Officials with HTX Surf are hoping to open the simulated surfing experience in Generation Park in 2028, Blake Hess, chief operating officer and partner of Beach Street Development, said in a June 23 email.

The details: Originally expected to open in 2024, the simulated surfing experience from Beach Street Development will create customizable, ocean-like waves to simulate a surfing experience that can be tailored to different skill levels.

As previously reported by Community Impact, the 5.5-acre surf lagoon will offer training programs aimed at helping guests learn how to surf and improve their skills. The venue will also feature a large beach for spectators, food and beverage offerings, and a waterfront hospitality concept overlooking the area in addition to a slate of other amenities.

• Projected opening in 2028
• Generation Park, 250 Assay St., Houston

Check out what's happening in the Lake Houston area this summer.

Liberty on the Lawn: Head to Redemption Square for an evening of live music, food, entertainment for kids and fireworks.

• July 4, 5-9 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 250 Assay St., Houston

• July 10, 8:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood

• July 11, 6 p.m.
• $40-$50
• 611 Higgins St., Humble

The Houston-Galveston Area Council has named Ron Papsdorf as its new executive director, officials announced in a June 16 news release. Papsdorf, who is currently serving as H-GAC’s chief transportation officer, will replace Chuck Wemple, who is retiring after eight years.

Diving in: In his current role, Papsdorf oversees transportation across the region and assists local governments in collaborating on transportation projects, per the release. Papsdorf previously served as a division director at the Denver Regional Council of Governments, where he led the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

“I am honored to be chosen by the H-GAC board to serve the region in this new role,” Papsdorf said in the release. “Our region is growing and changing rapidly, and I am eager to work with the board, our staff, our communities and our partners to make us the best region in the country to live, work and do business.”

Looking ahead: Papsdorf will begin his role as executive director July 13, per the release.

The May Housing Market Update from the Houston Association of Realtors reports pending single-family home sales in the Greater Houston area are at their highest point since May 2022.

However, there has been a slight decline in closings and total sales since last May, data shows.

By the numbers: Single-family home sales fell by 3.2%, with 8,631 homes sold in May compared to the 8,915 sold last May. Meanwhile, home prices grew 0.4%, bringing the median price to $340,000.

Texas education officials gave preliminary approval June 23 to the state’s first mandatory reading list, which includes nearly 200 literary works that public school students would begin reading as soon as 2030.

The overview: The proposed list incorporates about a dozen stories from the Bible, including the tale of David and Goliath in second grade and direct biblical excerpts beginning in fourth grade. In total, students would be required to read more than two dozen texts in early elementary grades and about 10 literary works per year from sixth grade through high school.

What's happening: Members of the Republican-led State Board of Education voted 9-5 to cut several titles from the reading list June 23, following nearly eight hours of public testimony a day earlier.

More than half of those who testified June 22 asked the board to shorten the list, include more diverse authors and remove religious references. Others praised the SBOE for creating a list that they said would teach students about “American exceptionalism” and prioritize classical literature.