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Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the center’s address.
Conroe’s Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment & Recreation Center made its public debut Jan. 20—bringing a significantly larger footprint and a broader menu of programs to Conroe’s east side.
What you need to know
The new two-story facility spans 86,974 square feet on 22 acres at 710 Foster Drive, Conroe, and replaces the existing center, according to the city website.
The center is set to become Conroe’s newest major recreation hub. Inside, there are two full-size basketball courts that convert into six pickleball courts, weekly group fitness classes and a cycling room, said Mike Cantu, assistant director of recreation operations.
Cantu said the center also includes a fitness area with free weights, machines, cardio equipment and a women-only workout space. Additional amenities include a kids zone for ages 6 months to 8 years and expanded senior programming.
The facility also has event space and areas for youth programs, per the city’s website.
How we got here
Per a follow-up 2018 feasibility study, the new center started as a question: How can the city build a community center that keeps youth programs intact while also serving adults and seniors?
The master plan envisioned a 25-acre campus with trails, workout stations and picnic shelters.
The study recommended a new campus built to do five things: maintain existing programs, expand to more participants, invest in southeast Conroe, capture demand for activities and provide space for residents who face access barriers or are not well-served by private options.
As the city readied the building for daily use, the council continued approving finishing work tied to safety and move-in logistics. In October, Conroe City Council approved a $154,445 contract for perimeter fencing with Telchow Construction LLC, funded through the center’s construction fund, Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska said.
Council also approved a $322,052 furniture contract with L&M Furniture Co., which Mikeska said would be paid from the city’s reserve, or “rainy day,” fund.
The city is also accepting bids for playground equipment, a play structure for children ages 5-12, with proposals due Feb. 5, according to HigherGov.
The center is funded through debt, which is around $35 million, Chief Financial Officer Ariel Khanh Gibbs said in a Nov. 18 email interview.
City officials said these steps were part of final preparations to shift staff and youth programs.
Stay tuned
The 2018 report frames the campus as a phased development, starting with initial site work and a new community center, then adding additional park amenities over time.
Later phases, which have no clear timeline, propose elements such as a splash pad, sports pavilion, open-play field, sand volleyball and a public pool.
The center is available to both residents and nonresidents.
