Lake Conroe Park is set to reopen after abruptly closing in early 2024 following approval of a new partnership between the San Jacinto River Authority and the Lake Conroe Beach Park initiative.

Two-minute impact

The San Jacinto River Authority approved a new lease agreement March 27 with Leroy, Joan and Soraya Herbert to renovate and reopen the Lake Conroe Park as the Lake Conroe Beach Park by the end of May.

Leroy Herbert is the owner of 1097 Watersports, a boat rental company operating on Lake Conroe that also provides a pirate-themed cruise on the lake. During the meeting, the Herberts said they plan to make a number of improvements to make Lake Conroe Park more beach-themed.

"I can't wait to open the doors to the public because we see how eager the public [is] because we have a business adjacent to that park, and we are getting all of those customers coming to us and asking questions about the park," Leroy Herbert said. "I'm excited for them that we are going to be the ones reopening the park, and it's right down our alley. This is exactly what we do for a living as a business, and we are, I think, the right partner for this."


Soraya Herbert presented the trio’s plan for the park to the SJRA board, outlining three phases of improvements planned.

Phase 1 (2-3 months to completion):
  • Inspection and cleanup
  • Staffing
  • Administrative office opening
  • Restoration of current areas
  • Food truck village opening
Phase 2 (4-6 months to completion):
  • Amphitheater project
  • Recreation area restoration
  • New playground (awaiting community partnerships)
  • Beach area installation
  • Beach cabana installation
Phase 3 (14-20 months to completion):
  • LED board
  • Additional water recreation amenities
  • Community feedback-based improvements
"We've been living on Lake Conroe for years," Soraya Herbert said. "Our main goal is to make a family-operating community space that celebrates our little area and provides collaboration with the community and our people and businesses that are here."

How we got here

According to prior Community Impact reporting, the park was previously operated through a 30-year partnership with the SJRA, the Precinct 1 Commissioner's Office and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. However, the partnership ended Dec. 31, 2023, due to increased costs and liability to the county, according to the Precinct 1 Commissioner's Office. The SJRA then allowed private and community organizations to present plans to the board for potential ownership of the park, leading to the selection of the Herberts in March.


Next steps

Soraya Herbert said the team is planning a soft opening of the Lake Conroe Beach Park on April 12, with a grand opening scheduled for May 24.

"Our primary goal is to keep this a clean, safe and ... welcoming environment for families, residents and visitors," Soraya Herbert said.