Development

For East Montgomery County residents who have watched neighborhoods, businesses and major developments spread across the New Caney and Porter area, a different kind of project is now moving forward — one built around trees, trails, recreation and room to spend time outside.

The East Montgomery County Improvement District has awarded a construction contract to HD Outdoor Construction for the first phase of its approximately 200-acre natural park in New Caney, with work scheduled to begin in November 2026.

The first phase will center largely on a new dog park, creating separate fenced areas for large and small dogs totaling 32,856 square feet. Plans also call for interactive water features, shaded seating, artificial turf, restrooms and parking, giving local families and pet owners a new recreational destination close to home.

For EMCID, however, the dog park is only the beginning of a much larger plan.

A New Outdoor Destination Taking Shape in New Caney

The park is planned near FM 1485 and Gene Campbell Boulevard along Caney Creek, on property that has steadily grown from an initial 64-acre tract into a roughly 200-acre recreational site.

EMCID began pursuing the original wooded property several years ago as residents called for more park space in East Montgomery County. District records show the 64-acre acquisition was completed in May 2022, with early plans centered on a dog park, walking trails and preservation of the heavily wooded land along Caney Creek and Dry Creek.

As EMCID acquired neighboring property, the vision became considerably larger. By 2024, the district was describing a 200-acre natural park with possibilities including hike-and-bike trails, a dog park, a pump track and additional outdoor recreation built around the property's existing landscape.

That emphasis on preserving the wooded setting remains central to the project.

“Creating quality outdoor spaces is an investment in our community’s future,” said Frank McCrady, President and CEO of EMCID. “This park is designed to provide a place where families, including their four-legged family members, can gather and enjoy the outdoors.”

What Is Included in the First Phase?

For residents wondering what will actually be built first at the new EMCID park in New Caney, the initial construction phase has a defined list of amenities.

Plans include separate large- and small-dog areas covering a combined 32,856 square feet, along with two interactive water features designed for dogs. Artificial turf play areas will provide additional space for pets to run, while two shade structures with nearby seating will give owners places to rest.

The first phase will also include 33 parking spaces, restroom facilities and a covered canopy area. A children's playground is planned for a future addition.

HD Outdoor Construction, the contractor selected for the work, specializes in outdoor amenity projects such as parks and recreation spaces and has worked on projects elsewhere in the Greater Houston region.

The latest plans build on concepts EMCID has been developing for several years. Earlier designs also envisioned using existing trees to create natural shade around the dog park rather than clearing the property into a more conventional open recreational space.

More Than a Dog Park

The size of the property is what makes the project especially notable for New Caney, Porter and surrounding East Montgomery County communities.

While the dog park is the first major recreational component moving into construction, EMCID's longer-term planning has considered a much broader mix of activities across the roughly 200 acres.

Previous master-planning materials have shown concepts such as creekside hike-and-bike trails, pond trails, a fishing pier, playground areas, a bike or skate playground, a canopy walk and woodland trails. Those concepts illustrate the broader possibilities for the property, although amenities beyond the current phase remain subject to future planning and approval.

That distinction matters as the park develops: not everything appearing on an early master plan is necessarily guaranteed to be built.

What is clear is EMCID's intention to preserve much of the natural character of the property while creating additional places for residents to walk, play and gather.

Residents Are Helping Shape What Comes Next

Community input is also playing a role in determining the park's future.

EMCID has asked residents through surveys and a public hearing to weigh in on the recreational amenities they would like to see included in the second phase. The district says another public hearing is being planned to gather final input before those future improvements move ahead.

That gives East Montgomery County residents another opportunity to help shape what could ultimately become one of the area's larger public outdoor spaces.

The project comes at a time when New Caney and the surrounding Interstate 69 corridor are continuing to add residential, retail, dining and entertainment development. EMCID encompasses about 158 square miles and serves communities including New Caney, Porter, Patton Village, Roman Forest, Splendora, Woodbranch Village and a portion of Kingwood.

As East Montgomery County continues to grow, the roughly 200-acre park will preserve a substantial piece of green space while giving residents more room to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors.

It creates room for the outdoors to remain part of East Montgomery County's identity as the area around it continues to change.

What Happens Next

Construction on the first phase is scheduled to begin in November 2026, bringing the long-discussed New Caney park closer to becoming a place residents can actually use.

The dog park, water features, shade structures, seating, artificial turf, parking, restrooms and covered canopy will form the first piece of the larger development. Future phases are expected to expand recreational opportunities across the property while preserving its natural landscape.

EMCID has not announced a completion date for the entire 200-acre park, and much of what comes after the dog park will depend on final planning and community input.

For families, dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts in New Caney, Porter and across East Montgomery County, though, November marks an important transition: after years of purchasing land, planning and asking residents what they want to see, construction on the park's first major amenities is set to begin.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates as construction progresses and more details surface from the EMCID about future phases of the New Caney park.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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