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Board approves permanent Waterway Square tree and expanded "Waterway Wonderland" light program
Summary
The board approved purchase of a new artificial tree for Waterway Square ($137,233) and authorized a broader enhancement package for the Waterway Wonderland holiday lights ($217,700 over five years). Staff recommended using capital reserves for the tree and hotel-occupancy funds for ongoing enhancements.
The Woodlands Township Board on Feb. 26 approved two expansions of its winter holiday program along the Waterway.
The board voted to buy an artificial, programmable tree for Waterway Square from DecraLight for $137,233, funded from the township's capital reserves, and to approve an expanded light-and-structure package for the Waterway Wonderland exhibit at a cost of $217,700. Township staff said the larger package is structured as a multi-year lease/addition spread across five years and recommended funding enhancements from hotel-occupancy tax revenue.
Why it matters: Staff said the holiday program drew about 120,000 visits during its December run and that expanded displays would create longer on-site visits and more local economic activity. The township's trolley usage also rose sharply during the event, staff said, and officials described the program as an emerging driver of winter tourism.
Details and board discussion: Staff presented a phased package of arches, lighted ornaments, walkthrough features and additional wrapped trees to complete the Waterway loop and create more photo points. The staff recommendation noted the tree would be a long-lived capital item intended to reduce recurring installation and replacement issues faced with live trees in a waterfront, wind-exposed location.
Funding: Chief Financial Officer Kellen Shaw told the board that the capital-reserve fund covered the tree purchase and that current hotel-occupancy tax receipts create "excess" revenue that could be used to fund the multi-year enhancement package. Board members discussed sponsorship and commercial partnerships as ways to underwrite future expansions.
Board votes: The motion to buy the tree passed (moved by Dr. Sekula Gibbs; second by Director Eisler). The motion to approve the full Waterway Wonderland enhancement package also passed on a separate voice vote (moved by Director Richard Franks; second by Director Cindy Heizer).
Ending: Staff will continue design and procurement work this year so the expanded Waterway Wonderland display can be manufactured and installed in time for the late 2025 holiday season.
