Kingwood Diversion Ditch to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River

494

WALNUTLN.

HCFCD ocials said once community input has been received, the nal preliminary engineering report will be transmitted to the Harris County Commissioners Court for approval. If approved, the project will move into the nal design phase, and an additional community engagement meeting will be held. Once funding is secured for construction, construction can begin on the project. For more information about the project, call 346-286-4000 or visit hcfcd.org.

DEER RIDGE ESTATES BLVD.

1 Kingwood Drive bridge 2 Greenbelt Trails pedestrian bridge 3 Walnut Lane bridge 4 Deer Ridge Estates Boulevard bridge Bridge replacements

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Harris County jails remain understaffed Harris County officials described in late March how the county is struggling to manage its over- crowded jails. Factors discussed at a March 25 media meet- ing and March 26 meeting of the Harris County Commissioners Court include inadequate staffing, specialty inmate populations which require a higher level of supervision than the general popula- tion and the challenges faced with staffing a facility that operates 24/7. Digging deeper Tonya Mills with the county administration department said 73% of people in custody are in a preadjudication status, or pretrial status, which she said was an exceptionally high number. Mills said those waiting longer for trial or to be seen by a judge have a negative impact on the overall jail population.

Child care centers eligible for tax aid

2023 Harris County jails detention officer staffing rates

Filled positions

Vacant positions

JAN. FEB. MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

155 165 153 165 202 210 209 209 241 240 241 168

1,588 1,578 1,586 1,574 1,537 1,529 1,530 1,530 1,588 1,498 1,499 1,514

An estimated 327 Harris County child care providers now qualify for 100% property tax exemption after Harris County commission- ers authorized the exemptions at a March 26

court meeting. The framework

JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

Just six days prior to the county approval, members of the Houston City Council also passed a similar tax exemption, paving the way for child care facilities in both the city of Houston and Harris County to apply immediately for the exemption. For the exemptions to apply to the 2024 tax year, eligible child care facilities should submit their applications by April 30 to the Harris Central Appraisal District.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Mills also said the average days to transfer inmates is increasing. While transferring inmates to out-of-state facilities may provide temporary relief, and court cases are beginning to process faster, she said it doesn’t address the underlying problem.

$39.8M approved in Harris County affordable housing An additional $39.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act federal funds were approved by Harris County commissioners on March 26 to obtain or preserve more than 670 affordable housing units throughout the county. Total approved federal funding is expected to result in preserving at least 1,812 units in the county, according to county administration officials. The big picture

Harris County ARPA- funded multifamily developments

610

Out of the $915.5 million in ARPA funding that was distributed to Harris County in March 2021 from the U.S. Department of Treasury, $895.4 mil- lion has been allocated, including $122.6 million toward affordable housing.

Houston

exceed $115.6 million across 18 multifamily proper- ties, including the additional six properties com- missioners approved in March. Ultimately, this will

288

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Harris County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

*INCUMBENT

Humble City Council, Place 4

What big-picture things should the city of Humble focus on in the next five years?

What budget considerations should City Council consider over the next five years?

To ensure a thriving Humble, we must reverse the 1,900-resident exodus by fostering community vibrancy and supporting small businesses. Collaborative efforts will enhance smart policing, while a youth council empowers future leaders. Addressing flood issues, especially in Wilson Road neighborhoods, is vital for safety and prosperity. Let’s build a ...

Over the next five years, the City Council must prioritize funding for current infrastructure while embracing new avenues for growth. This includes bolstering economic development through small- business support and fostering innovation in technology to ensure efficiency and drive future economic prosperity for the Humble community.

Eric D. Lacy Occupation: pastor, True Love Church; CEO, True Love Childcare; entrepreneur www.ericforhumble.com

Candidate did not respond by press time.

Paula Settle* Candidate did not respond by press time.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Humble City Council, Position 5

What big-picture things should the city of Humble focus on in the next five years?

What budget considerations should City Council consider over the next five years?

First, the safety of citizens and visitors. Second, infrastructure maintenance.

Safety, police and fire departments need to be funded and infrastructure projects. We need to be proactive not reactive.

Ray Owens Occupation: retired

Relevant experience: 30 years at a government agency, 17 in management position preparing and managing budgets 832-274-6257

All of Houston is growing, but people get the impression that Humble is stagnating. We need to change that mentality. Safe streets: finding housing for the homeless, keeping crime on a downward trajectory and improving sidewalks so our kids get around safely. Sustainable growth and a thriving downtown are priorities.

