THE WOODLANDS Celebrated 50th Anniversary in 2024 Honoring Contributions of the Community
The Woodlands, an award-winning and nationally recognized master planned community, celebrated five decades of vision, innovation, and excellence
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS: “We are grateful for the support of our community’s residents and businesses and eagerly anticipate the next 50 years ahead,” said Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands, we express profound gratitude for the dream and vision of George Mitchell,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township. “Residents and businesses alike, exemplify a spirit of generosity that enriches The Woodlands, fostering opportunities to live, work, learn, pray and play. Here’s to five decades of excellence for one of the most renowned communities in the world.”
“We’re honored to be part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of The Woodlands,” members of The Woodlands Township planning committee said. “This is a significant time in the best community in the country, as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future. We’re honored to celebrate these moments with fellow residents.”
The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Committee includes Brad Bailey, Cindy Heiser and Linda Nelson, each a member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, in addition to Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township team members.
Recap of events held for the 5oth Anniversary:
TIME CAPSULE DEDICATION: The Woodlands commenced its 50th Anniversary weeklong celebration with a Kickoff and Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony at the Hughes Landing Band Shell overlooking Lake Woodlands. Community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township gathered to mark the historic milestone.
“It all started 50 years ago on Saturday, October 19, when our Founder George P. Mitchell grand opened The Woodlands,” said Carman. “It was George Mitchell’s vision to create an all-encompassing, integrated community where residents could live, work, play, learn, heal and pray among a natural forested and preserved environment. This vision has helped guide The Woodlands to be recognized for many awards from environmental stewardship to being ranked the #1 community to live in America in 2021 and 2022 by Niche.”
Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who was in attendance, said, “It’s really no wonder why The Woodlands is consistently proclaimed one of the best places to live in the United States. Over the past 50 years, George Mitchell’s vision has become a model that many other communities try to emulate. It’s a place where people can live, work, play, and pray without ever going too far from home. It’s easy to see why The Woodlands is booming, and I look forward to the great things that come over the next 50 years.”
The contents of the time capsule reflect The Woodlands’ proud history and vibrant presence. Adorning the lid of the time capsule, The Woodlands’ 50th Anniversary logo stands as a testament to the present, awaiting its reveal half a century from now. Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township included several items in the time capsule, including a letter from Jim Carman to future residents, anniversary commemorative items like The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Photo Book, a historical timeline, an anniversary video complete with an iPad to play it in 50 years, a Town Center site plan designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, and a Challenge Coin, among others.
Local organizations also contributed historical items including Interfaith of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Fire Department, The Woodlands Resort and The Woodlands Rotary Club – who have all recently turned 50 or will soon. Items from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, George’s Coffee Club and the family of George Mitchell will also include items in the time capsule. Additionally, memories of The Woodlands were shared by Bruce Tough, Hometown Hero and community leader, and Grant Irons, Hometown Hero and son of the late Gerald D. Irons, Sr.
MURAL INSTALLATION & STUDENTS’ DAY: In honor of this milestone, the installation of a new mural, “The Beauty of Nature in The Woodlands”, featured visual artists, Marlo Saucedo and Amy Malkan, who were selected from approximately 40 applicants from The Woodlands and surrounding areas through an open call from The Woodlands Arts Council. Aspiring art students from The Woodlands High School and The Woodlands College Park High School assisted the featured artists in the painting of the outdoor mural.
During the installation event, the featured artists and students began the three-day long painting process on “The Beauty of Nature in The Woodlands,” which includes native, natural elements of The Woodlands in its design, honoring the community’s five decades of history. The new mural is located along The Woodlands Waterway, signifying the importance and impact of art in the community.
TREE DEDICATION CEREMONY: A Tree Dedication Ceremony highlighted the planting of a significant hardwood oak tree, representing the community’s commitment to sustainability. This symbolic event at Northshore Park brought together community leaders, public officials and representatives from Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township.
“As we commemorate The Woodlands’ 50th anniversary, we remain dedicated to the core values of sustainability and environmental stewardship that George Mitchell envisioned when conceiving this community,” said Carman. “With an unprecedented 35 percent of our land permanently dedicated to open green space, these tree plantings reinforce our pledge to preserve this natural heritage.”
To extend the celebration across the community, 100-gallon trees were also planted in each of the eight residential villages. This initiative, carried out in partnership with the respective village associations, included Grogan’s Mill, Panther Creek, Cochran’s Crossing, Indian Springs, Alden Bridge, Sterling Ridge, College Park and Creekside Park.
“Since its founding, The Woodlands has been celebrated for its dedication to maintaining the lush greenery that distinguishes our community,” said Brad Bailey, Board of Directors, The Woodlands Township. “The planted tree dedication and tree giveaways symbolize The Woodlands’ history and unwavering promise to the environment, serving as a testament to our dedication both now and for generations tom come.”
For more information on The Woodlands 50th Anniversary, visit TheWoodlands.com.
Photos courtesy of the Howard Hughes | Houston Region