The Woodlands Recreation Center creates, coordinates and carries out a myriad of community events and activities happening in The Woodlands.

Though it first opened in the early 1990s as an activity center for teenagers, the facility has transformed throughout the past two decades into a center that offers classes, events and activities for residents of all ages.

Chris Nunes, director of Parks and Recreation for The Woodlands Township, said one of the main goals of the Recreation Center is to offer something fresh and different to residents of The Woodlands.

"What we do every day is identify how we can serve residents with programs that serve their needs best," Nunes said. "We look for programs that might not be offered other places, and we really strive for a great quality of life in the community. We try to create core programming that provides quality and fun for all ages."

The Woodlands Recreation Center offers something for everyone, no matter their age or interest, Nunes said.

Some of the center's most popular programs include tennis leagues, adult fitness classes, and a wide variety of introductory sports, aiming for "try it out" style programs.

The Recreation Center also hosts family camping in Bear Branch Park, with the goal of introducing tent camping and camping recreation activities to children and families, as well as Sunny Dayz Summer Day Camp, which offers summer activities for more than 100 kids a week.

Most programs have a fee to register. Fees vary for residents and non-Woodlands residents.

The Recreation Center also offers arts and crafts classes, scientific and educational classes and activities, and the Arts in the Parks series to encourage cultural community development.

Nunes said he believes The Woodlands Recreation Center creates a sense of community and brings residents together.

"It is creating quality time between families and friends," Nunes said. "That greatly improves the atmosphere of The Woodlands as a town and makes it a great place to live."

The Woodlands Recreation Center programs

• Summer camps
• Preschool programs
• Preschool sports
• Holiday programs
• Touch a Truck
• Daddy Daughter Dance
• Concert in the Park
• Outdoor programs
• Tennis
• Aquatics
• Adult fitness
• Sports leagues/tournaments

Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-210-3950, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Hours: Mon.—Thur. 8 a.m.—9 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.—8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.—6 p.m., Closed Sun.