Conroe eyes green space at stalled tech park

The Conroe City Council voted on Thursday to set aside approximately 40 acres of the mostly unoccupied Dieson Technology Park for a future public green space. This area could feature an amphitheater, a lake, and family attractions, indicating a change in the city's approach to utilizing part of its unsuccessful technology hub.

The resolution was approved with the majority of council members supporting it, although Mayor Pro Tem Howard Wood voted against it. City leaders indicated that the idea is inspired by Houston’s Discovery Green and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, merging open space with entertainment and community events.

The 248-acre Dieson Technology Park, situated near East Wally Wilkerson and FM 1484 on Conroe’s north side, was acquired by the city in 2008 and officially opened its doors in 2013. Conroe invested approximately $26 million in the project, of which $10 million was for land acquisition and the remainder for infrastructure improvements, including roads, drainage, and water and sewer lines.

The park remained unoccupied for many years. In 2019, biotech company VGXI emerged as its first significant tenant, but that agreement fell apart in December when the firm ceased operations due to its inability to pay employees. Other than the VGXI tract, the site remains undeveloped, featuring a 20-acre park with a walking path and a fountain.

Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska revealed that the park's original purpose was for future employees to enjoy their lunch or take breaks. The city is now responsible for its upkeep in the absence of tenants.

“No one has assumed responsibility for it, and we continue to maintain it,” Mikeska informed the council members.

According to the new concept, the city plans to integrate the existing park into a more expansive public space covering approximately 43 acres. The remaining 163 acres will remain available for sale or private development.

Mikeska mentioned that a phased plan might encompass an outdoor amphitheater, special events, movie nights, trails, a lake, a dog park, children’s play areas, and even family activities like bumper boats. The initiative will involve collaboration between the city, the Conroe Industrial Development Corp., and Visit Conroe.

While a timeline and budget have not been established, Mikeska emphasized the importance of reserving the land at this stage.

“The initial action is to secure the land, or it will ultimately be lost,” she stated.

Mayor Duke Coon and Wood voiced their apprehension about committing property before the city had a more defined vision or secured funding. Coon stated that Conroe continues to have urgent requirements and should persist in promoting the park to businesses, potentially considering a rebranding as an industrial site.

“I believe it’s a precarious situation,” Coon remarked. “This city presents us with numerous challenges that we must address.”

Advocates contended that preserving land for public use is crucial as Conroe continues to expand. Councilwoman Marsha Porter asserted that selling the land eliminates the opportunity.

“If we don’t set aside some land for certain purposes, that land will no longer exist,” Porter stated.