Mystic Forest Park

A unique park among parks of The Woodlands. It is an area park, full of large trees and plenty of tables and BBQ pits. Tots and children area. Unlit basketball court. Decorated walkway and picnic table areas. There are also picnic tables nested in a forested area. This is the only park in The Woodlands where the tennis courts are not lit. There is another nearby park with lighted tennis courts for residents just a few blocks away on Cochran's Crossing. This park is right off of Cochran's Parking at 10 E. Amberglow Cr.

Southshore (Dragon Park)

Southshore (also known as Dragon Park)is popular for some folks. Fishing is one attraction. One will often see people fishing on the rocks on near the pavilion there. This park is also popular for a night visit to view the lake and homes along the lake. It is a romantic spot and one will often see couples holding hands and walking the park in the evenings. It is a place for a picnic with usually plenty of green grass and a good view of the lake. Access is not necessarily easy. One needs to park on the west side off of the road on the parkway, or park away and walk to the park via the pathway(s) which go to nearby streets. There are plenty of ducks in the park. It is normal to see this bird on the head of the dragon. He typically spreads his wings out like this to flirt with the girls.

The pavilion and green grass makes this a good place to stop on a Sunday afternoon just to get outside with the family. It provides photo opportunities for the family.

As one travels west or east on Woodlands Parkway, it is very easy to miss what occurs under the bridge. The Egrets, ducks and various other water birds are feasting around the lake's dam. The scene next to Southshore Park (known by some as Dragon Park because of the green dragon in the water) is one to be seen by the visitors to the park. The birds are somewhat skittish and remove themselves from the water should a person approach, but stay close to their favorite feeding grounds, ready to return as soon as it gets quiet enough.

Golden Sage Park

This neighborhood park is a little larger than most. It has a Gazebo with a couple of tables, some BBQ pits, sitting bench and a children playground.

These are full screen sized photos so you can click on any one you want to get detail. This park is found at Golden Sage Dr and Sylvan Forest Dr.

Rainprint Park

This little neighborhood park is located in Panther Creek on E White Willow Cr. It has a children play area, a tot's play area and a grill.

LeHigh Springs Park

This neighborhood park has amenities for toddlers and older children. With benches and a table, it can usually provide sufficient facilities for most local families. It is located on Lehigh Springs Dr.

Northshore Park

Each photograph is a full sized page when you click on the photo. The entrance to this park is on Lake Woodlands Drive just west of the Lake Woodlands bridge, west of Town Center. Mapquest link

This is one of the most highly used parks in The Woodlands. It is located on Lake Woodlands. It is the place to take families and visitors alike. You find fisherman here, with family and neighborhood gatherings, or just an occasional duck admirer. This is a place to bring the children to watch baby ducks in the Spring or have a whole flock circle about you. BBQ or roast some wieners on the grills. In the summer, this is the location for Sunday evening free concerts. Also, the Rowing Club is active with boat storage on site and an annual regatta in the spring. You will find the annual YMCA Dragon Boat festivities here in September. Recently, the park's hours were extended to 11PM to accommodate those who need late park hours, especially giving fishermen a place to hang their hats (and park their cars) in the evening. Normally the parks in The Woodlands close at dusk. One can fish from the shores of the park for catfish, perch, Crappie and anything else in the water. The fish can be kept as this lake is not restricted to the catch and release limitations as are the ponds of The Woodlands. However, any small body of water is easily contaminated with chemicals or feces. I do not recommend eating fish out of such a location.

For boaters, this is a good place to go to launch a Kayak, sailboat, Jon boat or canoe. Motor boats are not allowed except for electric motors. There should be no boat wake on the water. This is the location of the summer concerts. Families will bring their chairs to sit out on the grass and a picnic to watch and enjoy the performing musicians. This large covered pavilion is ideal for group parties and can be reserved through the park department of The Woodlands. Families and groups enjoy outdoor grass games in the area in front of the children playground. A small Gazebo for group events. Along the shoreline of Lake Woodlands where the fisherman will typically be found. The swarm of ducks. Domestic and wild ducks live on this pond. Fewer are seen this day than normal. Notice the bridge. The boat ramp is visible, along with a fishing pier, close to that bridge. Children's playground. Rowing club practicing a race.

Related sources

• YMCA Dragon Boat Event
• Woodlands Rowing Club
• Concerts in the Park

Alcohol in The Woodlands Texas Park System

This commentary is intended to be an adjunct of a proposal to outlaw alcohol beverages in the park system of The Woodlands.

Background
The Woodlands community has been concerned about an issue with violence in one particular park in Grogan's Mill. At the first July meeting, the WCA board discussed the issue. A proposal is being considered to eliminate alcohol from the park system to mitigate the risk of future violence and crime in our parks.

Commentary
Although I do not condone excessive alcohol consumption, I do have a position that we should not outlaw its consumption in our park system. Our community parks are for the general public. We have several levels of parks that should be considered however. The neighborhood parks for children should not have alcohol, but I am unaware of any related problems in this respect. In the village parks, many people enjoy having a beer, especially in the summertime. That alcohol is consumed with BBQ prepared on the grills and in general,in very normal family and friend gatherings. People fishing on the ponds enjoy a beer, just like they do elsewhere. Picnics will often be accompanied by alcoholic beverages, including wine. This is an amenity which many people can and do enjoy. I would like our parks to attract all of our residents and be comfortably used as they are intended.

A more palatable solution might be to focus on the human behaviors at the parks which is the real issue, not the consumption of beverages. Drunkenness should not be allowed, just like it is not allowed on the streets. Public intoxication is something that law enforcement deals with regularly. This might be a more acceptable solution to everyone. What is really needed is a way to enforce a set of behavioral rules on property belonging to The Woodlands.