Village Profile: College Park

The Village of College Park is comprised of three sub-villages, Grogan's Forest, Harper’s Landing and Windsor Hills. The Village of College Park is comprised of three sub-villages, Grogan's Forest, Harper’s Landing and Windsor Hills. Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Village Profile: College Park 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Of the nine villages that comprise The Woodlands, the Village of College Park stands out for several reasons, but higher education and geographical location are at the forefront.

Village Association Secretary Martha Meerscheidt said College Park is unique in that it is made up of three distinct and separate mini villages, including Harper’s Landing, Grogan’s Forest and The Woodlands first ever over-55 community, Windsor Hills. The village is also home to Lone Star College and College Park High School.

Village Association President Ted Stanley said the Village of College Park got its name because of the local community college that is located within the village.

“In addition to the Montgomery Community College (now part of the Lone Star College System), the University Center is also located on College Park Drive (Hwy 242),” Stanley explained. “Additionally, we are proud to include The Woodlands High School College Park campus, St. Luke's Hospital (as well as many medical facilities), many auto dealerships, a few hotels, shopping, restaurants, and fun activities. It a great village for families, as well as businesses.”

Stanley explained that one unique feature that makes College Park special is the village’s geographical location, which includes having the only neighborhood in The Woodlands on the east side of I-45.

“College Park is the only non-contiguous village in The Woodlands. Separated both north and south and east and west, the village is bisected by both State Highway 242 and Interstate 45. College Park is the only village with homes on the east side of I-45,” Stanley said. “While College Park still continues to be the smallest village population-wise, it continues to be one of the strongest in terms of activities, resident interactions and contributions to The Woodlands as a whole.”

Meerscheidt said she has been residing in The Woodlands since 1980 and first began her community volunteerism by serving on The Woodlands Community Association Board of Directors as an at-large representative.

More Information College Park: By the numbers Number of homes: 2,800 homes; three apartment complexes. Number of residents: Total not provided. Parks: Six in total - Grogan’s Forest has three parks, Harper’s Landing has three parks including Harper’s Landing Park which has a pool amenity. The Windsor Hills Homeowners Association supports its own pool and amenities within the Windsor Hills community. Harper's Landing Park, in addition to the pool and pavilion, has a skate bowl, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a dog park and a large playground area. Thee five neighborhood parks have unique amenities: Avalon Park—with tennis courts and bocci ball court; Tapestry Park—with pavilion; Mason Pond Park is located in the Grogan's Forest neighborhood and Misty Dawn Park and Wimberly Park are both in the Harper's Landing. Windsor Hills, the senior community, has it own amenities such as swimming pool and club house.

"At that time I lived in Grogan’s Mill Village. I moved to Cochran’s Crossing Village and served on the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association," she explained. "After moving to Windsor Hills six years ago, I was invited to serve on the College Park Board. It is a pleasure to be involved in the community in this way."

Meerscheidt said that under The Woodlands Township parks tier system, College Park has many specialty parks, including a dog friendly park at Harper’s Landing Park and a wheelchair friendly park which is also inside of Harper’s Landing.

"Harper’s Landing Park has many features of a major village park which includes ball fields, basketball courts, barbecue pits, swings, a pavilion, play equipment for both older and younger age groups, restrooms, soccer fields and of course the main attraction in the summer—our pool," Meerscheidt said. "Our other five parks are neighborhood parks or pocket parks which have at minimum play equipment, fountains, picnic tables and swings."

The Village of College Park village association board includes the following representatives: President Stanley, Secretary Meerscheidt; Treasuer Dave Mulberry; representatives Johanne Stanley, Steve Lamotta, Joel Barnes and Mike Larson. There are currently openings for four village representatives.

Like all villages, residents said there are several big issues confronting the village.

Meerscheidt said residents of College Park are concerned about traffic at State Highway 242 and the Donwick entrance to Harper’s Landing.

“We have very low crime statistics in our village. Often crime in the Woodlands is crime of opportunity. we encourage residents to report suspicious activity and always lock cars and hide valuables out of site,” she said. “We have an active Woodlands Watch neighborhood Watch program and encourage residents to use the vacation watch program.”

Stanley said because of the location of the neighborhoods in the village, traffic is always a concern.

“Crime is relatively low, and floods only became a major issue with Hurricane Harvey and its after affects,” Stanley added.

When asked what’s best about living in College Park, both Stanley and Meerschiedt said several positive things about the village they both call home.

Meerscheidt said she enjoys the easy access to I-45.

“I live in Windsor Hills and that in itself is a special place,” she said. “So I guess I would say good people and people that care.”

Stanley said the best thing about living in College Park is the residents.

“(They are) Hard working, dedicated and always willing to assist a neighbor. Because we are a small village, we tend to ‘be there for one another,’” Stanley added. “Another great aspect of the village is that the neighborhoods are mostly secluded.”

— This is the fourth in our series of village profiles, check future issues of The Woodlands Villager for more profiles as we work through the remaining five villages.