A year after closing the Westside Recreation Center, Conroe officials approved an $88,227 demolition contract, citing severe flood damage and restrictions on rebuilding within the San Jacinto River floodway.
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Conroe approved an $88,227 contract to demolish the Westside Recreation Center. This action is part of attempts to remove a flood-damaged structure from the West Fork San Jacinto River floodway.
At their Thursday meeting, City Council awarded the demolition contract to Inland Environments Ltd., based in Kingwood. The announcement comes nearly a year after the city closed the facility due to floods and structural difficulties.
Due to high water levels, the former YMCA on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River has had many issues. The property has been prone to flooding, according to Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska.
“It is widely acknowledged that this property is unequivocally situated in a floodway and presents various challenges,” Mikeska said at a prior council meeting. “Whenever it rains, the river overflows.”
Although the building is closed, park services, including fishing, hiking, and a pavilion, are still open. The city bought the 116.74-acre property for $2.5 million in 2021. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the YMCA to close.
City officials reported extensive building damage in December 2024. Mikeska informed the council members about the need to replace the building's HVAC, elevators, wiring, and plumbing. Flooding had shifted the structure's base, she said.
Floodwaters buckled the first level and split the interior walls, according to city personnel. It casts doubt on the building's structure. Safety concerns forced the removal of the on-site pool after numerous floods.
Mikeska explained why restoration is no longer possible: “Construction in a floodway is not permissible; renovations in such areas are also off the table.
City officials are considering a study on facility reuse. Given the building's state and floodway property regulations, staff decided destruction was the safest and most cost-effective alternative.
The city plans to repurpose parts of the park after demolition. An archery range is one idea city authorities have mentioned. More information about site improvements is unknown.
The timeline for demolition remains unclear. After scheduling and preparation, city officials will provide updates.
This ruling highlights Conroe's comprehensive plan to manage flood-prone properties and to prevent long-term threats posed by San Jacinto River development.
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