With the loss of red-light camera revenue, we’re going to have a major hole in our budget. Same goes for maintaining aging and overbuilt infrastructure. We need to encourage business in the urban core of the city and redevelop underused land (like empty parking lots) to increase our tax base.

Robert “Bobby” Panzarella Relevant experience: six combined years working for the city and county governments bobby4humble@gmail.com

Amidst the dynamic growth patterns in and around our city, a balanced approach is essential, considering both the benefits and the impacts on current and future infrastructure. Traffic management, along with police and fire protection, must evolve carefully with city code enforcement to ensure positive growth and enhanced community development.

For decades I’ve applauded the fiscal management of our city, which is a direct reflection of our city’s leadership. I would continue to strive for responsible spending restraints while ever mindful of the constant need to improve, enhance and maintain the quality of life and facilities we all have enjoyed.

Rick Swanson Occupation: airline transport pilot Relevant experience: HOA director, local business owner, real estate broker, USAF Auxiliary Texas vice commander/inspector general 832-524-6520

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

Transportation

BY HANNAH BROL

Upcoming projects

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

Kingwood

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

RUSTIC PARK DR.

LADBROOK DR.

1 Madera Run Parkway expansion Project: The road will be widened from two to four lanes between Radura Road and Hickory Arroyo Drive. Update: This project is in the design phase. • Timeline: Constructionis scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024 • Cost: TBD • Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 3, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 504

RIDGEWAY TRL.

RIDGEWAY PARK DR.

UPPER LAKE DR.

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

TOWNSEN BLVD.

1960

HOUSTON AVE.

F I RSTST.

LAKE HOUSTON

1960

TIMBER FOREST DR.

Humble

Ongoing projects

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

2 Kingwood Place Village drainage improvements

Project: Storm sewer rehabilitation is underway along Ridgeway Trail and Ladbrook and Ridgeway Park drives. Update: This project is under construction. • Timeline: Jan.26-April 29 • Cost: $1.2 million • Funding source: city of Houston’s Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund

HICKORY ARROYO DR.

RADURA RD.

3 Townsen Park-and-Ride Multimodal Connector Project Project: An 8-foot-wide concrete hike-and-bike trail will connect the Townsen Park-and-Ride to the Hwy. 59 Historical Pedestrian Bridge Metro Park-and-Ride. MAP NOT TO SCALE N ALDINE BENDER RD.

Update: This project is under construction. • Timeline: March2024-early 2025 • Cost: $1.5 million • Funding sources: Harris County Precinct 3, Texas Department of Transportation LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Arabia Shrine Circus The Arabia Shrine Circus is returning to Humble with performances from high-wire acts to aerial acrobatics.

April

Vintage Market Days of Northwest Houston This upscale vintage-inspired market features original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade items, home decor, outdoor furnishings and seasonal plantings. • April 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; April 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • $10 (Friday general admission), $5 (Sat.-Sun. general admission) • Humble Civic Center & Arena Complex, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.humblecc.com

• May 2-4, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; May 4-5, 3 p.m.; May 5, 11 a.m. • $5-$35 (tickets) • Humble Civic Center & Arena Complex, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.arabiashrinecircus.org

‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.’ The Charles Bender Performing Arts Center is presenting “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.,” based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture “Madagascar.” • May 3-4, 7 p.m., May 4-5, 2 p.m.

May

Society of St. Stephen Tennis Tournament

• $22 (general admission) • 611 Higgins St., Humble • www.charlesbendertheater.com

Rotary’s Cinco de Mayo Charity Golf Tournament

Women tennis players are invited to the Society of St. Stephen’s 16th annual Ladies’ Doubles Tournament to benefit the back-to-school drive for local children in need. • May 7, 8 a.m. • $50 (per player)

The Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area is seeking golfers and teams to play in The Rotary Club Cinco de Mayo Charity Golf Tournament. The event will benefit local charities and Humble ISD student scholarships. • May 2, 7 a.m. • $125 (per golfer), $500 (per team) • Tour 18 Golf Course, 3102 FM 1960, Humble • www.lharotary.com

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Bocca Italian Kitchen is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet featuring an assortment of dishes, including omelets, pancakes and mimosas. • May 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • $35 (adults), $12 (children age 12 and under) • 250 Assay St., Houston • www.boccahtx.com

