More about the Public Parks in The Woodlands

The different types and sizes of public parks in The Woodlands Texsa

What are the differences between the Public Parks in The Woodlands?
In a word, “sizes”. But more than that, the classification system of The Woodlands public parks is a delineation by amenities and use-type. The Town-Wide parks are the largest, followed by the Area parks, and then the neighborhood tot-lots. Each of the Villages feature multiple parks, while the larger sports fields are limited to certain villages. There are playgrounds, tennis courts, lakes / ponds (catch & release fishing), sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts, kayak rental locations, and two Recreation Centers hosting some 60 annual special-events in The Woodlands. Following, is a recently compiled listed of public parks, and amenities.

  • 220 miles streetscapes
  • 90 Playgrounds
  • 80 Tennis Courts
  • 14 Community Swimming Pools
  • 05 Spraygrounds
  • 220 miles hike/bike pathways
  • 70 Lakes & Ponds
  • 68 Pavilions
  • 43 Sports Fields
  • 37 Basketball and Volleyball Courts

Town Wide Parks

In simple terms, Town-wide parks are those that are built for general purpose, and were constructed with the idea that they should serve everyone across the Township. Town-wide parks include Town Green Park, Northshore Park, as well as the Alden Bridge Sports Fields, Gosling Sports Fields, and Bear Branch Sports Fields

Area Parks

There are thirteen Area parks ranging in size, from 3 to 18 acres. Many of these larger-size parks feature amenities like covered stages and seating, open play areas for bacci ball, baseball, disc-golf, soccer, volleyball, and more.

Nbhd Parks / Tot Lots

Neighborhood parks, commonly referred to as playgrounds or tot-lots, are located within some individual neighborhoods. These neighborhood lots come in a wide range of sizes and number of amenities as well as an occasional parking space or two (some having no parking lot at all).

Amenity Parks

Amenity parks generally offer only a single amenity, usually a fishing pond or perhaps a picnic area – and may or may not include seating benches.

Specialty Parks

There are more than a dozen specialty parks in The Woodlands including dog parks, and wheel-friendly parks for skateboarding, roller-blading, and trick-bike riding.

Village Pools

The fourteen Town Wide parks are those which feature swimming pools, including the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center at Rob Fleming Park. in the Village of Creekside Park.

Sculpture Art

The Woodlands is home to one of the largest collections of public art in the State of Texas. From mosaics and sculptures to a growing collection of art benches, there are many pieces to view, and enjoy. Make plans to visit the various mosaics, sculptures and a collection of art-benches, to view, enjoy, and of course, have a sit and a selfie!

Public Parks

Public Parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. A public park in The Woodlands is a short bike ride, or a nice stroll away along a nearby pathway. Wheel Friendly Parks are located in several villages, and the softer surface of Millbend Linear Loop in Grogan’s Mill Village is favored by joggers.

Public Art Benches

The Woodlands Public Art Bench Project allowed local, national, and international artists to add their own flare to Town Center by contributing a custom built bench. The Woodlands Art Council oversees the benches up to installation prior to handing them off to the The Woodlands Township for the foreseeable future of said benches.

The Woodlands Public Parks Rules

The Woodlands Public Parks Rules

The Woodlands Township has adopted/published Rules for Parks and Pathways in The Woodlands effective 11/2009. (order 019-09)

The policies include rules and provisions for the use of Township properties in The Woodlands. These policies apply to, but not limited to the following:

  • Hours of Operation – Park hours are from dawn to dusk unless specifically posted otherwise; lighted play courts and sports fields close at 11:00 PM. Northshore Park designated fishing area/boat launch close at 11:00 PM.
  • Motor Vehicle Use – Motor vehicles larger than one ton in capacity are not allowed within any park; all motor vehicles are to be driven in designated areas (e.g. parking lots) only.
  • Dumping, Littering & Vandalism – willfully marking, defacing, disfiguring, injuring, tampering with, displacing or removal any of the Township’s property or any other property is not allowed, as well as removal, destruction, damaging, marking, cutting, breaking or disfiguring any tree, shrub, flower, grass or any other plant; or planting any tree, shrub, vine, wildflower, grass or other types of plant material on or within any such facility without Township approval.
  • Boating and Swimming – boating is only to be done in Lake Woodlands, Lake Paloma, and the Bear Branch Reservoir. Swimming is only to be done in one of The Woodlands swimming pools. Open water swimming in lake woodlands, ponds, etc. and the waterway is not allowed.
  • Horseback Riding – Only allowed by special permit (e.g. the mounted patrol).

