Katy - Fulshear | January 2026

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Katy Fulshear Edition VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5 JAN. 21FEB. 18, 2026

Pickleball boom 2026 Health & Wellness Edition Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor:

Pace Pickleball Club opened in Katy in February 2024 and oers seven indoor pickleball courts for introductory classes and open play. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

By Aubrey Vogel 24

KATY FORT BEND RD.

KATY RANCH RD.

Also in this issue

Impacts: Learn more about Vocelli Pizza’s journey to the Greater Houston area (Page 6)

Transportation: Find out more about the Harris County Precinct 4 sidewalk project (Page 19)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen

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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

Impacts

• Opened Nov. 8 • 1227 Grand W. Blvd., Ste. B205, Katy • www.royalousgaming.com

COLONIAL PK

CLAY RD.

GRAND W. BLVD.

3 Socarrat The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of paellas, tapas and Mediterranean cuisine. • Opened Nov. 29 • 22762 Westheimer Parkway, Katy • www.socarrattx.com 4 Mavis Tires & Brakes The New York-based shop offers tire and automotive services including batteries, alignments, suspensions, exhausts and state inspections. • Opened Dec. 8 • 25242 FM 1093, Katy • www.mavis.com 5 Twin Liquors The Austin-based store offers a selection of wines, beers and other spirits as well as mixers and accessories. • Opened Dec. 10 • 2505 Texas Heritage Parkway, Ste. 410, Katy • www.twinliquors.com 6 Yark Green Thai Restaurant The restaurant serves Thai rice, curry and noodle dishes, as well as desserts such as mango sweet rice, coconut pandan roll cake and fried ice cream. • Opened Dec. 12 • 23227 Mercantile Parkway, Ste. A4, Katy • https://yarkgreenthairestaurant.toast.site 7 Scoops The shop offers 32 homemade ice cream flavors including chocolate covered cherry, banana pudding, Hawaiian coconut and cotton candy. • Opened Dec. 18 • 6601 Skyline Drive, Ste. 200, Fulshear • www.scoopsicecream.com 8 Fuzzy’s Tacos & Margs The new concept features a revised menu with a focus on tacos as well as several new food and beverage options.

GRAND CIR. BLVD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

BARTLETT RD.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

K I N G S L A N

COOK FIELD RD.

Katy

HIGHLAND KNOLLS DR.

1463

GEORGE BUSH PARK

S N E R

COMMERCIAL CENTER BLVD.

CROSS CREEK BEND LN.

1463

99 TOLL

F R Y R D .

SKYLINE DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

1093

• Opened Nov. 1 • 26600 Cook Field Road, Ste. 304, Katy • www.your-divorce.com

Now open

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY TOMER RONEN, ROO MOODY & AUBREY VOGEL

14 The Landing at Katy Pointe The project by RSK Real Estate Partners will feature 210 duplexes averaging 1,500 square feet with two- and three-bedroom options featuring attached garages. • Completion expected third quarter of 2026 • Corner of Clay Road and Katy Pointe Boulevard • www.rskrealestatepartners.com

• Opened Dec. 22 • 233 S. Mason Road, Katy • www.fuzzystacoshop.com

Now open

9 Firehouse Subs Founded in Florida in 1994 by firefighters Chris and Robin Sorensen, the eatery serves a variety of hot and cold sub sandwiches, salads and soups. • Opened Dec. 29 • 23027 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. O, Katy • www.firehousesubs.com 10 Renzi’s Pizza The family-owned pizzeria is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Italy and will offer various wood- fired pizzas. • Opened Jan. 7 • 3349 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • www.renzispizzas.com 11 Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery The practice offers services such as dental implants, wisdom teeth removal and bone grafting. • Opened Jan. 6 • 27201 Fulshear Bend Drive, Ste. 700, Fulshear • www.sworalandimplant.com

In the news

15 Circle B Veterinary Hospital The hospital—which offers general care, medical treatments, surgeries and a boarding facility—

celebrated its 10th anniversary. • 1443 FM 1463, Ste. 200, Katy • www.circleb.vet

