A larger playground is on its way to the Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment and Recreation Center after Conroe City Council approved a $275,836.72 proposal Sept. 24.

The council approved the new proposal without opposition, moving ahead with a larger design after council members questioned a nearly $90,000 replacement proposal earlier this summer.

The details: According to the documents, the proposal from GameTime includes:

• A play structure designed for children ages 5-12

• A three-bay swing set

• Activity panels

• Musical instruments

• A spinning play feature

It also includes safety surfacing, drainage work, curbs and a sidewalk.

During the meeting, Community Development Director Brandy Taylor highlighted the design’s shade canopy and lower-height play features intended to make more of the playground accessible to children with disabilities.

What they said: Council members asked how long the new equipment might last, and how many children could use it. A representative said the city has equipment from the same manufacturer that is more than 20 years old.

Local Mexican restaurant Conroe Icehouse is opening in late October at 1355 N. Loop 336 E. in Conroe, according to general manager Justin Marshall.

What’s special about it?: Marshall wants the establishment to become a gathering place for the community.

"Conroe is home. We saw an opportunity to build a genuine gathering place for the community - family-friendly by day, and a bar and live music venue by night," Marshall said.

The restaurant will operate alongside in-house and supplemental food trucks on location, and it features a full bar supplied with local beers and cocktails.

The Texas Department of Transportation is proposing a $209 million Grand Parkway widening project through the Spring area in Harris and Montgomery counties. Funded by toll revenue, the project would widen a 6.73-mile section of the roadway to maintain stable traffic flow and vehicle speed. Public feedback on the proposal is being collected through Oct. 9.

The plan: The project is needed because State Highway 99 is unable to maintain a minimum traffic flow level of C. No additional right-of-way is needed for the project, which proposes:

• Three 12-foot-wide main lanes in each direction
• 10-foot-wide paved shoulders replacing the grassy median
• Concrete traffic barriers
• Direct connectors between I-45 and the Grand Parkway

What to expect: The project timeline includes:

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.