Tomball City Council approved an $80,000 budget amendment March 16 to let the Tomball Economic Development Corp. reorganize staff, adding new roles. 

City officials said the move will add internal capacity while reducing some outside consulting costs and also trying to keep up with the city’s growth and a rising number of projects.

What happened: TEDC Executive Director Kelly Violette told council the corporation’s workload has expanded in recent years while its staffing structure has remained largely unchanged. She said a 2020 organizational assessment identified the need for a higher-level marketing and communications position, but TEDC did not move forward at the time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Violette said that need has continued as TEDC takes on projects such as Tomball Legacy Square, coordinates stakeholder meetings and manages broader economic development efforts. She told the council the corporation is “flailing” under its current structure and outsourcing work it could potentially handle in-house.

Cantona Homestead will open in late March, officials confirmed.

The details: The business is a 40-acre equestrian ranch with 20 horses and baby goats. Officials said Cantona Homestead also offers barnyard activities for families, such as pony rides, petting the animals and local vendors. The business also offers a private petting zoo experience and mobile zoo experience, as its website states.

• 24706 FM 2978, Tomball

From water parks built for thrill-seekers to tranquil lagoons perfect for relaxing, there are several ways for Houston-area residents to cool off this summer.

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: Located in New Caney, this water park also features amusement park rides, an inflatable course, zip lines, ax-throwing, a maze, a gator exhibit and a petting zoo.

• Open for Spring Adventure days in March; all water attractions open select days April 3-Sept. 30
• $19.99 (single-use day ticket March 7-29), $44.99 (single-use day ticket April 3-Sept. 30), $99.99 (season pass), free (age 2 and under)

• Open year-round
• $34-$55 (half-day pass), $49-$79 (full-day pass), $65-$269 (season pass)

• Open select days May 2-Sept. 7
• $42-$90 (daily admission), $89-$150 (season pass)