19 Singas Famous Pizza The eatery’s first Greater Houston location serves handmade pizzas, pasta dishes and sandwiches. Other menu items include chicken wings, garlic breadsticks, meatballs and various desserts. The New York-based pizzeria has several more location slated more slated to enter the Houston market including Sugar Land and Stafford. • Opened Dec. 6 • 25830 Westheimer Parkway, Ste. 325, Katy • www.singaspizzas.com 18 Brett’s BBQ Shop The eatery offered a number of barbecue options including beef brisket, ribs, sausage and pulled pork, alongside various side options. • Closed Dec. 28 • 25220 Kingsland Blvd., Katy • https://brettsbbqshop.com/homepage 20 The Round Top Collection The shop, which offers home and garden decor, has two remaining locations in Cypress and The Woodlands. • Closed Jan. 7 • 23702 Westheimer Parkway, Ste. C, Katy • https://shop.thertc.com

16 Cinco Ranch Branch Library The library closed Jan. 12 to begin carpet replacement throughout the entire building. The current carpet is the same one the building opened with over 20 years ago. • Reopening mid-February • 2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy • www.fortbendlibraries.gov A1 Academics K-12 Tutoring Service The mobile tutoring center offers services for children in kindergarten through 12th grade with individual in- person and virtual sessions. • Expanded Jan. 10 • www.a1academics.com

Coming soon

12 Blo Blow Dry Bar The hair studio offers professional blow outs, styling, extension and makeup services. • Opening Feb. 6

Closings

• 6645 S. Fry Road, Ste. 100, Katy • www.blomedry.com/blo-katy

17 Scholars and Scoundrels The bar and grill served tacos, burgers, sandwiches and hosted events such as live music and trivia. The business has another location at 6845 Peek Road, Ste. 100. • Closed Dec. 21 • 25140 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 1000, Katy • www.scholarsandscoundrelsbarandgrill.com

13 Vocelli Pizza The pizzeria will offer a full halal menu featuring pizza, salad, subs, stromboli and pastas. • Opening in March • 2941 W. Grand Parkway, Katy • www.vocellipizza.com

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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

Government

2 candidates file for Katy Ward A special election Voters in Katy’s Ward A will have the oppor- tunity to weigh in on a special election for a new council member in January. The open seat comes after council member Dan Smith resignation from his seat after filing to run for the Waller County Precinct 4 commissioner seat, Community Impact reported. On the ballot The candidate filing period for the Jan. 31 special election opened Dec. 15 and ran through Dec. 22, according to the city’s website. Only registered voters in Ward A will be eligible to vote in the election, which saw two candidates file. Those candidates are: • Paula Taylor • Cara Bonin The winner of the Ward A election will serve the

Fulshear commissions water rate committee Fulshear residents could see water and wastewater rate increases following the creation of a committee by City Council. Zooming in At a Dec. 16 meeting, Fulshear City Council created a water and wastewater commit- tee—headed by At-Large Position 1 council member Camron Miller—to discuss rising rates following debate and public comment. The committee creation comes after city officials recommended a one-year plan to increase base water fees from $13.44 to $14.11 at 5,000 gallons of usage, and volumetric rates to increase once hitting 20,000 gallons of usage. The committee will present proposed solutions to the council, although a timeline has not yet been set.

Katy City Council wards

CLAY RD.

Ward A Ward B

FRANZ RD.

99 TOLL

Early voting, Jan. 20-27 • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Polls closed Jan. 25 Election day, Jan. 31 • 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

remainder of the unexpired term until May 2027. Looking ahead The election will take place Jan. 31 with early voting running from Jan. 20-27 at the Katy Civic Center, per the city’s website.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE, TOMER RONEN & AUBREY VOGEL

Fulshear creates small business grant program Fulshear businesses will have the opportunity to receive funds from a new grant program aimed at promoting economic development within the city. The details The $50,000 program, approved by council Dec. 16, invites businesses to apply for up to 50% reim- bursement, not to exceed $10,000, officials said. How it works Retail and commercial property project proposals should include quotes or estimates for: • Facade enhancements • New amenity construction and open space • Pedestrian-oriented improvements • New signs and signage updates • Parking lot repaving or open space conversion • Public art installations

1010 Lamar St., Houston

Program goals

Businesses within the city limits of Fulshear will be given priority, with desired outcomes including:

Stimulating economic development

Attracting high-quality retail

County dedicates downtown building A historic 20-story downtown Houston building was renamed and dedicated to late U.S. Representative and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Dec. 17. The gist The Harris County Sylvester Turner Administration building houses Harris County’s Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity and will host the Harris County Attorney’s Office.

