The Colony · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in The Colony public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Annex Parking Congestion During Early Voting
Early voting crowds are filling every spot at the Annex, making it hard for library patrons to visit. Council asked staff to look at shifting detective parking to open more stalls.
2026/2027 CIP project list
The CDC board considered its capital project list for the coming fiscal years, funding the new recreation center, athletic field upgrades at BB Owen and Turner parks, playground replacements, and aquatic park renovation phases. These projects shape what parks and facilities residents will have over the next several years.
Parks Department Fee Increases
Staff proposed raising fees that in many cases haven't changed since before 2011 — rec center and senior memberships, athletics, rentals and Stewart Creek Park — plus ending holiday kids camp sessions and charging disabled veterans for park passes. Council pushed back on the veteran fee.
Animal shelter indoor dog play space partnership
The city's animal shelter expansion could include a 400-square-foot indoor play space, with the Friends of the Colony nonprofit raising half the $100,000–$120,000 cost through kennel sponsorships and donor bricks. Council gave favorable direction.
Indoor Recreation Center grant application
The city is applying for a Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Park Grant to help fund the Indoor Recreation Center at 4431 Augusta St.
Bill Allen Memorial Park erosion repair
A $178,484 contract amendment with CGC General Contractors finishes the stream bank erosion stabilization project at Bill Allen Memorial Park, split between Parks CDC funds and Engineering CIP funds.
Bond-funded parks and recreation project list (~$47 million)
Staff laid out a project wish list — rec center, athletic complex renovations, aquatic park, pickleball, playgrounds — to be funded by a new bond of roughly $34 million (20-year) or $40 million (30-year) at $2.5 million annual debt service. The board gave direction to prioritize rec-center-related projects first and most members leaned toward the 30-year option.
Pickleball courts opening and parking concerns
The new pickleball courts open within a month, but the board wants to delay the grand opening until the parking lot expansion is done so senior users aren't squeezed out. The courts will be free public play; fees apply only for programmed events.
Perryman Park Playground Replacement
The new Perryman playground is nearly complete, with inspection this week. The board picked Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to noon, for a casual popsicles-in-the-park celebration during Parks and Recreation Month.
Aquatic Park splash pad replacement questioned
Council Member Joel Marks called the aging Aquatic Park splash pad a money pit with obsolete parts and questioned building a second splash pad half a mile from the free one at Kids Colony. Staff agreed to generalize the line item as an 'aquatic amenity upgrade' rather than a straight replacement.