Valley Ranch Park Opens as New Caney Community Hub

**Valley Ranch Village Green Park Opens, Poised to Become New Caney’s Community Hub**

NEW CANEY, TX – The vibrant heart of New Caney officially began beating stronger on Saturday, May 18th, as the Valley Ranch Village Green Park celebrated its grand opening with a festive community event. Located prominently at 21720 Valley Ranch Parkway, directly adjacent to the Montgomery County South Regional Library and the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) office, the 10-acre park is set to become a central gathering space for residents.

While the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked its official debut, the park quietly opened its gates for passive public use on February 28, 2024, allowing locals an early glimpse of the expansive green space. The vision for this significant community amenity first began to take shape in 2020, culminating in a groundbreaking ceremony in July 2023 that set the stage for its rapid development.

This isn’t merely a new patch of grass; it represents the crucial first phase of a larger, multi-faceted vision for the rapidly developing Valley Ranch area. The park project itself commanded an investment of approximately $8 million, with the lion’s share of funding provided by EMCID, a political subdivision of the State of Texas dedicated to economic development and community improvement within East Montgomery County. An additional $2 million was contributed by the Valley Ranch Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 2, which utilizes a portion of increased property tax revenues within a designated area to fund public improvements.

The substantial investment has yielded a robust public space designed for diverse community needs. Highlights of the park include a sprawling two-acre Great Lawn, perfect for large-scale events, picnics, and casual recreation. A dedicated pavilion and stage promise to host concerts, performances, and local celebrations, while extensive multi-use paths invite walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Thoughtfully designed gardens offer serene retreats, complemented by ample seating and strategically planted trees providing much-needed shade during Texas’s warm months. For ultimate relief from the heat, an interactive water feature, effectively a modern splash pad, offers a refreshing play area for children and families.

Frank McCrady, President and CEO of EMCID, articulated the park’s profound significance at the opening. “This park is more than just a public space; it’s designed to be a community ‘living room’ – a place where families can connect, friends can gather, and memories can be made,” McCrady stated. He further emphasized that the park represents “a major step forward in bringing a long-held vision to come to life for the residents of New Caney and East Montgomery County.”

State Representative Steve Toth echoed this sentiment during the ceremony, hailing the park as a “gem for the community” that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for area residents. Other distinguished guests attending the May 18th celebration included Conroe Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman and TIRZ board member Patsy Hall. Certificates of recognition, acknowledging the park’s opening and its positive impact, were also presented from the offices of State Rep. Will Metcalf and Montgomery County Pct. 4 Commissioner James Metts.

The design of this pivotal community hub was expertly crafted by Halff Associates, a leading architecture and engineering firm, with construction diligently handled by D.L. Wilson Construction Company. Their combined efforts have delivered a central hub intended to foster community engagement and provide a vibrant core for New Caney’s growing population.

The Valley Ranch Village Green Park is envisioned as a cornerstone of the larger Valley Ranch Town Center development, which is rapidly transforming the area into a comprehensive destination featuring retail, dining, entertainment, and residential offerings. Future phases of development are expected to further integrate the park into a seamless pedestrian-friendly environment, solidifying its role as the cultural and recreational heart of Valley Ranch.

Residents are encouraged to visit the new park and explore its amenities. For more information on upcoming events and park details, please visit the East Montgomery County Improvement District website at [EMCID Website Link] or the Valley Ranch website at [Valley Ranch Website Link].