Developing dynamic activity centers

Encouraging and supporting aesthetic improvements

Encouraging walkability and connectivity

Strengthening community identity

SOURCE: CITY OF FULSHEAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Right of way and infrastructure improvements • Landscaping and beautifications Business owners can email applications to ecodev@fulsheartexas.gov, with a $100 fee.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

Katy ISD to see $4.9M in system upgrades Katy ISD signed a $4.9 million agreement with contractor LECS for life safety and sys- tem upgrades at Franz Elementary, Rhoads Elementary and Seven Lakes High. Officials said the upgrades are a compo- nent of the district’s $806.56 million bond. The breakdown The work includes life safety system upgrades encompassing fire alarm systems, audio systems, master clock systems and emergency generators, officials said. Of the $4.9 million, which includes con- tingency engineering and design amounts, Seven Lakes High will see $2.45 million allocated, followed by: • Franz Elementary at $1.03 million • Rhoads Elementary with $1 million Moving forward The repairs are set to be completed before the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

Lamar CISD maintains low job vacancies Lamar CISD officials said achieving its 95% average full-time positions through competitive pay and career advancement opportunities offered through the district helps the district foster student success amid enrollment spikes. Chief Human Resources Officer Julia Andrews outlined the district’s current staffing landscape, recruitment efforts and retention strategies that have resulted in the district’s 11.5% turnover rate— nearly half of the state’s 20% rate—at the Nov. 18 board meeting. “These priorities form the foundation of our recruitment and retention strategy, ensuring that we not only attract the right people to [LCISD] but also create conditions that help them thrive and grow with us,” she said. The current situation Andrews said the district employs more than 6,500 staff members across all job categories, with fill rates averaging 95% districtwide. In the last three years, she said the district experienced more than a 25% increase in new hires, largely due to the opening of new campuses and enrollment growth. Administration and maintenance and operations positions were close to completely filled, per the presentation. However, paraprofessionals, transpor- tation and technical categories—including tech- nology specialists, graphic arts staff and learning and development staff—are still below the average vacancy rate. What’s being done Director of HR Courtney De La Torre said the district is strengthening its recruitment with

Fill rate for employment categories Most positions remain above the 95% rate except technical, transportation and paraprofessional rolls.

Administrators

99%

Maintenance and operation

99%

Child nutrition

98%

Other professionals

97%

Teachers

96%

Technical

93%

Transportation

93%

Paraprofessionals

91%

SOURCE: LAMAR CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

strategies including: • A $100 refer-a-friend incentive

• Hosting multiple annual job fairs at the district and attending job fairs across 15 college campuses • Alternative Certification Program Night Out, spotlighting alternative certification pathways De La Torre said in addition to maintaining a competitive pay structure, which positions LCISD among the top starting salaries in the Houston area, the district wants employees to have career pathways for advancement. Moving forward De La Torre said the district is working to improve its substitute teacher fill rate. Though it has increased from 70% to 74% from the 2023-24 to 2024-25 school year, De La Torre said it is still below the average fill rate of other positions.

Affected campuses Seven Lakes High School 1

CLAY RD.

Franz Elementary School 2

Jack & Sharon Rhoads Elementary School 3

N. WESTGREEN BLVD.

S. FRY RD.

TSTC opens $35M Transportation Technology Center

Transportation Technology Center

FARM-TO-MARKET RD. 2218

Texas’s transportation and industrial sectors, per the release. In March 2024, Bowling told Community Impact that the demand in the auto- mobile industry is caused by an aging workforce retiring and a larger need for electric vehicle technicians. How we got here The building was funded through the Capital Construction Assistance Projects under Senate Bill 52 during the 87th Texas legislative session in

Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus has opened a new state-of-the-art facility, representing a more than $35 million investment from the state in technical education and workforce development for the region. The over 100,000-square-foot Transportation Technology Center in Rosenberg will house the automotive, automotive collision and manage- ment, and expanded diesel equipment programs. These three fields are in high demand across

2021, per the release. Following a ground break- ing in November 2023, the building is now open to the public.

KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

Development

5 ongoing parks projects in Katy area

• Timeline: No current timetable for project • Address: 5850 Franz Road, Katy

• Cost: $2.29 million • Funding: city of Katy 4 Katy citywide trails

• Address: 7603 Patterson Road, Fulshear • Cost: nearly $5.5 million • Funding: almost entirely by regional park fees 2 3B Learning Center At a Sept. 22 meeting, Katy City Council approved a resolution toward design improvements at the 3B Learning Center. The money will cover preliminary design plans of a trail system layout, landscaping, outdoor learning areas and signage. • Timeline: TBD • Address: 5402 Franz Road, Katy • Cost: $24,750 (design); anticipated $164,205 (construction) At a Dec. 8 meeting, Katy City Council approved contracts to build artificial turf, and install synthetic turf and field lighting at Katy City Park. The construction will also include sidewalk connections and drainage improvements to several problematic areas of the park. Additionally, the new lighting system will be bright enough to host competitive and high school play for soccer and football. • Funding: city of Katy 3 Katy City Park

Several parks projects are underway in the Katy and Fulshear area, which are set to be completed in 2026 and beyond. The projects will bring a variety of new and enhanced elements across the area including Fort Bend County’s second all-abilities park, Katy’s first-ever citywide trail system and enhancements to Fulshear’s Primrose Park, which will bring baseball fields. 1 Primrose Park The second phase, which broke ground Feb. 6, will bring four youth baseball fields, eight spectator pavilions, parking and required detention. The project also includes two alternative contracts with Restroom Facilities Ltd. and Musco Sports Lighting LLC totaling $903,630 for:

Katy’s first citywide trail system would begin at the future Leyendecker Landing park and continue south to downtown with the first phase from Morton Road to 10th Street. The main pathway will vary in width from 6 to 12 feet, with several 5-foot-wide paths connecting neighborhoods to the main walking path. • Timeline: 10-month construction to kick off in 2026 • Address: Morton Road to 10th Street • Cost: $1.9 million (phase 1) • Funding: city of Katy This list is not comprehensive.

• A restroom and concession building • Sports field lighting for all four fields

For more development coverage, go to www.communityimpact. com/news/houston/ katy-fulshear/.

In the May 3 election, voters approved a $13.5 million bond which included funding for Primrose Park Phase 3. The last phase could include an amphitheater, walking trails, food truck court and an outdoor education pavilion. • Timeline: expected to be completed in early 2026

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY TOMER RONEN

CLAY RD.

MORTON RANCH RD.

KATY CITY PARK

99 TOLL

FRANZ RD.

CANE ISLAND PKWY.

10TH ST.

FRANZ RD.

K I N G

N D B

PIN OAK RD.

TEXAS HERITAGE PKWY.

WESTHEIMER PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N CINCO RANCH BLVD. pad, a pavilion and fully accessible pathways. Fulshear City Council approved an interlocal agreement March 18 allowing the county right-of-way access to complete the park. 5 Super Dave’s All-Abilities Park The superhero-themed park, which broke ground Oct. 28, will provide accessibility for all children, including those with disabilities. The park will feature three play zones tailored to different age groups, a splash

The park is named in honor of resident David “Dave” D’Andrea, who was a founding member of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 169 in Cross Creek Ranch, Community Impact reported. • Timeline: completion expected third quarter 2026 • Address: 4200 Katy Fulshear Road, Fulshear • Cost: $3.4 million • Funding: Fort Bend County parks bonds

1463

FALCON LANDING BLVD.

GEORGE BUSH PARK

PATTERSON RD.

S N E R

KATY FULSHEAR RD.

