Community Impact reports that new playground equipment for the Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment and Recreation Center could be decided upon at the next Conroe City Council session.
The next council session is scheduled for September 24th.
Proposed playground equipment for the Oscar Johnson Jr. Center is being reconsidered by the council after the equipment purchase had been delayed in June over the issue that a $90,000 option was not big enough for the number of children served by the center.
Included in the previous proposal, was a shaded play structure, an engineered wood fiber surfacing and an ADA-accessible ramp. The staff was asked by councilmembers to bring other possibilities that might include a larger playground, a different budget direction or a phased plan.
There is a replacement need since the equipment from the former community center was damaged during transit to the new facility.
An award of $195,000 in the fiscal year 2026-27 could be awarded from the Conroe Convention and Visitors Bureau arts and cultural grants. Through the program for 2025-26, the council awarded $210,000.
Included are other items:
Christmas lights for Founders Plaza.
A special marketing grant of $20,000 to the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. After fire and security concerns in 2024, the festival moved out of downtown Conroe.
Looking at appointing a director of information technology.
Taking a look at the Fiscal Year 2025-26 amendments to the operating and capital improvement program budgets.
