Village Profile: Cochran's Crossing, The Happy Village

This marker represents where the Cochran's Crossing time capsule is buried. The time capsule is slated to be opened in 2083. The Village of Cochran's Crossing was the third of what would become nine villages in The Woodlands Township. less This marker represents where the Cochran's Crossing time capsule is buried. The time capsule is slated to be opened in 2083. The Village of Cochran's Crossing was the third of what would become nine villages in ... more Photo: Courtesy Photo Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Village Profile: Cochran's Crossing, The Happy Village 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Known by residents as "The Happy Village," Cochran's Crossing was the third village established in The Woodlands in 1983, said Village Association President Stuart Schroeder.

The Woodlands has nine villages, all part of the original plan for the community by George Mitchell and other urban planners such as Robert Heineman.

"Interesting fact-there is a time capsule buried next to the pavilion in Shadowbend Park. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on July 9, 2083," he said. "Cochran's Crossing bills itself as the 'Happy Village.' The origin of this goes back over a decade to a Community Associations of The Woodlands resident survey that indicated that of all of the villages, residents of Cochran's Crossing were the most content."

Like many villages in The Woodlands, Cochran's Crossing leaders have sponsored a major community spirit event called The Fall Festival for more than 25 years, Schroeder added.

"The Fall Festival provides free food, entertainment-such as games, bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo-and fellowship for residents of The Woodlands," he said of the event. "The 2018 Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 21 at Shadowbend Park."

In addition to the Fall Festival, Schroeder said the association also sponsors a summer kick-off free pool party at Shadowbend Pool. Attendees at the June 2 event are treated to free pool admission, games and free Kona Ice treats, and they will be able interact with animals provided by staff of Wonders of The Woodlands Science Camp, he added.

Leadership is important to each village in The Woodlands, and Schroeder said Cochran's Crossing is no different. The village has an active association run by 18 area representatives.

"The Cochran's Crossing Village Association board of directors consists of 18 area representatives elected at large that serve one-year terms," Schroeder explained. "Officers are elected by the board members."

Included on the board are: Vice President Jennifer Graff; Treasurer Jim Goldmeyer and Secretary Gary Conwell.

More Information Cochran's Crossing: By the numbers Number of homes: 5,167 Number of residents: 16,090 Parks: 22 Other Amenities: Bear Branch Park, which has nine tennis courts, the largest skate park in the township, a barrier-free playground and a multi-purpose rink. Cochran's Crossing is also connected by an extensive network of pathways; has 22 tennis court, six basketball courts, two swimming pools-Shadowbend and Bear Branch (temporarily closed for repairs); and two dog parks FUN FACT: The name Cochran's Crossing get its name was derived from one of the families that owned the Grogan Cochran Lumber Company.

"We have a diverse board with five members in their first year of service," Schroeder said. "We also have two veteran board members that have served for 26 years each."

Conwell, the village secretary, said the Cochran's Crossing Village Association has a goal to "Support each of the components that are part of a vibrant community, including law enforcement, the fire department and our schools."

"We are also a voice for the citizens that live in our village and that means we are a channel for two-way communication," Conwell added.

While the Village of Creekside Park bore the brunt of most of the damaged homes from Hurricane Harvey flooding, Schroeder said flooding is a major issue facing Cochran's Crossing along with other issues, such as traffic and road repairs and maintenance.

"Flooding is likely the most severe problem faced in our village. A total of nine homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Some of these properties located on Twinberry Place have flooded multiple times, including (during) Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, Hurricane Ike in 2008 and twice in 2016-Tax Day Flood and Memorial Weekend Flood," Schroeder explained. "The Cochran's Crossing Village Association continues to advocate with the municipal utility district and has a representative on The Woodlands Township's drainage task force."

Schroeder also underscored that the village has some of the same issues facing other villages.

"Like other areas of The Woodlands, traffic congestion is a concern," he added. "The village association maintains open communication with Montgomery County Commissioner Precinct 3 (James) Noack's office. Malfunctioning traffic signals and the need for roadway striping are two of the most recent concerns brought to the attention of the commissioner's office."

While much of The Woodlands is relatively free of more extreme crimes, Schroeder said one of the most common crimes reported in the village according to statistics from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office motor vehicles burglaries.

Similar to what many other village residents and officials say around the township, living in Cochran's Crossing means residents are close to valued amenities.

"It affords convenient access to Town Center for work, shopping and entertainment," Schroeder said. "Across Research Forest Drive from Bear Branch Park are the Bear Branch sports fields. There are seven fields-four of which are artificial turf. The sports fields are a very popular venue for soccer games and tournaments and cross country meets."