Northshore Park will be the focus of renovation efforts by The Woodlands Township over the next year. The park opened in 1985 and hosts several large-scale community events annually. Northshore Park will be the focus of renovation efforts by The Woodlands Township over the next year. The park opened in 1985 and hosts several large-scale community events annually.[/caption]

Plans to renovate 30-year-old Northshore Park, including the possible construction of a permanent boathouse and public-use facility, continue as The Woodlands Township approved an official consultant to oversee the design and construction processes at its June 18 meeting.


Clark Condon Associates will head the project and plans to present a full design of the park in the fall, with construction to begin in summer 2016, according to the township. Changes will improve the usability of the park and upgrade existing amenities with a budget of $1.2 million.


“The residents are excited because it’s been probably greater than 15 years since any improvements have been made [to the park],” said Everett Ison, president of the Panther Creek Village Association. “This is a park that is enjoyed by all of The Woodlands, and even outside of The Woodlands, because of all of the events that happen here.”


The 7-acre park at 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive plays host to many community events, including the Concert in the Park series, Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Triathlon and the YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge.


Northshore Park also serves as home to Rowing Club of The Woodlands and Parati Competitive Rowing.


According to a proposal from the township, the goal of the project is to improve the park’s features while updating the park to address community needs.


“[Clark Condon] will begin the [renovation] process, which will include public input, public meetings and development meetings with the [Panther Creek] Village Association,” said John Powers, assistant general manager for community services for the township. “They will develop some concept plans and by late fall present their findings to the board.”


Ison said because of Northshore Park’s active role in community events, the changes are much needed, especially any improvements to pedestrian trails and extended parking.


“We are trying to get people off the street and off of Lake Woodlands Drive,” he said. “It can get dangerous.”