1463

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY ROO MOODY

• 24555 Katy Freeway, Katy • www.trekbikes.com

January

Chips for Chargers The Fulshear Athletic Booster Club is hosting a casino- themed event featuring raffles and silent auctions. • Jan. 31, 7-11 p.m. • Free (entry) • Jones Creek Ranch, 7714 FM 359, Richmond • www.fulshear-athletics.com

Spirit of the Fire Horse Social Celebrate the Lunar Year with live lion dancers, drums, community and festive fun at Alders Cross Creek. • Feb. 20, 4-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6525 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear • www.allevents.in/fulshear/spirit-of-the-fire-horse- social Heart Ball Hosted by the Fulshear Regional Chamber For Commerce, the Valentine’s-themed ball features a live band, flowers and an open bar. • Feb. 20, 6:30-10 p.m. • Prices vary • Briscoe Manor, 5251 FM Road 723, Richmond • www.fulshearregional.com Women of Katy Luncheon The group’s third annual luncheon brings women together for food, connection and a panel of speakers. • Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $48 (per person) • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. Q100, Katy • www.womenofkaty.com

February

Galentine’s Fundraising Gala Enjoy fun activities, inspiring stories and light refreshments at the event supporting South Project, a nonprofit that empowers young mothers. • Feb. 7, 3-7 p.m. • $30 (per person) • Jones Creek Ranch, 7714 FM 359, Richmond • www.southprojecttx.com Trek Katy Ride The community bike ride has three pace groups and is designed for all riders. Helmets are required. • Feb. 15, 8 a.m. • Free

Katy Half Marathon Presented by Houston Methodist, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or half-marathon and receive doughnuts at the finish line. • Feb. 8, 7-10 a.m.

• $24.99-$99.99 (per person) • Typhoon Texas Waterpark, 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.txruns.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY HANNAH NORTON

On the heels of what proponents have called “historic” property tax relief, some Texas lawmakers are questioning whether the state can aord to continue increasing the tax exemptions passed during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions. Texas homeowners are taxed by local government entities, not the state; however, lawmakers can require certain tax exemptions and limit annual local tax increases. When the state creates or expands tax exemptions, it is often constitutionally required to send money to school districts to ensure they do not lose revenue as a result of the lower taxes. Texas is spending $51 billion on property tax relief in scal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. Unless the Legislature rolls back existing tax exemptions, the state will be required to spend that much or more on tax relief every biennium, lawmakers said. Lawmakers question tax break funding

Breaking it down

adding that “the money is not still coming in.” “I do have a lot of concerns about how are we going to pay for this going forward?” she said.

Texas saw large budget surpluses due to federal COVID-19 funding and high sales tax revenues, Rep. Donna Howard, DAustin, said Nov. 20,

How Texas spends its money Texas lawmakers dedicated $51 billion, or 15% of the $338 billion biennial state budget, to property tax relief.

Money allocated

Percentage of total

Fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27

Budget item

Agencies of education

$134.7B $105.7B $48.5B $19.8B

39.8% 31.3% 14.3% 5.8%

Health and human services

Business and economic development Public safety and criminal justice

General government Natural resources

$11.9B $8.1B $6.7B $1.2B $0.5B

3.5% 2.4%

5 6 7 8 9

7 8 9

Regulatory

0.4%

Judiciary

0.4% 0.2%

0.2%

Legislature

NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT TOTAL 100% DUE TO ROUNDING.

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The debate

“We’re kind of maxed out at what we can do for property tax reform, from a budget perspective.” SEN. CHARLES PERRY, RLUBBOCK

homeowners and lowering the age at which Texans qualify for additional tax relief. Patrick said his plan would cost about $4 billion, while Abbott had not released a cost estimate as of press time. Abbott and Patrick’s seats are up for election in 2026, alongside about half of the Texas Senate and the full Texas House.

Multiple plans to further expand tax relief are in the works ahead of Texas’ 2027 legislative session. Abbott proposed a six-part plan to limit local government spending, make it harder for tax hikes to pass in local elections and ask Texans to vote to eliminate school property taxes. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggested continuing raising tax breaks for

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KATY FULSHEAR EDITION

Transportation

BY AUBREY VOGEL

Upcoming projects

Ongoing projects

Completed projects

2855

KATY FLEWELLEN RD.

CINCO TRACE DR.

99 TOLL

1463

KINGSLAND BLVD.

