The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted on February 16, 2023 to build restroom facilities at Capstone Park against Capstone residents’ outcry. The Township mailed a letter to the 384 Capstone residents on December 1, 2022 to ask for our opinion and input. At least 45 residents wrote emails and phone calls against building restrooms, six responded in favor. The Township has budgeted $302,009 for this project and plans to begin clearing trees and beginning construction in the fall this year. Majority of The Woodlands residents have voiced concerns to the Township regarding the project.

Increased Park Activity, Traffic and Parking Issues

Capstone Park is the middle of the Capstone neighborhood with resident homes located near the park. Residents are concerned that the restrooms, which will be open from sunrise to about 11 PM each day, will attract increased activity at the park and will impede their privacy due to increased lighting and noise. Additionally, there are concerns of reduced home values for those homes that are closest.

Increased Park activity may exacerbate the current traffic situation in the neighborhood creating a safety concern for residents. Currently residents have complained about traffic cutting through the neighborhood on Capstone Circle (to get from Cochran’s Crossing to Research Forest) driving in excess of 20 mph speed limit and often rolling through the stop sign. We have had the need for police to monitor and issue traffic citations. 

Additionally, the park has only 13 parking places. Currently, people using the park sometimes park their cars on neighborhood streets. This issue may become worse with increased park activity related to the restrooms being added. Residents have safety concerns especially for children that live near the park.  

Playground Equipment Currently Is Broken, Needs Replacement

Replacement of equipment and improvements to playground is currently budgeted to be done in 2024. Capstone area residents see a greater need for upgrading the playground in 2023, instead of installing restrooms.

Concern that Restrooms May Attract Disorderly and Illicit Activities

In the past, Capstone residents have reported to the police disorderly and illicit activities at the park. Potential increased park activity late at night due to the restrooms may result in an increase in undesirable activities at the park.

Preserve the Woodlands - Tree Cutting

Clearing trees in Capstone Park to construct restrooms seems at odds with the Township Board’s endeavor (mission??) to “Preserve the Woodlands”.

SIGN THE PETITION: Let’s put a stop to construction of the Capstone Park restrooms before they break ground in September. The Township Board is attempting with a 6 to 1 vote to force the construction against the wishes of Capstone area residents! Feb 2023 Township video (58 min mark). The Township board was elected to represent and serve the residents.  Our opinion was sought in the December letter, yet they are not listening to us. January 2023 Township video (8 min mark).