• Clubs of Kingwood Tennis Center, 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood • www.kingwoodumc.org

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News

BY WESLEY GARDNER & JESSICA SHORTEN

Partnership president, CEO steps down Kyle Sheldon, Partnership Lake Houston president and CEO, stepped down from his role with the organization on March 22, ocials announced in a March 26 news release. The overview Sheldon was named president and CEO of Partnership Lake Houston in January 2023. The Partnership—which serves as a chamber of commerce and economic development rm for the Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita area—was initially established in April 1923. “Kyle has been an integral part of the Part- nership Lake Houston team, and we thank him for his contributions and leadership during his tenure here,” said Connie Chandler, Partnership Lake Houston board chair, in a statement. Sheldon’s departure marks the third exit by a Partnership Lake Houston CEO in the last

Townsen senior living facility approved After years of delays, work is expected to begin on a new 130-unit senior living facility following plat approvals by Humble City Council on March 28. What you need to know Townsen Landing is a roughly 10-acre lot in Humble being developed by Skymark Devel- opment LLC. Eric Ungar, vice president of development, said design plans are now under review by Harris County for nal approval.

Partnership Lake Houston leadership 2016-Nov. 19, 2021: Jenna Armstrong January 2022-June 5, 2022: Lance LaCour January 2023-March 22, 2024: Kyle Sheldon

Kyle Sheldon

SOURCE: PARTNERSHIP LAKE HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

three years, following the resignations of Jenna Armstrong in November 2021 and Lance LaCour

in June 2022. What’s next

Chandler noted the Partnership is in the process of nding Sheldon’s replacement. “The board has initiated a comprehensive plan and evaluation period, assuming operations as we search for a new leader to pave the path forward,” Chandler said a statement. Chandler said any questions about the process or Partnership Lake Houston can be sent to her via email at cchandler@lakehouston.org.

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From the cover

Riding the wave

BY HANNAH BROL & WESLEY GARDNER

The big picture

Where’s the fun? Opened 2019 1 Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures : features water attractions, rock climbing and a ropes course Opened 2021 2 Big Rivers Fairgrounds : oers 11 amusement park rides Opened 2022 3 Candeeland : an indoor playground and candy shop 4 Highland Pines Golf Club : an 18-hole golf course with a sports bar and grill Opened 2023 5 Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter : features a playground and dedicated toddler area 6 Cosmic Air Adventure Park : oers trampoline attractions, a ropes course and arcade Opened 2024 7 The Turf Zone : an indoor sports complex with batting cages Opening in 2024-25 8 Don’t Axe : a bar and lounge with ax throwing 9 The PickleBall Zone : an indoor pickleball sports complex 10 HTX Surf : a simulated surng and water attraction

242

1 2

In the last ve years, at least seven entertainment options have opened in the Lake Houston area, according to previous reporting. HTX Surf, a simulated surng experience from Beach Street Development, is scheduled to open in Generation Park in 2025. “We expect to have international tourists from all over the world,” said Ryan McCord, president of Generation Park developer McCord Development. “But in the long-run, we really see it as a regional asset for locals as well.” Along the Hwy. 59 corridor in Porter, The Turf Zone, an indoor sports complex with batting cages, opened in February and is set to be followed by The Pickleball Zone, an indoor pickleball complex slated to open this summer. In addition to water parks and sports complexes, a slate of venues geared toward children have also opened. Cosmic Air Adventure Park & Arcade and Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter & Cafe both opened in Humble in February 2023. “We feel we’ve done exceptionally well,” said Shawn Meghani, owner of Cosmic Air Adventure Park & Arcade. “We already expanded once since we opened, and we have more expansion plans if the opportunity presents itself.”

1314

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

1960

SOURCES: LOCAL BUSINESSESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead

What they’re saying

The impact

In New Caney, Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures was the single biggest taxpayer within Splendora ISD’s boundaries in 2023, CEO Monty Galland said. Additionally, Galland said he believes employment at the water park, which varies from 50-500 employees throughout the year, has had a ripple eect on local businesses. Galland said he rst opened Big Rivers with the goal of expanding it to include Grand Texas Theme Park, which would feature more traditional theme park attractions like roller coasters. However, he said nancial strain caused during the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily put those plans on hold. Galland noted he would rst need to extend utilities to the park’s eventual location—a process that took roughly two years and cost around $15 million to complete for the water park. “That’s the long-term goal,” he said.