1093

1 Katy Fort Bend Road reconstruction Project: The reconstruction will expand the road from four to six lanes between I-10 and Kingsland Boulevard. Additionally, 6-foot sidewalks as well as underground utilities and storm sewers will be installed. Update: The project will be designed by Harris County Engineering and an engineering consultant. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $1.9 million (design) • Funding source: Harris County and Katy Development Authority

2 FM 1463 widening Project: The Texas Department of Transportation is widening almost 7 miles of the two-lane road to four lanes between I-10 and FM 1093. Update: Crews began placing new proposed northbound lanes from FM 1093 to Cinco Trace Drive in January. • Timeline: February 2022-late 2026 • Cost: $108 million • Funding source: TxDOT

3 Pederson Road reconstruction Project: The project replaced and widened Pederson Road from two asphalt lanes to three concrete lanes from I-10 to Hwy. 90. • Timeline: Early 2025-Nov. 7 • Cost: $3.37 million • Funding source: Katy Development Authority and the city of Katy

Transportation

BY SARAH BRAGER

Local ISDs connected with sidewalks

Learn more

Precinct 4 completed the first phase of the project—50 miles of sidewalks for $20 million—in March, Community Impact previously reported. The latest $16 million investment for phase two will add an additional 25 miles of sidewalks to the area, with locations based on proximity to schools, parks, hospitals and places of worship, according to Precinct 4’s website. Briones said phase two construction is expected to wrap up by fall 2026. Each individual sidewalk project takes approximately 4-8 weeks to complete, per the project website. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the leadership of Commissioner Briones and all her folks in keeping our kids safe,” Ted Vierling, Katy ISD chief operations officer, said Dec. 9.

$16 million in Fiscal Year 2025-26 to the project, which started with $20 million in 2024. The initiative aims to improve safety for students and other pedestrians, Briones said. She said at least 22 crashes have been reported along the 4-mile corridor within the last five years.

Harris County Precinct 4 added four miles of sidewalks along Greenhouse Road connecting Katy ISD and Cy-Fair ISD, Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced Dec. 9. The connection is part of the Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 initiative to add 75 miles of new sidewalks in unincorporated Harris County. Briones said Precinct 4 committed an additional

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4/COMMUNITY IMPACT

KEY:

Existing sidewalk

New sidewalk

Cy-Fair ISD

Katy ISD

Cy-Fair & Katy ISD schools 1 Thornton Middle

KEITH HARROW BLVD.

2 Cypress Lakes High 3 Emery Elementary 4 Cardiff Junior High

GREENHOUSE RD.

N. FRY RD.

CLAY RD.

5 Jack & Sharon Rhoads Elementary 6 Polly Ann McRoberts Elementary 7 Jean & Betty Schmalz Elementary

5 4

MASON RD.

MORTON RD.

N N

MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780

FALCON LANDING 9722 Gaston Rd (281) 574-3008

FULSHEAR 24940 FM 1093 (281) 391-4008

CINCO RANCH 3050 W Grand Pkwy (281) 392-5554

BY SARAH BRAGER & TOMER RONEN Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This annual guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this year’s edition, learn more about how several physicians are expanding concierge medicine, which is when patients pay for a membership for enhanced medical services, including increased access to doctors and in-depth wellness screenings. Additionally, see how the area ranks in a new University of Houston study about mental health deserts. Our cover story looks at the growth of pickleball in the Katy area with several businesses set to be added this year and beyond. See how the sport can help residents stay healthy while meeting a new community of friends. Finally, meet Sandra Vandegaer—the owner of the Sandra V Bath & Body in Downtown Katy. Learn more about the handmade soaps, bath bombs, candles and scrubs the business oers.

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UH study nds mental health deserts

The big picture

Of the 96 ZIP codes mapped, 43% were considered “distressed”—averaging only 1.9 licensed mental health professionals, with 39 having none at all, per the report.

Despite nearly half of Greater Houston ZIP codes showing a lack of mental health providers, a University of Houston “mental health deserts” study found Katy and Fulshear’s mental health needs are mostly met. Published Oct. 15 in Frontiers of Public Health, the study showed residents in low income and minority neighborhoods have struggled to access mental health resources. The distressed communities index rates ZIP codes as “distressed,” “at risk,” “mid tier,” “comfortable” and “prosperous” based on poverty, job growth, education level and other factors, per the study. The Katy-Fulshear area ranks consistently “prosperous” with only ZIP code 77423 ranking mid-tier on the DCI, which was last updated with 2023 Census data, according to the map.

