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Parks and recreation: New Oscar Johnson Jr. center expands Conroe amenities

Conroe’s Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment & Recreation Center made its public debut Jan. 20—bringing a significantly larger footprint and a broader menu of programs to Conroe’s east side.

What you need to know: The new two-story facility spans 86,974 square feet on 22 acres at 710 Forest Drive, Conroe, and replaces the existing center, according to the city website. The center is set to become Conroe’s newest major recreation hub. Inside, there are two full-size basketball courts that convert into six pickleball courts, weekly group fitness classes and a cycling room, said Mike Cantu, assistant director of recreation operations.

Also of note: Cantu said the center also includes a fitness area with free weights, machines, cardio equipment and a women-only workout space. Additional amenities include a kids zone for ages 6 months to 8 years and expanded senior programming. The facility also has event space and areas for youth programs, per the city’s website.

 
CI Business
The Wheel Cafe closes in Conroe

The Wheel Cafe, located along Longmire Road, announced its closure via Facebook on Jan. 18. 

The gist: The location, which originally opened in 2023, was an extension of The Wheel Kitchen, a restaurant in Tomball, Community Impact previously reported.

What they're saying: “While this transition comes with mixed emotions, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We are deeply thankful for every customer who walked through our doors and became part of our journey,” restaurant officials said via Facebook. “To my incredible staff your dedication, love, and hard work meant everything.”

  • 1905 Longemire Road, Ste. A1, Conroe

 
Stay In The Know
$43K in arts microgrants benefit Montgomery County organizations, schools

A total of $43,000 in art grants have been awarded by The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in partnership with The Woodlands Arts Council to initiatives across Montgomery County.

The Performing Arts Microgrants program for 2026 continues a program that has invested $130,000 in performing arts education and access since 2024, according to a news release.

Measuring the impact: Microgrants go toward programs such as music instruction, performance opportunities, equipment and expanded arts programming, according to Jan. 16 news release.

Recipients of the latest grants include:

  • Caney Creek High School
  • The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra
  • Patterson Elementary School
  • Conroe High School

 

YOUR WEEKEND TO-DO LIST

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

To submit your own event, click here!

Humble  |  Feb. 6-7, 5-11 p.m.

Humble Rodeo & BBQ Cook-Off

Learn more.

 

Houston  |  Feb. 7, 1 p.m.

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

Learn more.

 

Spring  |  Feb. 7, 5 p.m.

Purse Bingo

Learn more.

 

Houston  |  Feb. 7, 2-5 p.m.

Space News & Brews

Learn more.

 

Kingwood  |  Feb. 7, 6-11:30 p.m.

Mardi Gras Ball Kingwood

Learn more.

 
On The Business Beat
9 Black-owned businesses to support during Black History Month in Greater Houston

Here are several Black-owned businesses located across the Houston metro to commemorate Black History Month, as recently reported by Community Impact.

Good Eatz
Veteran and Good Eatz owner LaTroy Johnson opened his restaurant in July 2022. Johnson said he chose the location due to its friendly community.

  • 8805 Jones Road, Ste. A-101, Jersey Village

Kendal & Kelby Cheesecakes
Twin sisters Kendal and Kelby Norfleet started baking cheesecakes as a hobby in 2017 while in college. Taking orders over Instagram, the two perfected their recipes, never imagining they would one day own their own bakery.
  • 29110 Hwy. 290, Ste. 220, Cypress

Pivot Cajun Kitchen
Former hairdresser Shondra Johnson opened her own restaurant, Pivot Cajun Kitchen, in October 2024 to bring a taste of New Orleans and Cajun culture to the area, with family recipes created by her late mother, Dorothy Johnson.
  • 5802 FM 1488, Ste. F, Magnolia

 
Mark Your Calendar
8 events to attend in the Greater Houston area for Super Bowl LX

Looking for plans to gear up for the big football game? Super Bowl LX takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, when the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots for a chance at the championship.

Scheduled performers include Charlie Puth to sing the national anthem and a halftime performance with international recording artist Bad Bunny, according to the National Football League’s website.

The event: Here are several events taking place around the Greater Houston area this weekend, from Feb.6-Feb. 8, for Super Bowl LX. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

  • Super Bowl spreads at Lankford’s The Woodlands
  • Heights Bier Garten watch party
  • Live DJ and watch party in Spring
  • Potluck, tailgating and more in Pearland
  • Super Bowl squares and sliders in Sugar Land
  • Game day buffet and pickleball play at PKL Social
  • Game day food boards, watch party and custom cakes at Bayou Heights
  • Seahawks Big Game Giveaway at Little Woodrow’s

 
Key Information
New newsletter alert: Bryan-College Station

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings.


Live, work or hang out in Bryan or College Station? Or know someone who does? Stay connected or share with your neighbors.


 

Your local team

Lizzy Spangler
Editor

Chrissy Leggett
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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