An inux of entertainment businesses in the Lake Houston area may also be contribut- ing to increased tourism, Linabury said. Humble’s hotel occupancy tax surpassed $515,000 in scal year 2021-22, according to the city’s annual comprehensive nancial report. While data is not yet available for FY 2022-23 or 2023-24, city ocials budgeted for $450,000 in HOT revenue each year.

“It’s quite possible that [HTX Surf] will be the only wave of this caliber in the world

for at least a period of time until something similar is constructed elsewhere. And Houston deserves that.” RYAN MCCORD, PRESIDENT, MCCORD DEVELOPMENT

City of Humble hotel occupancy tax revenue

$700K $400K $500K $600K $300K $200K $100K $0

“Guests can nd watersides and pretty much any activity [Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures has] esewhere. The biggest thing is to reay try

+35.16%

and focus on creating a memorabe experience.” MONTY GALLAND, CEO, BIG RIVERS WATERPARK & ADVENTURES

SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORTS COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Residential market data

Number of homes sold

March 2023

March 2024

-26.23%

-21.05%

-4.35%

-10.81%

-38.78%

Data shows the majority of Lake Houston-area homes sold in March were in the $200,000- $399,999 price range.

99 TOLL

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

77339

77345

77346

77338

Median home sales price

LAKE HOUSTON

77386

March

2023

2024

77044

$298,000 $235,000 $292,250 $390,000 $325,000 $295,000

$287,000 $243,495 $292,000 $455,000 $350,000 $291,000

77044

77338

Homes sold by price point

77339

77345

March 2024

77346

$800,000+

77396

$600,000-$799,999

$400,000-$599,999

Average days on market

173

$200,000-$399,999

+59.38%

+21.74%

+13.33%

-72%

+26.67%

<$199,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE MILLER • BROKER/AGENT WITH ROSE REALTY 281-380-0332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTOR@GMAIL.COM 2022-24 CHAIR OF HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2023 FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

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Business

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Individual playtime is oered for dogs that prefer to play solo.

Wet Nose Lodge & Spa oers grooming, day care, lodging and training services for dogs and large cats.

On-site amenities include a pool for pups to swim in.

PHOTOS COURTESY WET NOSE LODGE & SPA

Wet Nose Lodge & Spa boasts real-life dog training Couple Coleman and Krystine Payne opened Wet Nose Lodge & Spa in Humble in August 2017 to bring a full-service pet care facility to the community. “My grandfather actually used to train black labs

“After COVID[-19], there were a lot of people working from home, and then when everyone had to go back to work, we had a lot of separation anxiety with dogs,” Coleman Payne said. To incorporate social training, Wet Nose Lodge & Spa provides training in real-life scenarios with noises and dog interactions in public spaces. With training packages running from $2,199-$8,999, Wet Nose Lodge & Spa oers several options, including three-, four- and eight-week programs. Beginning with simple training, such as leash walking and impulse control, the programs oered incorporate positive-reinforcement as well as behavior modication. Wet Nose Lodge & Spa oers training services from American Kennel Club-certied testing instructors.

competing for retrieving. At one point he held the North American title, and I grew up with him training dogs and have always liked dog training. So when we had an opportunity to purchase this building, we jumped on it,” Coleman Payne said. The details As a full-service pet care facility, Wet Nose Lodge & Spa oers grooming, day care, lodging and training services for dogs and large cats. With a professional sta trained to care for pets in areas such as dog body language, group social play, dog behavior, nutrition and proper handling, Wet Nose Lodge & Spa specializes in dog training. “Any trainer can make your dog amazing in an envi- ronment, but that doesn’t translate back to the house,” Coleman Payne said. “So we created a program based on

START YOUR QUOTE!

Dave Nelson 281-925-6733 ¡Hablamos Español!

TOWNSEN RD.

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LOCAL OFFICE Dave Nelson 281-925-6733 ¡Hablamos Español!

real-life training.” About the program

WILSON RD.

Coleman Payne said Wet Nose Lodge & Spa decided to modify its training after seeing the eects of dogs’ behavior due to COVID-19.

19540 Ramblewood Drive, Humble www.wetnoselodge.com

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