Distressed Communities Index The Distressed Communities Index (DCI) uses Census data including housing vacancy, poverty rate, median income ratio, among others to explore disparities in economic well-being. Prosperous Mid-tier

Greater Houston on the Distressed Communities Index The DCI rates ZIP codes on educational attainment, poverty level and housing vacancy rates.

529

99 TOLL

77423

529

Breakdown of 96 analyzed ZIP codes Distressed: 42 At risk: 19 Mid tier: 18 Comfortable: 10 Prosperous: 7

77493

562

19.79%

43.75%

77094

18.75%

77494

77450

1093

77441

10.41%

7.29%

N N

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas adds 9 potential dispensaries to medical cannabis program

Zooming out

Under House Bill 46, Texans can receive medical cannabis prescriptions for 15 types of conditions, including: • Epilepsy • Seizures • Multiple sclerosis • Cancer • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Chronic pain • Crohn’s disease • Terminal illnesses Dispensaries can also create satellite locations to store products overnight, which advocates said will allow more accessible, same-day pickup of medications.

licenses after state lawmakers voted this spring to expand Texas’ Compassionate Use Program. Under the program, physicians prescribe medical-grade, low-THC products to eligible patients, who get the medications from licensed dispensaries.

Nine new medical cannabis dispensaries could soon open in Texas, the Department of Public Safety announced Dec. 1. The nine companies, three of which currently operate in other states, were given conditional

Planned growth

Nine medical cannabis providers are slated to open locations in Texas following state evaluations, joining three existing companies with dozens of locations statewide.

• Verano Texas LLC in West Texas • Trulieve TX Inc. in the Panhandle • Texas Patient Access LLC in North Texas • Dilatso LLC in North Texas • Texa OP in the Rio Grande Valley The proposed new dispensaries are:

• Lone Star Bioscience Inc. in South Central Texas • PC TX OPCO LLC in Southeast Texas • Story of Texas LLC in Southeast Texas • Lonestar Compassionate Care Group LLC in North Texas

SOURCES: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TEXAS ORIGINAL, GOODBLEND AND FLUENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION

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Health & wellness

BY VALERIA ESCOBAR

How Katy physicians are redening wellness

The current situation

specialty care and care for an injury with 38% and 35% citing they sometimes or never have access to these services, respectively. “There is a lot of need for health care support in Fort Bend County ... physicians in this area are just so busy,” said Dr. Roger Campana with Katy Inter- nal Medicine Association LLP. Aron said the typical concierge client is likely auent, high- ly-educated and older—a prole he said ts Fort Bend County.

The new care comes at a time when the demand for physicians in the Fort Bend County area is at a high as the county nears its one million resident mark and some areas of the county see rising ages. According to 2025 ndings from the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, despite the fact that nine in 10 Fort Bend County residents have insurance, 26% “sometimes” or “never” have access to primary care—a number that grows to 31% for preventa- tive care. Meanwhile, county residents said they have even less access to other care methods including

insurance, while paying a monthly membership fee for enhanced access to physicians, according to a 2024 Grand View Research report. Driven by a focus on “wellness” rather than “sick care,” more patients and physicians are embracing these models to invest in patients, said Professor Ravi Aron, healthcare strategy and technology researcher at the University of Houston.

While traditional health care providers often see a large number of patients during shorter appointments, membership-based physicians said they are shifting to a more exclusive model that reduces patient loads and allows for more personalized care. Concierge medicine—expected to grow by 10.3% annually in U.S. market size until 2030—allows patients to keep their health

How concierge medicine works

Concierge Medicine

Traditional Primary Care

Financial structure Annual membership fee, ranging from $4,000 to $50,000, usually in addition to insurance coverage for lab tests and specialist referrals Patient volume Case load of 300-600 patients Appointment length Averaging 30 to over 60 minutes Access and availability Same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 access to physician Focus of care Focuses on preventative care and wellness Advanced services Access to advanced diagnostics (e.g., gut health, hormone testing, advanced cardiac proles) and coordination with specialists

Relies heavily on high-volume insurance reimbursement

What they’re saying

“A trusted relationship with one’s family physician provides a solid foundation and peace of mind for path to health and wellbeing.” DR. THANH TAYLOR, FOUNDATION PRIMARY CARE

Caseload of over 2,000 patients annually

Averaging 15 to 20 minutes

Longer wait times, no after-hour access to physician

Often reactive "sick care"; patients visit when symptoms escalate.

