Farmers Market, plethora of parks distinguish Grogan's Mill

The Village of Grogan's Mill The Village of Grogan's Mill Photo: Courtesy Photos Photo: Courtesy Photos Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Farmers Market, plethora of parks distinguish Grogan's Mill 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

When asked to describe a story or anecdote about what makes Grogan's Mill special, village President Marie Brannen and others involved with the village came up with an extensive list of amenities, including being the first village in The Woodlands, its proximity to Interstate 45, the central business district, access to high quality restaurants and entertainment.

But what kept popping up amongst their answers was The Woodlands Farmers Market, hosted every Saturday and filled with vendors plying their wares, fruits and vegetables as well as providing food trucks and live music.

Brannen said 2018 marks the markets its 10th anniversary.

"It's a great place for residents to buy locally grown produce and pasture raised meat and eggs as well as shop for handcrafted items," Brannen said of the market. "We often feature musicians and celebrate many events throughout the year such as back-to-school and the Super Bowl.

Ned Chapman, who is vice president of the village association said the Farmers Market is "cool and funky."

"It's a natural gathering spot for meeting; greeting; chatting; and buying delicious and wholesome food products and organic vegetables," Chapman said.

Resident Bruce Cunningham explained that the Farmer's Market is more than a place to get fresh vegetables; the market also generates a significant amount of income for the GMVA which allows the village to fund donations.

More Information At a Glance: Village of Grogan's Mill Population: More than 14,000 residents Number of Homes: More than 3,500 homes and six apartment complexes Number of Parks: 12 Other Amenities: The Woodlands Farmers Market, The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, two golf courses, one swimming pool, multiple tennis courts and 3 miles of bike trails. The Woodlands Farmers Market: Technically known as the Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan's Mill, the event was established in 2008 as "The Grogan's Mill Farmers Market," and is a weekly community event sponsored by the Grogan's Mill Village Association. The Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Grogan's Mill Center. The market typically closes only one Saturday during the year, the Saturday between Christmas and New Year's Day. Those who drive to the Market will find plenty of parking. Those who opt to walk or ride a bike, the market is located just off of the Mill Bend Trail with direct access under Grogan's Mill Road. The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan's Mill sends out a weekly newsletter on Fridays to let our customers know who and what will be at the market the next day.

"We will give $6,000 to local schools, $4,000 to scholarships, $2,500 to Interfaith, $500 to Aging In Place and a few thousand will be spent on local activities for our residents," Cunningham explained.

Parks are another area Grogan's Mill seems to take pride in, said Brannen.

"Tamarac Park has a lovely shaded dog park. Millbend Linear Park features a jogging track and water fountains," she explained. "Sawmill Park has a (swimming) pool as well as a fantastic splash pad for the kids which is open March to October, (as well as) tennis courts and a sports field."

Like all villages in The Woodlands, Grogan's Mill has its own village association board composed of people dedicated to making the village the best place to live possible, Brannen said.

"The board consists of 15 civic minded members with a wide range of experiences in everything from law, engineering, real estate, entrepreneurship, information technology, farming, chemistry and raising kids," Brannen said. "On a special note, our long-standing member, Virginia Dellinger, retired from the board this year after serving an amazing 20 years. In her honor, we will have a tree planted next winter in Grogan's Mill.

At the most recent village election in March, Brannen said the following members were elected to executive positions - Ned Chapman, vice President; Bob Leilich, treasurer; Emily Hoppel, secretary; and John Yoars, vice president of governmental affairs.

Brannen said the biggest issues confronting the village are traffic issues and signage, but flooding is also a concern especially after Hurricane Harvey.

"Flooding in Grogan's Point and High Oaks, which is being addressed (is one issue)," she said. "There are many residents in these neighborhoods who are still rebuilding their homes after Hurricane Harvey."

Several Grogan's Mill residents described what they feel are the best aspects of living in Grogan's Mill.

Chapman said Grogan's Mill is, "By far the most vibrant of the villages."

"It is the 'destination' of all Woodlands residents with regards to dining, culture, exercise and social interaction," Chapman said in an email. "Additionally, development has been done prudently with lots of trails, trees and vistas still available. By way of example, there is an American bald eagle family that has successfully flourished in The Woodlands for the last 10 years or so. Of all the places to live in Montgomery County-they wisely chose Grogan's Mill."

Chapman said residents, "Have it all in Grogan's Mill," citing amenities such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the Market Street shopping area, a great library, numerous "amazing" churches, many good restaurants, miles of shaded walking and biking trails, swimming pools tennis courts and the Woodlands Waterway.

"(Grogan's Mill) Also has the most trees, shade and largest overall lots," Chapman added. "It was the first village in The Woodlands, and is really the hub as it is located near the Town Center. It also has the most history and was named for the former Grogan-Cochran Lumber Mill (opened 1974). Frank Sinatra kicked off the Pavilion (initial season)."

Village resident Jody Ronzio said the charm of the village is what she likes about her home community.

"There are many best things about Grogan's Mill but what comes to mind is the charm," Ronzio added. "It's not as busy crazy as the other villages. Large trees and character abound. We are so close to everything, (the) library, (the) Pavillion, fine dining, and close to the airport."

Brannen said she enjoys being so close to the schools, the library, the swimming pool, the various grocery stores, the Pavilion and Town Green Park.

"Our family enjoys taking picnic dinners to Sawmill Park or Town Green and letting the kids enjoy the wide open spaces," she said. "We make great use of the bike trails, too."

- This is the second in a series of nine profiles of each village in The Woodlands. Check out our April 11 print issue for our third installment.