Community’s Park Naming Donation Program Reached Nearly $25,000 for Local Non-Profits
The Howard Hughes Corporation held a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 6 in The Woodlands Hills for the new Dr. Tim Harkrider Park, named in honor of Willis Independent School District Superintendent. The naming rights were donated by The Howard Hughes Corporation and won in a gala auction bid by Texas contractor, Pogue Construction, which chose to name the park in Dr. Harkrider’s name.
Since the community’s park naming donation program was conceived five years ago in The Woodlands Hills—the 2,000-acre forested master planned community, located 13 miles north of The Woodlands® in Conroe and Willis – The Howard Hughes Corporation has raised nearly $25,000 for local nonprofit organizations including Willis ISD Education Foundation and the Montgomery County Community Foundation.
“As we proudly mark the fifth anniversary of The Woodlands Hills this summer, we are pleased to demonstrate our commitment to the community by donating the naming rights of the new Dr. Tim Harkrider Park to benefit Willis ISD Education Foundation,” said Steve Sams, Senior Vice President, Master Planned Communities, Residential – Houston Region for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Harkrider Park, like all of our masterfully designed parks, enhances the nature-inspired amenities that foster health and wellness for our residents.”
Since its inception, The Howard Hughes Corporation has been an active philanthropist, contributing and volunteering annually to more than 180 charitable causes in the Houston region as part of its corporate social responsibility program HHCares, founded on a commitment to community-focused philanthropy, including financial donations, civic engagement and volunteerism.
Attending the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, recently held in the Drift Rose Terrace neighborhood of The Woodlands Hills, were Dr. Tim Harkrider and his family, auction winner Pogue Construction, and representatives from Willis ISD and The Howard Hughes Corporation.
Nestled in the forested neighborhood of Drift Rose Terrace in The Woodlands Hills, the one-acre park features a giant fort tower, multiple slides, an inclusive We-Go-Round spinner, and a double-bay swing set featuring the Expression Swing allowing an adult to swing with and interact with their child face to face. Musical chime stations allow children of all ages to express their creative side. Harkrider Park also includes three vibrant shade sails, providing a shady retreat. The park’s natural color scheme blends into the surrounding environment, which is in harmony with the other parks in The Woodlands Hills that embrace an appreciation for nature.
The new Dr. Tim Harkrider Park joins other uniquely themed parks that are strategically positioned within walking distance of each neighborhood in The Woodlands Hills. The previous parks that raised funds for nonprofit organizations include Sue Luce’s Daisy Park, Rick and Roz Dauzat Peace Park, Coach Les Peacock Park, and Lucy and Gus Dauzat Dog Park. The award-winning Founders Park and Teralyn Woods Park are also located within The Woodlands Hills. The community is anticipated to feature 20 neighborhood parks within its 112 acres of open space.