“We can spend more time with patients, getting to know them and working with them more comprehensively, especially with lifestyle support leading to long-term wellness.” ROGER CAMPANA, KATY INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATION

Standard labs and screenings dictated by insurance coverage constraints

SOURCE: RAVI ARON, ROGER CAMPANA, THANH TAYLORCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead

Gulf coast provider demand

He added that technology will increasingly amplify concierge medicine through tools like digital phenotyping—data from wearable devices tracking sleep, heart rate and medication intake—which can help predict health events before they occur. With predictive AI, he said physicians could better anticipate patient demand, manage schedules more eciently and potentially free up time and resources for the healthcare system.

Aron acknowledged that concierge medicine’s growth could initially disrupt traditional systems— especially amid a physician shortage on the Gulf Coast— by limiting access to doctors who adopt membership-based practices. However, he argued that lower burnout combined with predictive technology can improve physician productivity and make the profession more sustainable, ultimately serving as a “force multiplier” against shortages.

Supply

Demand

15K 10K 5K 0

+21.95%

+12.58%

2025

2036

SOURCE: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES, WORKFORCE SUPPLY & DEMAND PROJECTIONSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

KATY FULSHEAR EDITION

Pickleball boom From the cover

What's happening?

Pickleball businesses/courts

1 Pickleball Katy 2 Pickleball Village 3 PACE Pickleball Club 4 Pickle Point Katy 11 courts 10 courts 7 courts 12 courts

290

COLONIAL PK

Joining Houston’s growing pickleball scene, the Katy area has seen the addition of six dedicated pickleball courts in the last few years—including another on the way early this year. Since opening in February 2024, Pace Pickleball Club owner David Rowe said he continues to see the community outpouring daily. The facility even expanded to full-time access with a key pad to ensure members have the opportunity to play when it is most convenient. “People know it’s not a fad,” Rowe said. “People are now becoming healthier by pickleball—they have now integrated it into their daily routine to get their daily exercise.” Meanwhile, Pickle Point owner Harry Singh said Katy was the perfect location for the business to get its start, given the growing area before the sports popularity helped to expand to Cypress and Meadows Place. Singh said the club has seen a range of ages, with its oldest club member being in his 90s. “You see people of all ages and backgrounds—I think one of the biggest reasons is that the barrier to entry is very low. You don’t need a lot of training to start playing,” he said.

GRAND W. BLVD.

GRAND CIR. BLVD.

529

F RE E M A N R D .

5 Let's Pickleball 6 Electric Pickle 4 courts 9 courts

K R

STOCKDICK SCHOOL RD.

PRICE PLAZA DR. 5

CLAYRD.

KATYFWY.

SAUMS RD.

99 TOLL

FRANZRD.

COLONIAL PKWY.

KATY FWY.

KATY FORT BEND RD.

KATY GAP RD.

ROESNER RD.

1463

WESTHEIMER RD.

KATY RD.

ROESNER RD.

1093

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: GOOGLE MAPSCOMMUNITY IMPACT GOOGLE EARTH PRO

1093

Zooming in

However, city of Fulshear ocials said they do not currently have any pickleball courts or plans to add any city-operated ones while the city focuses on adding baseball elds to Primrose Park.

Director Kevin Browne said. City ocials are looking at long-term solutions. In the meantime, ocials will overlay pickleball lines onto two existing tennis courts at the council’s direction, he said.

City of Katy ocials previously explored building standalone pickleball courts or replacing existing tennis courts, but ultimately found that neither option was ideal given spatial, logistical, and nancial considerations, Parks and Recreation

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