The Conroe City Council officially renamed a former YMCA property within the city to Owen Park at a Sept. 23 council meeting. The name honors the Owen family, who owned the property before donating it to the YMCA in the 1980s.

The city agreed to purchase the property, which is located at 10245 Owen Drive, in March for $2.5 million. YMCA officials said the transaction was necessary due to financial stress caused by the pandemic.

A Sept. 23 city press release said the 100 acres of land would be used as a green space, in line with the parks and recreation department’s master plan recommending more parkland in the western part of the city. Parks Director Mike Riggens praised the decision to increase parkland.

The citizens of Conroe love their parks and recreation centers, and the purchase of the former Conroe YMCA property will provide families with another amenity to create memorable experiences,” Riggens said.

At a Sept. 22 City Council workshop, the council recognized Rigby Owen Jr. and his wife, Lucinda, for their family’s contribution to the city.

“It’s an honor; it’s more than an honor,” Rigby Owen said. “It’s going to be a fabulous park; it’ll be even better than what the YMCA had.”

Council members Duke Coon and Marsha Porter released statements thanking the Owen family for their contributions to the city.

“The Owens’ generosity extends not just to the parks but to the arts community as well,” Porter said. “The Owens have been great supporters of the community over the years, and the city of Conroe is proud to name the property in their owner.”