On September 21, the Tomball City Council voted unanimously to approve a 30‑year lease of city land to Harris County Precinct 3 for a new community center adjacent to Broussard Park. The agreement, approved by a 5‑0 vote, keeps ownership of the parcel with the city while granting the county the right to develop the Mathews Community Center at 1414 E. Hufsmith Road.
Project details and facilities
Precinct 3 Engineering Director Eric Heppen presented updated drawings that show a main entrance facing a reconfigured parking lot rather than Hufsmith Road. The proposed 24,000‑square‑foot building will include a gathering room with seating for about 170 people, a stage, five classrooms, and two flexible activity rooms. Parking will accommodate roughly 160‑175 vehicles, and a dedicated drop‑off area will serve Precinct 3 buses.
The county plans to retain the two existing community buildings on the site during most of the construction phase, removing them only after the new parking area is completed. While the new structure will bear the Mathews name, the adjacent Broussard Park will keep its historic designation.
Funding and timeline
Heppen noted that the plans are about 95 % complete and that funding is secured through the county’s 2022 parks bond. Importantly, Precinct 3 officials have emphasized that Tomball will not be asked to fund construction costs. The county expects to issue construction bids in October, begin building around April 2027, and open the center in the summer of 2028.
Community impact and next steps
“It gives a lot of people a place to go that don’t have any place else to go,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, highlighting the center’s role in offering classes, games, and day‑trip opportunities similar to those at other county facilities.
The council also raised concerns about traffic at the nearby Hufsmith and Zion Road intersection. Councilmember Dane Dunagin urged that the signal be addressed before the center draws additional visitors. Heppen explained that the county is acquiring right‑of‑way for the intersection, a separate process that will determine when road work can start. Both the road improvement and the community‑center projects have distinct funding sources and schedules.
Councilmember Lisa Covington summed up the mood of the meeting, stating, “I’m just so excited. This is just fantastic.” The council also requested a separate memorandum of understanding on the intersection within 30 days, assuring that any road‑work timeline will not delay the community‑center agreement.
What this means for Tomball families
The new Mathews Community Center will expand recreational and educational options for Tomball residents, complementing the existing amenities at Broussard Park. With classrooms, a sizable gathering space, and flexible activity rooms, the facility is poised to host a range of programs—from youth sports to adult education—supporting the city’s commitment to strong, family‑focused neighborhoods.
As the project moves forward, Tomball officials will continue to monitor construction progress and coordinate with Harris County to ensure that the center’s development aligns with the city’s broader vision for safe, vibrant community spaces.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