The Woodlands Public Parks Rules

  • It is unlawful to build, or attempt to build, a fire anywhere within a Township Facility except in barbecue pits provided at a park or in portable barbecue grills or cooking stoves permitted in designated areas.
  • Except as otherwise specifically authorized by law, it shall be unlawful for any persons other than duly appointed law enforcement officers in the course of the lawful exercise of their duties to carry, or possess or discharge any firearm of any description.
  • No person may bring or possess, or set off, or otherwise explode, discharge. or burn any fireworks or other form of explosives in, along, or within any Township facility, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Township.
  • Alcoholic beverages – No person is allowed to consume any alcoholic beverage at, in, or within any Neighborhood Park, swimming pool or area of Town Center designated by the Township as a “Children’s Use” area (for purposes of this rule, Bonny Branch, Cottage Green, Piper’s Green and St. Peter’s Gate are not considered Neighborhood Parks).
  • Animals and Pet Waste – All domestic pets are to be under the direct control by the owner or possessor and securely leashed on a leash not to exceed ten (10’) feet in length, except for domestic dogs within a designated off-leash dog friendly area or dog park; it is unlawful for any person to fail to immediately remove any feces deposited in, along or within any Township Facility, by a domestic pet that is under the control or possession of such person.
  • Fishing – All lakes and ponds are “Catch & Release” fishing areas, and all fish caught must be immediately released back into the lake or pond, save and except for Lake Woodlands, Lake Paloma, and the Bear Branch Reservoir.
  • Special Provisions for frisbee disc golf, dog parks, pools, wheel friendly areas, and the community gardens may have additional rules and regulations that are posted inside or in the vicinity of each facility.
  • Use Fees for fields, courts, pavilion, pools, parks, and facilities at either The Woodlands Recreation Centers vary based on proposed use, date requirements, group size, as well as other factors – more information can be found on the Parks & Playgrounds page.

General Considerations

  • For your personal safety, we recommend that when enjoying the parks and pathways, travel in pairs or groups and do not allow children to stay at parks unattended. Lock your bikes at a bike rack, place any valuables out of sight, and lock your car doors.

  • The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department requests your help to maintain the beauty of The Woodlands parks. Please report any vandalism, unsafe structures, or questionable behavior to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department at (281) 297-6500 or The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 210-3800. The parks are built for everyone’s enjoyment, and they ask that everyone pitch in and do their part.

Parking your vehicle at the various parks in The Woodlands:

Many of the Neighborhood parks are designed for more localized area use and therefore may have limited or no public parking areas, while others have many parking spaces. Residents are encouraged to walk or bike to the parks by way of the numerous neighborhood pathways in order to lower our nation’s carbon footprint. If you plan to drive to a park, please choose one with a public parking area, and do not park on the grass. Parking on the grassy areas may damage the grass resulting in a potential fire hazard and possible fines.

Parking in The Woodlands Town Center

Public Parks Guide The Woodlands

Alden Village Public Parks
Alden Bridge

Public Parks in the Village of Alden Bridge

Alden Bridge Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in the Village of Cochran's Crossing
Cochran's Crossing

Public Parks in The Village of Cochran's Crossing

Cochran's Crossing Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in The Village of College Park
College Park

Public Parks in The Village of College Park

College Park Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in The Village of College Park
Creekside Park

Public Parks in The Village of Creekside Park

Creekside Park Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in The Village of Grogan's Mill
Grogan's Mill

Public Parks in The Village of Grogan's Mill

Grogan's Mill Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in The Village of Indian Springs
Indian Springs

Public Parks in The Village of Indian Springs

Indian Springs Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in The Village of Panther Creek
Panther Creek

Public Parks in The Village of Panther Creek

Panther Creek Village Public Park Guide
Sterling Ridge Village Public Parks The Woodlands
Sterling Ridge

Public Parks in The Village of Sterling Ridge

Sterling Ridge Village Public Park Guide
Public Parks in Town Center The Woodlands
Town Center

Public Parks in The Woodlands Town Center

Public Park Guide Town Center
Dog Parks in The Woodlands
Dog Parks

Dog Friendly Parks in The Woodlands

Dog Parks Guide
Wheel Friendly Skate Parks The Woodlands
Wheel Friendly

Wheel Friendly Parks in The Woodlands

Wheel Friendly - Skate Park Guide