The Woodlands approves $6.8M contract and $11.2M plan to expand Alden Bridge Sports Park
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Summary
The Woodlands Township approved Phase 1 of the Alden Bridge Sports Park renovation — a roughly $11.2 million project — awarding a $6.79 million construction contract and related vendor agreements for turf, lighting, restrooms and amenities; staff said work will finish by March 2027 if weather permits.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted Dec. 4 to proceed with Phase 1 of the Alden Bridge Sports Park renovation, approving contracts that together make up the bulk of a roughly $11.2 million project.
John McGowan, director of parks and recreation, told the board the project would add parking, a second ingress and egress, new restrooms and pavilions, two additional artificial-turf fields, two grass fields, LED field lighting and site amenities such as bleachers and shade. "The project totals $11,200,000 so obviously $1,000,000 under budget," McGowan said, referring to a $12.2 million needs-assessment figure in the packet.
McGowan presented a construction timeline that would begin in early 2026 and, weather permitting, finish by March 2027. He warned that much of the turf field area would be offline during construction but said ball fields and the community garden would remain available.
At the meeting the board read and approved multiple procurement items, including an award to DL Meacham LP for $6,794,720.39 for general construction; separate contracts were approved for benches and team equipment, shade awnings, a pavilion, playground equipment, a prefabricated public restroom, sports lighting and parking-lot light poles. The motion included authorization for contingency spending for required change orders within authorized limits; the motion carried.
Resident and local sports organizers who spoke during public comment had urged the board to expand Alden Bridge. "We need more fields to accommodate the growth and demand," said Steve Chin, a resident who asked the board to consider turf conversions and closer restrooms.
Park officials said the project will be coordinated with user groups and other township fields to reduce disruption during construction. The board also noted interest in partnering with Conroe ISD on future facility sharing to avoid duplicative construction.
The board's action authorizes the president and CEO, subject to legal review, to execute the vendor agreements. Construction will proceed once contracts are finalized and permits obtained.
Next steps: staff will finalize contracts, issue construction notices and coordinate a schedule with user groups; construction is expected to start in early 2026.
